Early postnatal assessment of the newborn in the developing country: Malawi

The high rate of infant mortality, defined as the number of deaths in the first year of life for every 1000 babies born alive (WHO, 1981), is recognized as an extremely serious problem in the developing world. Worldwide decreases in the number of infant deaths are occurring; however, the gap continues to increase in countries with high socioeconomic baselines and those with low per capita income. This article discusses ways in which relevant health care policies and the use of newborn assessment tools can decrease infant mortality in Malawi Central Africa. The description of the tool, Newborn History and Physical Examination Form, for assessing the newborn and documenting care from birth until discharge in this setting, is included. Post delivery care and the components of a history and physical examination are amplified.