Improving neonatal care in rural areas: an approach to common causes of neonatal mortality

Abstract

Neonatal mortality constitutes approximately 40% of all under-five deaths. In order to achieve Millennium Developmental Goal 4 (MDG 4) by 2015, a drastic intervention is required. Empowering medical personnel in rural areas to improve care in certain critical neonatal conditions might result in a much-needed reduction in neonatal mortality. The most common causes of neonatal mortality are prematurity, birth asphyxia, infections and congenital anomalies. This review article highlights the newest neonatal resuscitation guidelines, as well as evidence-based management of neonatal encephalopathy, meconium aspiration syndrome, prematurity-related conditions and common neonatal infections. By implementing simple costeffective improvements in neonatal care, neonatal mortality can be reduced, and ultimately, MDG 4 can be reached.