Upsurge in neonatal tetanus in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Problem identified included lack of awareness of antenatal services among the target population, under utilisation of antenatal service, non immunisation with tetanus toxoid vaccines, negative cultural beliefs, primordial cord care, lack of economic and decision making empowerment of the target population and lack of government commitment towards elimination of neonatal tetanus. The following recommendations which may lead to elimination of Neonatal Tetanus were made: Strengthening school health programmes, intensive mobilisation and advocacy, regular availability of tetanus toxoid vaccines, empowerment of the target population, training and retraining personnel including Traditional Birth Attendants and increasing commitment by various tiers of government.