The success of Peru's Neonatal Resuscitation Initiative

The WHO estimates that 814 000 infants die of birth asphyxia annually, making asphyxia the fifth most common cause of under-five death worldwide.1 The majority of these deaths occur in developing nations where rates of birth asphyxia are as high as 260 per 10 000.2 Bag and mask has been found to be the most effective method for reducing birth asphyxia mortality,3 costing about USD $13 per life saved, making it one of the most cost-effective strategies for reducing childhood mortality.4 This study describes Peru's Neonatal Resuscitation Initiative and quantitates its success. To decrease birth asphyxia nationwide, the Social Security System (EsSalud) implemented Peru's Neonatal Resuscitation Initiative in 1999. Prior to the initiative, forms were designed to collect data on all births, and …