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| Neonatal tetanus Image/CDC |
A deadly disease that can occur as a result of unclean baby deliveries and umbilical cord care practices has been eliminated in the world’s most populous country, according to a World Health Organization (WHO)-China press release Oct. 30.The WHO has confirmed that China has eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus, a serious, life threatening disease for both the mother and her newborn.The Chinese Health Ministry's Maternal and Child Health (MCH) programme implemented a strategy of improved antenatal care and promotion of clean and institutional deliveries to eliminate the disease.In addition, upgraded hospitals and equipment, better trained obstetric staff and subsidized hospitalization in poorer, rural areas all contributed to the elimination of the disease.The WHO confirmed the elimination by a comprehensive risk assessment exercise and community-based validation surveys.The surveys revealed that of the over 1,400 women interviewed, 99 percent had hospital deliveries, the major component to preventing maternal and neonatal tetanus.“The achievement came as a result of a number of different programmes in the Ministry of Health, other government sectors and partners working together for a joint goal to better improve the health of mothers and children and enhance the well-being of families and communities,” says Dr. Michael O’Leary, WHO Representative in China.However, O’Leary adds, "The elimination does not mean that activities can stop; rather, it is the start of a new phase to sustain elimination through continued strong government commitment to the leadership of the Maternal and Child Health programme.”According to the WHO, tetanus is acquired through exposure to the spores of the bacterium Clostridium tetani which are universally present in the soil. The disease is caused by the action of a potent neurotoxin produced during the growth of the bacteria in dead tissues, e.g. in dirty wounds or in the umbilicus following non-sterile delivery.People of all ages can get tetanus. But the disease is particularly common and serious in newborn babies. This is called neonatal tetanus. Most infants who get the disease die. Neonatal tetanus is particularly common in rural areas where most deliveries are at home without adequate sterile procedures.In 1988, the WHO estimated that 787,000 newborns died of neonatal tetanus. The most recent estimates from 2008 show that number down to 59,000, a 92% reduction from the situation in the late 1980s.Today, there are still 34 countries that have not reached maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination status.The WHO considers neonatal tetanus to have been eliminated when the incidence is less than one case per 1000 live births in every district in a country. Maternal tetanus is considered to be eliminated when neonatal tetanus has been eliminated.For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page
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