Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Neonatal care in low-resource settings is hindered by shortages of trained staff, inadequate infrastructure, and limited equipment and medications that compromise the management of common neonatal conditions and reduce the quality of care. Our aim was to describe the collaborative efforts between the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the Union of European Neonatal and Perinatal Societies (UENPS), Doctors with Africa Collegio Universitario Aspiranti Medici Missionari (CUAMM), the Ethiopian Pediatrics Society (EPS), and the Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) to assess resuscitation and respiratory care practices in Ethiopian neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)s, identify gaps, and guide targeted interventions. METHODS: A 50-item survey was distributed to 48 Ethiopian NICUs. Based on the survey results, a national workshop in Addis Ababa and a neonatal resuscitation "Train the Trainers" course were scheduled. In parallel, funds were allocated to initiate renovations and equipment upgrade at two selected sites. RESULTS: The survey showed that most units lacked essential resuscitation equipment. Noninvasive respiratory support mainly relied on homemade continuous positive airway pressure systems; mechanical ventilators were available in <40% of units. Caffeine was rarely used, and surfactant was unavailable. The national workshop led to a document shared with the FMoH outlining priorities for subsequent training and resource strengthening. Newly trained instructors conducted four local neonatal resuscitation courses, training 150 healthcare providers. Facility upgrades addressed water, power, medical gas systems, and refurbishment of deteriorated areas. CONCLUSIONS: The survey revealed major gaps in neonatal care in Ethiopia. Collaborative efforts by AICS, UENPS, CUAMM, EPS, and FMoH helped reinforce key infrastructures and promote delivery room and respiratory care.
Source: Neonatology
DOI: 10.1159/000550774
Institutions: Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, St. Eugenio Hospital, University of Padua, Azienda Ospedale - Università Padova, Marche Polytechnic University, University of Oslo, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, Federal Ministry of Health, Tikur Anbessa Hospital, Addis Ababa University, St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Doctors with Africa Cuamm
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7128450076