A paediatrician, Dr Hilda Mantebea Boye, and an obstetrician, Dr Theodore K Boafor, at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital have warned that the absence of a newborn’s first cry could signal a life-threatening complication known as birth asphyxia.

According to a gbcghanaonline.com report on September 2, 2025, Dr Hilda Mantebea Boye, President of the Paediatric Society of Ghana, and Dr Theodore K Boafor, a member of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Ghana (SOGOG), said birth asphyxia remains the second leading cause of newborn deaths in the country, after prematurity.

“Every baby deserves that first strong cry. It’s not just a sound of life; it’s a sign of survival. When a baby fails to cry at birth, it often means oxygen is not reaching the brain, with risks of death or long-term conditions such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or developmental delays,” Dr Hilda Boye stated.

Dr Boafor noted that even normal labour carries risks when it lasts too long.

“During contractions, babies temporarily lose oxygen supply from the placenta. If labour drags on for hours, that deprivation becomes dangerous. That is when you see distress, and if it is not managed quickly, it translates into asphyxia,” he explained.

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The doctors admitted that while emergency caesarean sections and resuscitation can save lives, shortages of equipment, theatre space, and skilled staff sometimes lead to avoidable deaths.

“There are times we diagnose distress and want to intervene, but the theatre isn’t ready, or equipment isn’t available. Unfortunately, we sometimes lose babies,” Dr Boafor stated.

Dr Hilda Boye urged expectant mothers to prepare adequately for pregnancy and attend all eight recommended antenatal visits to help doctors detect risks early.

She cautioned against delaying antenatal care due to superstition or waiting until pregnancy is advanced.

The experts concluded that stronger health systems, public awareness, and parental involvement are key to reducing newborn deaths.

Dr Boye emphasised that ‘Every baby deserves that first strong cry. It tells us the baby is alive, breathing, and ready to thrive. No child should be denied that chance’.

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