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Neonatal Tetanus Elimination in India

01 September 2015

During the World Health Assembly in 1989, the goal was launched to eliminate neonatal tetanus globally as a public health problem. Elimination as a public health problem, is defined by WHO as less than one case of neonatal tetanus per 1000 live births in every district of a country. Currently, 2015, is the target year for global elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT).

In 2005, the government of India launched the National Health Mission, a public health programme that has brought about improved health outcomes for the population. In September 2015, the Prime Minister of India announced during a summit meeting that MNT has been eliminated in India. Validation was awarded by WHO in June 2015.

In 1998, around 160 000 infants died from neonatal tetanus. This figure has successfully been reduced to fewer than 15 000 over the years. With support from UNICEF, WHO and other stakeholders the following strategies were put in place during the mission:

  • A systematic state by state approach which began in Andhra Pradesh in 2003.
  • Provision of a cash incentive to encourage families to attend a health facility for the birth.
  • Provision of training to increase the number of skilled birth attendants.
  • Strengthening the hospital maternity services, including rural facilities.
  • Systematic immunisation of pregnant women against tetanus during antenatal care.
  • Educating communities to change behaviours and reduce harmful cord care practices.

(Via The Indian Express - accessed 01/09/15)

Advice for Travellers

Tetanus is spread through contamination of cuts, scratches, burns and wounds with tetanus spores. Spores are present worldwide as a result of soil contamination with human and animal faeces.

The recommendations for tetanus vaccine are unchanged: Travellers should be offered a booster of tetanus vaccine if it has been more than 10 years since their last dose.