True regarding elimination of neonatal tetanus in village: September 2006
**Core Concept**
Neonatal tetanus elimination is a public health goal that involves the eradication of tetanus neonatorum, a severe and often fatal disease caused by Clostridium tetani infection in newborns. Effective elimination strategies include vaccination of pregnant women with tetanus toxoid-containing vaccines.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The key to neonatal tetanus elimination is the administration of tetanus toxoid-containing vaccines to pregnant women, ideally in three doses, with the third dose given at least two weeks before delivery. This approach induces maternal immunity, which is then transferred to the fetus, providing protection against tetanus infection in the newborn. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a minimum coverage of 80% of pregnant women to achieve neonatal tetanus elimination in a village or region.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is not relevant to the elimination of neonatal tetanus and may be related to other public health goals.
**Option B:** Vaccination of newborns is not the primary strategy for neonatal tetanus elimination; maternal vaccination is the key.
**Option C:** While maternal health education is essential, it is not the primary means of eliminating neonatal tetanus; vaccination is the key intervention.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a minimum coverage of 80% of pregnant women with three doses of tetanus toxoid-containing vaccines to achieve neonatal tetanus elimination in a village or region. This coverage threshold is critical for the successful elimination of neonatal tetanus.
**Correct Answer:** A.