Is memory spared in monkeys with selective lesions of the hippocampus?

The immediate postnatal period, particularly the first 48 hours, is crucial for both mothers and newborns due to the numerous physical and emotional changes that necessitate careful attention []. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), postnatal care (PNC) services for newborns should start as soon as possible after birth as many neonatal deaths occur within the first 48 hours of life [], and most of these deaths can be prevented by providing quality early newborn PNC services [,]. However, global coverage of early newborn PNC services within this timeframe is only 64%, with considerable variations between countries []. Additionally, several studies have reported that the quality of early newborn PNC services is at suboptimal levels in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) []. Globally, about 2.8 million newborns die during the neonatal period each year. Of these deaths, approximately 75% occur within the first week of life and are classified as early neonatal deaths, while around 1 million neonatal deaths occur within the first 24 hours after birth []. In 2021, Afghanistan had one of the world’s highest newborn mortality rates, at 37 deaths per 1000 live births [], reflecting substantial gaps in the coverage and quality of neonatal and child healthcare services []. Afghanistan is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target for neonatal mortality, aiming to reduce it to 12 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2030. To reach this goal, the country must substantially improve newborn care, particularly in enhancing the quality of early newborn PNC services []. Timely and efficient newborn care services can significantly reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality in LMICs []. The updated 2022 WHO guidelines emphasize the importance of early newborn PNC services (within the first two days after birth) as a crucial component of maternal and child healthcare services []. Early newborn PNC services include measuring the infant’s temperature, providing cord care, counseling on breastfeeding, observing breastfeeding, monitoring of growth and development, counseling on danger signs, and screening for congenital diseases [,]. Numerous studies demonstrate that the quality of early newborn PNC services significantly impacts neonatal health and survival [,,].