Neonatal World Conference 2026

Abstract

Summary

The research titled "Newborn Healthcare System in Kaduna State" is an action research initiative that began in 2020 to assess the quality and challenges of neonatal healthcare in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Conducted from March 2022 to May 2025, the study utilized a multi-level approach to evaluate public neonatal healthcare facilities, identifying gaps in human resources, service provision, drugs and equipment, and infrastructure at secondary health facilities. Findings revealed significant systemic issues from near lack of existing neonatal units to poor infrastructure, lack of standard neonatal equipment and shortage of skilled personnel for neonatal care. To address these challenges, the research engaged relevant stakeholders to mobilize resources aimed at improving the availability and quality of neonatal healthcare services. Notably, the establishment of a level II neonatal unit was achieved, improving admissions and decreasing mortality by 7.6% in 2024. Further reform and strengthening of the neonatal healthcare system are recommended.

Background

In 2022, 2.3 million neonatal deaths occurring in the first 20 days of life were reported worldwide. Kaduna state recorded the highest neonatal mortality (64/1000) in the country in 2018. Major causes of these deaths are conditions which require in- patient care and management. There’s is a dearth of newborn healthcare- providing facilities capable of providing level appropriate standard quality care. One proven intervention to reduce the number of child and newborn deaths is the establishment of a functional specialized neonatal care units within health system. The establishment of a neonatal unit comes with a comprehensive package which include appropriate mix of trained staff with appropriate knowledge and skill to use level -appropriate equipment to identifying and treat diseases in neonates.

Methods

The study is an operational- research to reform and strengthen in- patient neonatal healthcare services in Kaduna state as part of reforming neonatal healthcare system in the state. A multi- level approach was adopted from assessment of nine (9) secondary health facilities to remodelling design of three (3) and establishment of the one (1) facility.

Results

Only 3 of the 30 public secondary facilities across the 23 local governments in the state provided some form of neonatal care or services. Remodelling of the neonatal facility in the 3 secondary facilities were designed including architectural design and comprehensive budget proposal for the remodelling, equipping and operation of the proposed level of neonatal health care were developed. A level II neonatal unit was established with appropriate level equipment and staff were trained and equipped with knowledge and skills to provide services. Following the establishment, admissions in the facility increased from an average of 170 to 600 newborns and death decreased from 13.5% to 5.9 % in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

Conclusion

Establishment of neonatal units requires robust short-, intermediate- and long- term plans and strategies to explore numerous stakeholder engagement and inputs. Established neonatal unit improves access to quality and level- appropriate neonatal care services  with a potential for improving neonatal indices.