UNICEF CANADA

Published purpose

The project aims to reduce the incidence of child and maternal mortality in targeted countries through maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination (MNTE). Maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) is a deadly disease that affects women and children in developing countries. When women give birth in unhygienic circumstances, both mother and baby are at risk of contracting tetanus if they are not protected by vaccination. With Canada's support, UNICEF Canada is providing tetanus vaccine to at least 3,401,448 women of reproductive age and their future newborns in Pakistan, Sudan, Chad, Kenya and South Sudan. Project activities include: (1) distributing vaccines and supplies for supplemental immunization activities; (2) strengthening of the cold chain to transport vaccines and supplies; (3) promoting clean delivery practices, routine immunization and antenatal care; (4) developing and implementing national plans of action, training and support for health workers; and (5) strengthening surveillance of MNTE to monitor and evaluate progress.