WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Thursday, April 2, experts will share new evidence to be published in The Lancet and The Lancet Global Health with the potential to save thousands of newborn lives with low cost, effective and commonly available antibiotics. Almost a quarter of the three million neonatal deaths annually are the result of severe infections like sepsis - a fast progressing life-threatening illness in newborns that requires rapid treatment. Newborn sepsis can be difficult for families and even clinicians to recognize in newborns, who rapidly decline without timely and appropriate treatment.

The study found that two alternative simplified regimens, which require either two or seven injections in addition to oral antibiotics given closer to home were just as effective as 14 injections in treating newborn infections. The regimens, studied in clinical settings in Africa and Asia where neonatal deaths remain stubbornly high, were found to be safe, simple and more accessible.

Panelists will discuss the findings of the new report and take questions from the audience.