Benefits of neonatal resuscitation training in high- and low-resource settings

Globally, around 1.9 million stillbirths occur each year, and around 2.3 million newborns die in the first 28 days after birth each year. Many of these deaths are preventable. The burden of stillbirths is likely even higher, as many are unreported. A disproportionate number of fresh stillbirths and neonatal deaths occur in low-resource settings. About 1 million neonatal deaths occur in the first 24 h after birth, with preterm birth and birth asphyxia/intrapartum-related death being the leading causes. For newborns who have difficulty establishing effective breathing at birth, prompt and effective resuscitation is usually lifesaving. Training providers in high- and low-resource settings have been instrumental in equipping healthcare professionals to support a newborn's breathing at birth and continued care in the first month after birth to mitigate stillbirths and neonatal deaths. This review focuses on educational programs in both high- and low-resource settings designed to enable providers to perform timely and effective neonatal resuscitation and early newborn care. The highest level of available evidence that investigates the effects of these programs on provider knowledge and skills, as well as neonatal mortality and stillbirths, will be discussed. Where strong evidence may be lacking, it will be reviewed. Current complementary interventions to neonatal resuscitation training programs that are being researched will be addressed.