Resuscitation in resource-limited settings

Abstract

Intrapartum-related hypoxia leading to deaths and disabilities continues to be a global challenge, especially in resource-limited settings. Primary prevention during labour is likely to have a significant impact, but secondary prevention with focus on immediate basic stabilization at birth can effectively reduce a large proportion of these adverse outcomes as demonstrated in the resource-rich settings. Infants who fail to initiate and establish spontaneous respirations at birth often respond to early interventions such as drying, stimulation, clearing the airways, as well as bag mask ventilation applied within the first minute after birth. Simple resuscitation education such as 'Helping Babies Breathe', which focuses on the very basic steps and pays attention to comprehensive program development with local ownership and accountability, can help transfer competency into clinical practice and lead to sustainable programs impacting neonatal mortality and morbidity.

Keywords: Medical education; Newborn resuscitation; Perinatal mortality; Resource-limited settings; Stillbirth.