Indian story to unfold in Africa

A success story that reduced neonatal mortality in the heart of Uttar Pradesh by 54% in just 18 months – by simply educating pregnant mothers and their in-laws against high risk birth practices – will now spearhead Africa’s fight against infant mortality.

According to Melinda Gates, philanthropist and wife of Bill Gates, one of the world’s richest men, lessons learnt from the success of Saksham project in Shivgarh district of UP will be emulated in Malawi and other parts of Africa to reduce neonatal mortality there.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation had committed $9.9 million to this project.

“In UP, we found that `kangaroo’ caring and early breastfeeding reduced infant mortality by 54%. We will now spread these practices in Malawi,” Melinda who arrived in India on Tuesday for a four-day visit, said.