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National Health And Morbidity Survey 2016 : Maternal And Child Health (MCH) Volume II : Findings

4.2 Neonatal Tetanus Protection

Contributors : Noor Ani Ahmad, Rohani Jahis, Aminah Bee Mohd. Kassim, Rozita Ab. Rahman, Mariam Jamaludin,
Rokiah Mohamad, Sazidah Mohd Karli, Lim Kuang Kuay, Siti Norfadhilah Zainal Abidin, Santhi Ramasamy,
Faridah Abu Bakar, Safurah Jaafar, Mohd. Azahadi Omar, Tahir Aris

4.2.1. Introduction

One of the MDGs target is to reduce by three quarters the maternal mortality ratio, with one strategy
th
to eliminate maternal tetanus. Following on the 42 nd and 44 World Health Assembly calls for
elimination of neonatal tetanus, the global community continues to work to reduce the incidence of
neonatal tetanus to less than 1 case of neonatal tetanus per 1,000 live births in every district by 2015.

To assess the status of tetanus vaccination coverage, women who had a live birth during the two
years before the survey were asked if they had received tetanus toxoid injections during the
pregnancy for their most recent birth and their status was verified as recorded within their antenatal
cards.

4.2.2. Findings

Out of 10,263 mothers interviewed, 7864 mothers (74.8%) had produced antenatal cards for
verification. Based on the available cards, 96.4% had received tetanus vaccination (Table 4.2.2.1).
Examining these mothers sociodemographic profile, the percentage was noted to be lower among
those who had completed tertiary education level (93.9%), Chinese ethnicity (90.6%), those who
work in the private sector (93.3%), and those with higher household income (92.8%).

4.2.3. Conclusion

Overall, tetanus vaccination coverage was good but it was noted to be lower amongthose from higher
socioeconomic background.

4.2.4. Recommendations

Ensure coverage of tetanus vaccination during pregnancy to all mothers irrespective of their
socioeconomic background.