Felix A. Bundala et al.

Availability and functioning of neonatal care units and neonatal mortality across five regions in Tanzania: a baseline cross-sectional study in 127 CEmONC health facilities

https://gh.bmj.com/content/10/5/e018758

The neonatal mortality rate in Tanzania is 24 deaths/1000 live births. To halve the current death rate by 2030, WHO recommends that by 2025, at least 80% of districts should have a neonatal care unit (NCU) and use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device for respiratory support, among small and sick newborns. This study describes the availability and functioning of NCUs and facility-based neonatal mortality in Tanzania.

From December 2020 to March 2021, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 127 health facilities in the five SBBC regions. Only 48% (61/127) had established an NCU, 3% (4/127) met the minimum national NCU recommendation, 31% (40/127) had at least one neonatal admission bed, and 3% (4/127) had a neonatal CPAP in the NCU. Besides, 75% (30/40) of the functioning NCUs, had one to four beds only. Only 17% (22/127) of facilities had a neonatal admission register. Neonatal admissions and deaths were significantly lower in facilities without functioning NCUs and admission registers (p<0.008, 0.001, respectively). The early (0–7 days) neonatal mortality accounted for 96% (529/550) of registered neonatal deaths. The lack of admission registers implies a significant under-reporting.