Researchers identify leading cause of newborn deaths in the country

Data has shown that the leading cause of neonatal deaths at Pumwani Maternity Hospital in 2016 is asphyxia [Courtesy]

Birth asphyxia has been identified as a leading cause of death among newborns in health facilities in the country.

It is estimated that seven out of ten deaths among newborns is caused by asphyxia, which is basically when the infant’s body is deprived of oxygen.Data reviewed by researchers for the leading cause of neonatal deaths at Pumwani  Maternity Hospital in 2016 identified asphyxia as the leading cause.