The basics about MNT

You may not have heard much about maternal/neonatal tetanus. It’s uncommon in Western society and shockingly underreported, despite annually killing nearly 60,000 newborns and many of their mothers in the world’s most remote regions. MNT is the focus of The Eliminate Project, a new Kiwanis campaign in association with UNICEF, so it’s time to get up-to-date and start telling our communities and the world about this cruel disease.

Here are the basics:

• MNT is caused by the Clostridium tetani bacteria, which is found in the soil, animal ***, decaying material and human intestinal tracts.
• It enters the body through open wounds.
• The result is violent muscle spasms that can break bones and complications that nearly always kill. 

MNT can be eliminated, though, through immunizations of women of child-bearing age and use of hygienic birthing practices. Changes in healthcare practices to reduce MNT could also help bring much-needed access to social, health and nutrition services for women and children in these under-served communities, improving lives across the board.

Learn more about maternal/neonatal tetanus, the warriors on the front lines of the fight and how you can make a difference in the lives of women and children in Southern and East Asia and Africa. Turn to page 14 of the February 2011 issue of Kiwanis magazine.