ISLAMABAD: A gel used for umbilical cord care to protect newborns from infection will soon become available in Pakistan, where medical practitioners previously used liquids used to wash clinical tools for the same purpose.

After the intervention of the World Health Organisation, it has been decided to allow production of a 7.1pc Chlorhexidine gel, which is used for umbilical cord case around the world.

Out of the 4.1pc neonatal deaths of live births in Pakistan, around 29pc are due to infection.

The WHO recently recommended application of the aforementioned gel for umbilical cord care, especially for 14 days after the birth of a baby.

The Mother and Child Health Programme had also requested steps for the manufacturing of the medication.

Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) CEO Dr Mohammad Aslam told Dawn that for decades, liquids used for sanitation purposes were used to clean the umbilical cord in Pakistan.

“As those liquids are only used to clean surgical tools or to keep instruments hygienic, the WHO recommended introducing the 7.1pc Chlorhexidine gel in Pakistan, because it is used to prevent infections in babies in developed countries,” he said.

He said they have convinced four to five local manufacturers to manufacture the gel at affordable rates, because most underprivileged people cannot afford to buy the imported gel.

“We prepared the case for the registration of the gel and assured companies that they would receive out-of-turn treatment, on an urgent basis, for registration,” he added.

“Last month, the federal cabinet approved it, due to which now companies will be suggested to start manufacturing at the earlier.”

Dr Aslam said the medication would be used in the Primary Health Workers programme coordinating with the Mother and Child Health Initiative.

He said the production of the gel could make a reduction in the neonatal mortality rate possible.

Published in Dawn, September 11th, 2017