Neonatal tetanus is a deadly disease that kills one newborn every 21 minutes, or approximately 68 newborns every day.

Maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) is among the most common life-threatening infections for mothers and newborn babies in developing countries. Typically contracted from unhygienic deliveries, the mortality rates are high, especially when medical care is not readily accessible.

In 1997, BD was the first U.S.-based corporation to establish a maternal and newborn tetanus program with UNICEF. And with the support of BD, UNICEF is working to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus, particularly in under-resourced areas of the world, by:

• seeking to vaccinate all women and girls of reproductive age
• promoting clean childbirth delivery practices such as clean umbilical cord cutting methods
• utilizing surveillance to enhance health professionals’ understanding of the circumstances under which tetanus can be transmitted

Between 2000 and 2018, newborn deaths from MNT declined by 88 percent.

We know that MNT can easily be prevented through immunizations and consistent health services for mothers, newborns and children; but the high rates of contraction in low- and middle-income countries show a great inequity in access to care.

BD committed long ago to expand access to quality health care to those who need it most. Over the course of our 24-year partnership with UNICEF USA, we have now provided or committed more than $10.8 million in cash and product donations to the organization to fight MNT, including 55 million BD SoloShot™ Auto-Disable Syringes and BD Uniject™ Non-Reusable Devices.

This $1m grant over five years continues our commitment to address health equity and prevent unnecessary deaths from maternal and neonatal tetanus, and is part of our broader purpose – advancing the world of health.

For more information, visit unicefusa.org/

^{*Statistics via UNICEF USA and World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/immunization/diseases/MNTE_initiative/en/}