REFORMING AND STRENGTHENING NEONATAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IN KADUNA STATE: FROM CALL TO ACTION

Abstract

Background:
In 2022, 2.3 million neonatal deaths occurring in the first 20 days of life were reported worldwide. Kaduna state recorded the highest neonatal mortality (64/1000) in the country in 2018. One proven intervention to reduce the number of child and newborn deaths is the establishment of a specialized neonatal care units within health facilities. The establishment of a neonatal units comes with a comprehensive package with appropriate mix of trained staff equipped with appropriate knowledge and skills to use level- appropriate equipment to identify and treat diseases in neonates.
Objective: To describe the path to establishing a neonatal unit and challenges encountered.
Methods: The study is an operational- research to reform and strengthen in-patient neonatal healthcare services in Kaduna state as part of reforming neonatal healthcare system in the state. A multi-level approach was adopted from assessment of facilities to remodeling design and establishment of the facility.

Results: a level II neonatal unit was established with appropriate level equipment, and staff were trained and equipped with knowledge and skills to provide services.
Conclusion: Establishment of neonatal units require robust plans and strategies as well as key stakeholder engagement and
inputs. Established units would require ongoing support and mentoring to provide and maintain efficient services.