Infectious Diseases: Control and Prevention

Control of Infections during Pregnancy

Infections in a mother-to-be can sometimes lead to birth defects in her unborn child. Maintaining proper hygiene and taking a few extra precautions can sometimes mean the difference between a healthy, happy baby and a life-threatening illness. Use of intermittent preventative treatment in pregnancy and using nets resulted in an estimated 94,000 new born deaths being averted between 2009 and 2012 in 25 African countries. If these interventions had been applied to 80% of the at-risk population, it is estimated that 300,000 deaths could have been prevented.