UNANG YAKAP REACTION

Unang Yakap or Essential Newborn Care is one of the initiatives locally and globally to help save
lives of pregnant women and children. This strategy is simple and cost-effective newborn care
intervention that can improve maternal care as well as neonatal. The four-step protocol, derived from
solid research evidence, requires the following in sequence: the immediate and thorough drying of a
newborn, early skin-to-skin contact with the mother, properly timed cord clamping and non-separation of
the baby from the mother for early breast-feeding. Unang Yakap highlights the importance of immediate
and exclusive breast-feeding, which tops the list of 23 interventions preventing childhood mortality under
the age of five. The protocol has corrected many obsolete practices and misconceptions in delivering the
baby. All health facilities at this point in time have been practicing this strategy as mandated by the
Department of Health as part of the licensing and regulation. Essential Newborn Care was also integrated
in the nursing and midwifery curriculum. Initial results of the Unang Yakap campaign were extremely
positive. Admissions to the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) dropped, neonatal sepsis rates were
reduced, maternal and newborn deaths decreased and more satisfied mothers. Hence, more and more
hospitals and health professionals are embracing and providing ENC care.

Reference:

1. http://www.wpro.who.int/philippines/about/en/