Who knew a touch could do so much? It can, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
According to WHO, more than 150,000 newborns die every year across China. This has prompted a WHO campaign on Weibo (somewhat similar to China’s version of Twitter).
The campaign, called “First Embrace” and launched by WHO’s Regional Office for the Western Pacific, is aimed at reducing the mortality rate of newborns by stressing the importance of touch during the first 24 hours of life.
The campaign emphasizes the “First Embrace” – the skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby immediately after birth.
“As many as two-thirds of the deaths could be prevented using simple, low-cost interventions, including the First Embrace,” said Dr Bernhard Schwartländer, WHO Representative in China.
Hopefully, the campaign will be a success. It seems like a win-win for both child and mother. It is a campaign that should be embraced.
And speaking of campaigns that should be embraced, don’t forget the Sleepless in Seattle “Big Give” event coming up. Here are some details:
• Saturday, Nov. 21, 2-9 p.m. based out of University Christian Church, 4731 15th Ave. N.E., Seattle, WA 98105
• 250 people traveling in 55 teams all around the county
• 4,000 sleeping bags to be distributed to people in need
• 4,000 winter care packages (socks, gloves, hats, food) to be distributed
• 500 tents, 200 jakpaks (jacket/tent outfits), 200 relief beds (portable inflatable mattresses) to be distributed
How can you get involved? Anyone who would like to support Sleepless in Seattle’s efforts can volunteer on neighborhood teams. These teams will routinely meet, serve, and befriend homeless people in their own neighborhoods. People can also make a donation to support ongoing efforts. Money goes directly to goods that serve those in need. The volunteer sign-up link and donation page can be found at sleeplessinseattle.org.
Whether through a first embrace when parenting or passing out sleeping bags, there are many ways to affect and touch lives. (end)