Maternal and neonatal tetanus: cognitive process and elimination strategies in China

VernacularTitle:孕产妇与新生儿破伤风：认知历程与中国消除策略
Author: Yanan JIN ¹ ; Wenpei TANG ¹
Author Information

1. 北京大学医学人文学院，北京　100191
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Maternal and neonatal tetanus; Clean delivery; Tetanus toxoid vaccine; Elimination strategy; Hospital delivery
From: Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(2):173-177
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) has historically posed a severe threat to the lives of mothers and newborns. Since the 19th century, clean delivery practices and vaccination with tetanus toxoid have been effective means of preventing MNT. However, the process of global elimination of MNT remains slow, especially in areas with scarce medical resources. Most countries have adopted the strategy of vaccinating pregnant women to eliminate MNT. In contrast, China chose a more challenging strategy by increasing the hospital delivery rate and improving maternal and child health in rural areas, successfully eliminating MNT in 2012. Maintaining this achievement is not easy. In the future, nations should strengthen cooperation, share successful experiences, and collectively strive to eliminate MNT worldwide. This article reviews the medical cognitive process of MNT and introduces the progress of global MNT elimination program and the prevention and control strategies in China.