Every year in India 1.2 million infants die before completing their first four weeks of life and for 40% of infants, death occurs on first 48 hours of life. There is a lot of work to be done in improving “Newborn Health” in India. If caregivers, parents, government and private sector, and non-governmental agencies work together, this death rate can be reduced considerably.
Throughout the week the postnatal mothers were assessed on newborn care practices. Forty mothers and their babies, within seven days of their postnatal period were assessed in labour rooms and postnatal wards of Women and Child Block, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal. Practices observed were maintenance of thermoregulation, management of feeding, prevention of infection, sleeping pattern and bonding. Most of the mothers were following the correct techniques for the newborn care. Emphasis was given on exclusive breast feeding for mothers who had normal delivery and caesarean section. Health teaching was given to the mothers and their family members. The mothers and family members appreciated the care and assistance provided. This activity was coordinated by Mrs. Sushmitha and Mrs. Yashoda, faculty, MCON Manipal along with 1st year MSc Nursing students of MCON Manipal. 

On 16th, 21st & 22nd November 2016, faculty and students assessed the newborn health status and provided health education on exclusive breastfeeding, immunization and nutrition aspect to the mothers in rural maternal and child welfare centers namely Alevoor, Kaup and Malpe which helped them to update their knowledge. Weight of all newborns were assessed under the guidance of Mrs. Sangeetha Priyadarshini and Mrs. Shobha, faculty, MCON Manipal along with 1st year MSc Nursing students. To create awareness among the public, a skit was enacted on newborn care which was broadcasted on 21/11/16 and 22/11/16 on 90.1FM. It was coordinated by Mrs. Pratibha and Mrs. Binu Margaret, faculty, MCON Manipal.  

On 17th and 18th November 2016, a session was taken by Dr. Leslie E Lewis, Professor, Department of Neonatology, Kasturba Hospital Manipal. Dr Leslie focused on principles of care at birth, five cleans to prevent infection, physical facilities for resuscitation at hospital, immediate care after birth, golden minutes and the actions, categories of sick appearing neonates and signs of shock. A total of 45 staff nurses working in newborn areas (WH1, WH5, WH6 and PD4) of Kasturba Hospital Manipal participated in the session. 

On 22nd November 2016, poster competition was held based on the theme “Quantum of Quality Neonatal Care-Way forward”. Total 15 students and 9 faculty participated. The posters were evaluated and the winners were awarded. The faculty Mrs. Sheela Shetty and Mrs. Sweety J Fernandes coordinated the poster competition. The entire week long activity concluded with various sessions for postnatal mothers, caregivers and students.