Lack of oxygen at birth: protecting the future of thousands of children

“When a baby is born, it’s as if a little piece of heaven has arrived on Earth.” This phrase captures the immense hope that birth brings but also reminds us of the fragility of this beginning of life. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), perinatal asphyxia, which occurs when a baby is deprived of oxygen during or shortly after birth, is the third leading cause of neonatal death worldwide, accounting for 23% of deaths during this phase.

In addition to the social impact, the condition imposes a significant economic burden, as affected babies require prolonged medical care, rehabilitation therapies, and educational and social support. In Brazil, it is estimated that between 20,000 and 30,000 children are born annually with perinatal asphyxia and some neurological impairment, facing high risks of death or severe neurological sequelae, such as cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness, and learning difficulties.

The Green September Hope campaign emerges as a response to this reality, mobilizing society to address a problem that affects not only the health and development of children but also the well-being of families and the country's economy. Its main message is that it is possible to protect the future of thousands of babies.

Prevention strategies begin with proper prenatal care and rigorous monitoring of fetal well-being. It is estimated that two out of ten newborns do not cry at birth and may need help breathing. The presence of a trained professional in neonatal resuscitation in the delivery room is essential to ensure that the baby receives adequate oxygenation in the first minute of life – the precious “Golden Minute.”

When a baby requires intensive care, interventions such as therapeutic hypothermia and continuous brain monitoring have proven effective in minimizing brain damage. After discharge, continuous follow-up and rehabilitation are essential for these babies to reach their full potential.

The Association for Assistance to Disabled Children (AACD), a national reference in rehabilitation, estimates that 45% of the patients treated at the institution have cerebral palsy, which may be related to perinatal asphyxia.

Technology is also shaping a new path in neonatology. Digital health strategies, such as remote monitoring and artificial intelligence, enable early risk identification and faster, more precise interventions. Additionally, telehealth expands access to specialists, bringing quality care to remote areas while reducing structural costs, democratizing healthcare.

Preventing neurological sequelae is not just about impacting lives but also about generating significant savings for the healthcare system by reducing the need for multidisciplinary follow-up, surgical interventions, and ICU readmissions. More importantly, ensuring that these children have healthy development is an investment in a stronger society, where every child can grow and reach their potential, contributing to a prosperous and sustainable future.