Abstract
Background: WHO estimates that 814 000 infants die of birth asphyxia annually, making asphyxia the fifth most common cause of under five years death worldwide. 98% happened in low- and middle income countries. Access to basic neonatal resuscitation to 90 % off newborns is suggested to prevent 192 000 deaths per year alone. The aim of this assignment is to summarize the literature from low- and middle income countries which evaluate the effect of learning programs in neonatal resuscitation on mortality. Methods: Studies was identified by search in Ovid Medline and by reading reference list of existing reviews on the topic. Result: Eleven studies were found. Ten were before and after intervention studies and one was a RCT. All measure the effect of either Helping Babies Breath (HBB), Essential Newborn Care (ENC) or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP).Ten of 11 showed reduction in mortality or stillbirth rate. Both HBB, ENC and NRP had effect on mortality in some studies. HHB and ENC were also associated with reduction in stillbirth rate. When dividing studies in between facility- and community based it seems like facility based intervention is more likely to result in mortality reduction. Of the community based intervention only two was showing mortality reduction, but most of them showed a reduction in stillbirth rate. Conclusion: Training program in neonatal resuscitation seems to reduce mortality rate, stillbirth rate or both. Because of poor quality on most of the studies the evidence is moderate and more research is needed to identify the most effective intervention.