Neonatal Tetanus after Home Delivery: A Case Report in Ethiopian Somali

Tetanus is a vaccine-preventable disease and remains an important cause of under five morbidity and mortality, especially in the developing countries. Tetanus is considered as a failure of public health system. Here the clinical course of neonatal tetanus of eighteen days old female baby who was presented to Daror health centre with complaints of refusal to take feeding, inability to open her mouth, repeated jerky movement of the body and persistent facial grimace since eighth day of her birth. The neonate was admitted in paediatric ward. On admission (Tetanus Anti Toxoid) TAT injection was given, put on Intravenous(IV )antibiotic, start mechanical ventilation and feed with (Naso Gastric Tube) NGT, plus all the necessary nursing care were carried on. The condition was not improved and patient expired on the 5 days of admission. The Federal Ministry of Health of Ethiopia was committed to eliminate (Neonatal tetanus) NNT through implementing (Tetanus Toxin) TT supplemental immunization activities (SIAs), increasing access to immunization services, antenatal care, and skilled birth attendant. In spite of all efforts, this case report reviled that much remains to be done to prevent neonatal tetanus in Ethiopian Somali Region through immunization of women in child bearing age with two doses of tetanus toxoid, and clean delivery practices.