Chlorhexidine for Umbilical Cord Care

Chlorhexidine, a low-cost antiseptic, prevents deadly infections that enter an infant’s body through a newly cut umbilical cord. Few other interventions have as much promise to rapidly reduce newborn deaths at an affordable price—less than $1 per dose. This year, 7.1% chlorhexidine digluconate was added to the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for Children.

Severe infection is one of the top three causes of newborn deaths worldwide causing about 13% of all neonatal deaths across the globe, but in developing countries, infections can account for more than half of all neonatal deaths. A baby’s newly cut umbilical cord can be an entry point for bacteria, which can lead to infection—and potentially life-threatening sepsis.