Neonatal mortality inequalities in Peru, 2007–2021: an ecological joinpoint trends analysis

From 2007 to 2021, Peru achieved a decline in neonatal mortality, but pro-rich regional inequalities persisted, and the burden remained concentrated in highland regions. During the COVID-19 period, the downward trend continued while inequalities narrowed, in parallel with reductions in poverty and increases in health expenditure. These ecological findings highlight the importance of monitoring health inequalities alongside national averages to support accountability toward the SDG commitment to "leave no one behind."