Using 7.1% Chlorhexidine Gel for Umbilical Cord Care: Implication for WHO’s Recommendation for a Standard Cord Care Practice
Miriam-Hilda Okpaleke *
Department of Nursing Science, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Neonatal mortality has been a bane especially in the developing world. Neonatal infection is the second cause of neonatal death after prematurity. The umbilical cord is one such vulnerable route via which newborns are infected, the responsible organisms most likely originate from the maternal genital tract and are acquired during labor and delivery. Such high-infection-related deaths make it necessary to identify simple and cost-effective interventions that can be implemented in all settings across the world. WHO has recommended the use of 7.1% chlorhexidine gel in areas of high neonatal mortality to replace the use of harmful substances on the umbilical stump. However, in Nigeria, studies are needed to establish the umbilical cord separation time, mothers' compliance and satisfaction with use of chlorhexidine.
Keywords: Chlorhexidine gel, umbilical cord, omphalitis, neonatal mortality