this is a promising time to be working on ensuring the care of mothers and newborns. the global health community has at its disposal a range of cost-effective, proven solutions that can halt the majority of conditions causing maternal and neonatal deaths. 1, 2, 3, 4 these include antibiotics for infections, sterile blades to cut umbilical cords, misoprostol and oxytocin for preventing and treating postpartum hemorrhage, and teaching mothers the importance of immediate, exclusive breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact to keep their babies warm. applying such low-cost interventions can ensure the survival of up to 70 percent of newborns. 3, 4, 5 .
