Neonatal mortality remains a major health challenge across the world, which involves neonatal sepsis and other related factors of prematurity. Though many strides have been done in reducing NMR, there is a need for more appropriate interventions and strategies directed towards addressing the rise in the escalation of AMR. Combating AMR will be critical in improving neonatal survival rates while giving each newborn a healthier start into life globally.

The newborn period is the key period for infant health, and the first 28 days of life are critically important-both for survival and as a base to set lifetime health and development. Neonatal deaths globally have witnessed a significant decline over the past couple of decades. The neonatal mortality count has significantly reduced dropping from a high of 5 million in 1990 to as low as 2.3 million as of 2022. However, this decline notwithstanding, neonatal mortality is still staggeringly high across low-and middle-income nations.

Neonatal mortality rates are 22 per 1000 live births in India. Neonatal sepsis and prematurity are the main causes of neonatal deaths in these tragic events. Recognizing the gravity of the issue the Indian government started the Indian Newborn Action Plan (INAP) in 2014. The goal is to take NMR down to the single digits by 2030. This initiative has brought in several key interventions, including antenatal care (vaccines, micronutrient supplementation), skilled birth attendance, clean birth practices, and neonatal resuscitation techniques. More promisingly, postnatal interventions, including early initiation of breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact, have been proven to work well in improving newborn survival rates.

Despite these improvements, one of the biggest concerns in neonatal care today is the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) which seriously threatens efforts to reduce neonatal mortality.

What is Antimicrobial Resistance?

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi evolve over time and become resistant to commonly used antibiotics and other medications. This resistance makes infections more difficult to treat, increasing the risk of mortality and complicating treatment options. The World Health Organization has classified AMR as one of the most urgent global health threats since it not only causes death and disability but also places immense pressure on healthcare systems, significantly raising the economic burden.

The sources of AMR are many, including poor hygiene and infection control in healthcare settings, overuse and misuse of antibiotics. Contributing factors to this rapidly growing problem are antibiotic prescriptions for patient needs that do not require them and failure to complete antibiotic courses, as prescribed.

AMR and Newborn Health

For neonates, the risk is much more vital for AMR. Neonates are particularly prone to developing infections due to their rather weak immune systems. Neonatal sepsis, severe bacterial infection, is one of the leading causes of neonate deaths and it often manifests complications when it is because of drug-resistant pathogens.

According to Dr. Apoorva Taduri, Consultant Neonatologist, "Neonatal sepsis accounts for a significant proportion of neonatal deaths, and AMR is making it worse. MDR pathogens cause around 30% of neonatal sepsis mortality globally.

Maternal health and care are also factors influencing AMR in neonates. Over-prescription of antibiotics during pregnancy increases the risk of neonatal sepsis and the development of multi-drug-resistant pathogens in newborns. This calls for prudent use of antibiotics during pregnancy and at the time of delivery. In fact, studies indicate that indiscriminate use of antibiotics in mothers has a direct impact on neonatal health, which may eventually lead to resistant infections in newborns.

One of the major issues is that the drug-resistant bacteria are causing an increasing number of healthcare-associated infections in the neonatal care settings, which include NICUs. Infections by such bacteria prove to be challenging to treat; they require more advanced, expensive interventions, and the period of risk of mortality and morbidity is extended.

Counteracting AMR in Neonatal Care

To combat AMR and reduce neonatal mortality a multifaceted approach is necessary. Dr. Taduri emphasizes the continuation of the strategies outlined by the Indian Newborn Action Plan (INAP), specifically in reducing neonatal sepsis and improving infection control. However, to combat AMR more must be done to ensure proper use of antibiotics in both maternal and neonatal care settings.

Key strategies for reducing AMR in neonatal care are:

1. Improving Infection Prevention Practice: This implies, therefore, that more efforts would be made regarding stricter hospital hygiene standards, strict equipment sterilization after its usage and even maintaining adequate hand hygiene. Enhanced infection control practices greatly impact minimizing AMR pathogens distribution.

2. Antibiotic Stewardship- Teaching the healthcare providers how not to use antibiotics is a crucial thing in preventing overuse prescription. Antibiotic stewardship programs are designed to promote use of antibiotics only when truly required; appropriate drug, dose and length of treatment should be taken.

3. Improved access to WASH: Access to clean water and sanitation is a fundamental aspect of preventing infections in mothers and newborns. WASH interventions such as clean birthing practices, can reduce the risk of neonatal sepsis due to unsanitary conditions.

4. Maternal Health Strengthening: Proper maternal care, such as proper vaccination, antenatal steroids, and supplementation of micronutrients, can reduce the risk of prematurity and neonatal infection. Prevention of infection in mothers is the first step towards prevention of infection in newborns.

5. Early Diagnosis and Treatment: Early identification and treatment of neonatal infections are very important. This includes proper screening for sepsis and the use of appropriate antibiotics based on the local resistance patterns. It also involves ensuring that infants receive adequate neonatal care, such as those provided in Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs).

The rise of antimicrobial resistance is a global health challenge that requires urgent action. Combating AMR requires a coordinated effort from governments, healthcare systems and communities worldwide. In neonatal care, addressing AMR is essential to further reducing neonatal mortality rates and ensuring that every newborn has the opportunity to thrive.

As Dr. Taduri concludes, "While we have made substantial progress in reducing neonatal mortality, the emerging risk of antimicrobial resistance creates a major challenge for our efforts. Combating AMR requires a global collective effort, with priorities on infection prevention, responsible use of antibiotics, and enhancement of healthcare practices to ensure a healthier future for all newborns."

Dr Apoorva Taduri is a Consultant Neonatologist at Fernandez Hospital

While mothers rightly deserve recognition for their strength during childbirth, fathers' efforts and support are often overlooked.

A recent social media debate involving Belgian footballer Jeremy Doku has reignited conversations about the role of fathers during childbirth.

The Manchester City winger's decision to consider leaving the World Cup to witness the birth of his child drew widespread admiration. What followed from a French TV presenter, however, drew something very different.

France Pierron, a presenter on French sports channel L'Equipe, called childbirth "a disgusting moment, excuse me, where the dad is useless" during an appearance on the television show.

The remarks sparked widespread backlash, prompting Pierron to apologise on X, saying the comments reflected only her personal opinion.

"These remarks are solely my own and in no way reflect a collective position," she posted on X. "I understand that they may have shocked, offended, or hurt some of you, and I am sorry for that."

Doku, meanwhile, returned to his team after the birth of his son to resume playing in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Amid the debate, HealthandMe spoke to obstetricians and gynecologists to understand the role of fathers in the delivery room.

According to the experts, fathers are far from passive observers in the delivery room. They stated that a father's support before, during and after childbirth can positively influence both the mother's experience and the family's transition into parenthood.

Preparing for Labor

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Dr Richa Gangwar, Senior Consultant and Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Clodunine Group of Hospitals, Lucknow, said a father's role begins well before labour.

Fathers must "attend antenatal appointments and childbirth classes, understand the stages of labor, discuss the birth plan with their partner and ensure hospital essentials are ready".

Supporting Mothers During Labor

According to Dr Richa, emotional support during labor can significantly reduce a mother's anxiety.

"A calm presence, words of encouragement, holding hands, maintaining eye contact and simply being there can make a positive difference," she said.

She also recommended fathers to help with breathing exercises, gentle back massages, position changes and reminders to stay hydrated, as guided by the healthcare team.

Dr Sonamm Tiwari, Robotic and Laparoscopic Gynaecologist at Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, added that fathers can further ease stress by encouraging deep breathing, communicating with doctors and helping mothers remain calm and relaxed throughout labour.

Also read: Sepsis: India Joins Global Trial To Screen Newborns For Deadly Drug-Resistant Infections

Advocating For The Mother

Dr Richa said fathers can also act as advocates by communicating the mother's birth preferences, asking questions when necessary and helping her understand information shared by the medical team, while remaining flexible if the birth plan changes.

The Role Continues After Birth

The experts emphasized that a father's responsibilities do not end after delivery.

Dr Richa recommended participating in early bonding, assisting with skin-to-skin contact, supporting breastfeeding and sharing newborn care.

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Dr Sonamm told HealthandMe that "fathers should also help with burping, diaper changes, bathing the baby, doctor's appointments, household responsibilities and providing emotional support to the mother during recovery".

She emphasized that "fathers should not underestimate their contribution, as their involvement helps build a strong foundation for parenthood".

As India's birth rate slips below replacement level, fertility specialists say nearly half of all conception struggles trace back to the male partner. Yet most men still wait years before getting tested.

Walk into almost any Indian fertility clinic fifteen years ago, and the pattern was the same. The couple sat down, and within minutes, the questions, the tests, and the unspoken blame had settled on the woman. The man was usually an afterthought. What has changed is the arithmetic, not attitudes. Somewhere between 40 and 50 per cent of infertility cases in India trace to a male factor, and once you add the couples where both partners contribute, a man is involved in roughly seven of every ten.

The timing has a lot to do with where the birth rate is heading. India has fallen to about 2.1 children per woman, the level at which a population just replaces itself, and several states sit below it. Between 15 and 20 per cent of couples face infertility, more of them in the cities. Against that backdrop, the thing nobody wanted to discuss, men's fertility, has finally pushed into the 2026 conversation.

The Global Decline in Sperm Counts

The figures that forced the issue are not really Indian. They are global. A large 2022 review in Human Reproduction Update pooled decades of data and found average sperm concentration had roughly halved between 1973 and 2018, a 52 per cent drop, with the curve steeper after 2000.

For years, this was filed away as a rich-world problem. It is not. The same pattern shows up across Asia, South America, and Africa, and Indian clinicians report counts falling steeply over the last thirty years.

Why Men Delay Fertility Testing

Ask why, and the list is depressingly ordinary. We sit too much, carry more weight than we used to, and live with stress, cigarettes, alcohol, and a daily soup of pollutants and hormone-disrupting chemicals. The trouble is that none of it shows on the surface. A man can feel perfectly fit and still have a problem, and one belief does real damage: that if sex works, fertility must be fine too. Sperm quality can decline long before any symptoms become apparent, and a semen analysis remains one of the simplest and most informative tests in the fertility workup. Yet couples treat it as a last resort instead of a first move.

And the waiting costs them. Clinical reviews suggest Indian men get checked three to five years after their partners do, held back by embarrassment and everything masculinity is supposed to mean. Those years are not harmless. Problems that could have been fixed quietly get worse, age creeps in, and the emotional weight keeps building.

Some of what turns up is genuinely tricky. Take azoospermia, where no sperm show up in the semen at all. It affects around one in a hundred men generally, and up to ten to fifteen per cent of infertile men. One Indian study put the share with an obstructive form, caused by a blockage, at about 21 per cent, and a blockage is often something a surgeon can fix. Even so, a difficult diagnosis is not necessarily a dead end when identified early. Microsurgical sperm retrieval and advanced sperm selection techniques have enabled fatherhood for many men who were once told they had little chance of conceiving biologically. In many cases, the greatest obstacle is not the science but the silence and stigma surrounding male fertility.

How IVF and ICSI Are Changing Outcomes

When the male factor is severe, IVF has redrawn what counts as possible. The world ran around 200,000 cycles in 2000 and now runs well over three million a year, with India one of the fastest-growing markets anywhere, heading toward 400,000 cycles by 2030, and much of that demand coming from smaller towns.

The real game-changer is ICSI, where a single good sperm is placed straight into the egg. For a man with azoospermia, even a few sperm retrieved surgically can be enough. However, the benefits of these advances are significantly reduced when diagnosis is delayed for years.

New Tools Are Improving Male Fertility Diagnosis

The tools for finding the problem have sharpened, too. Beyond the basic count, clinics now run tests like the DNA Fragmentation Index, which checks the genetic integrity of the sperm and can explain failures that otherwise make no sense. Genetic screening picks up causes that used to slip by, and AI is making semen analysis more consistent and helping grade embryos in the lab.

Underneath the technology sits a slower shift doctors say matters most. Instead of testing the woman first and getting to the man later, both partners are increasingly looked at together from day one. That spares women invasive tests they never needed and catches male problems before years are wasted. Fertility is a shared responsibility, and so is the process of identifying the underlying cause when conception does not occur. Assess both people at once, kindly and without blame, and the answers come faster.

Why Early Testing Matters

So, the message reaching Indian men now is simple, and it is losing its edge of shame. Your reproductive health is just your health. A test taken early, with no embarrassment attached, may be the most important thing a couple ever does on the way to having a child.

PS: This article is intended for general awareness and educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Individuals experiencing fertility concerns should consult a qualified specialist for personalized evaluation and guidance.

At a time when artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly significant role in healthcare, fertility clinics are turning to AI to help analyze sperm. Surprised? It's already happening. Advanced AI-powered systems are helping assess sperm with greater accuracy and consistency, offering men seeking fatherhood a more reliable path through fertility evaluation and treatment, according to experts, today on Father's Day.

Infertility affects millions of people worldwide, with an estimated one in six individuals of reproductive age experiencing difficulty conceiving at some point in their lives. Male infertility contributes to up to half of all infertility cases, and around 1 per cent of men are diagnosed with azoospermia — a condition in which no sperm are detected in a semen sample.

However, some men may have extremely low sperm counts, with only a handful of sperm cells present and difficult to detect through conventional methods. Emerging AI-powered technologies are now helping specialists identify these rare sperm cells more accurately, offering new hope to men facing severe infertility and improving their chances of biological parenthood.

HealthandMe spoke to experts, who believe that AI is increasingly being used in fertility care to improve the precision, consistency and efficiency of sperm analysis.

AI Changing Traditional Sperm Analysis

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Traditionally, semen evaluation has relied on manual microscopy, where embryologists assess sperm count, motility, morphology and movement patterns under a microscope. Experts said this process can be influenced by observer skill and interpretation, leading to variations in results.

Dr. Neha Gupta, Additional Director, Obstetrics & Gynecology at Fortis Noida, told HealthandMe that "AI systems use image recognition and machine learning to assess sperm count, motility, morphology and movement patterns in real time, often providing more reliable results".

"Research shows that AI-assisted sperm analysis can lower human error, reduce differences between observers, and process large amounts of data much faster than traditional methods," she said.

According to Dr. Gupta, these advances help doctors make better decisions and improve the overall efficiency of fertility evaluations.

AI as a Support Tool, Not a Replacement

Also read: AI Cannot Replace Doctors, It Can Only Complement, Says Dr Santosh Sivaranjani

Dr. Gupta added that for patients, AI can mean faster reports, more dependable assessments and a smoother diagnostic process. AI also aids in embryo selection, treatment planning and predicting IVF outcomes, helping customize fertility care.

Dr. PGL Lalit Kumar, Head of Embryology and Scientific Director at Nova IVF Fertility, told HealthandMe that sperm analysis has long depended on the expertise of embryologists who evaluate sperm characteristics manually.

"AI is gradually shifting sperm assessment from a largely observational process to a more data-enriched one, which can help specialists identify subtle patterns and variations that may have previously been difficult to quantify," he said.

One of the major advantages of AI, according to Dr. Kumar, is its ability to analyze large numbers of sperm cells within a short period and detect subtle patterns that may not always be obvious during manual assessment.

However, he stressed that AI is not replacing specialists. Instead, it serves as an additional tool that supports embryologists' observations and helps them make more informed decisions.

He added that AI can bring greater consistency to assessments by reducing subjectivity and ensuring sperm evaluation is based on objective, measurable parameters.

Making Fertility Treatment More Consistent

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"For couples going through fertility treatment, a lot of these changes happen behind the scenes, but they can make the whole process feel smoother," Dr. Kumar said, noting that faster analysis, more consistent reporting and smarter sperm selection can help doctors adapt treatment plans more effectively.

He said that technology has helped bring greater consistency to laboratory processes, particularly in sperm and embryo evaluation.

The expert emphasized that fertility treatment is not driven by technology alone and that the experience of embryologists and clinicians remains central to every decision, with AI acting as a support system rather than a replacement for human expertise.

AI Adoption Growing in India

Dr. Kshitiz Murdia, CEO and Whole-Time Director of Indira IVF Hospital, told HealthandMe that AI is making sperm assessment more objective, consistent and data-driven.

From traditional semen analysis, where interpretation could vary between observers on manual microscopic examination, he said that "AI-powered systems can rapidly analyze thousands of sperm cells and assess parameters such as count, motility and morphology with a high degree of precision, helping reduce human variability".

According to Dr. Murdia, adoption of AI-enabled technologies in reproductive medicine is gradually increasing in India, particularly in advanced fertility laboratories.

However, Dr. Murdia stressed that AI should be viewed as an aid rather than a substitute for clinical expertise. Human judgement, patient history and comprehensive fertility evaluation remain central to treatment planning.