ORGANIZATION
CORE Group
YEAR PUBLISHED
2004
DESCRIPTION
Despite progress made over the last two decades in reducing <5 mortality in Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries, neonatal mortality rates have remained largely unchanged, make up an increasing proportion of remaining <5 mortality, and constitute a significant proportion of neonatal deaths worldwide. The highest neonatal mortality levels in LAC countries are concentrated in areas that are remote geographically and/or inhabited by marginalized indigenous populations, areas characterized by poor health indicators related to disparities in resources, health care, and education. This report examines community-based neonatal health interventions in the LAC region from both theoretical and programmatic perspectives to identify operational considerations for effective neonatal health care. The report was developed based on an extensive review of health theory, peer reviewed journal articles, and gray literature, as well as program data collected by the authors through interviews and pertinent documents from PVOs and NGOs engaged in neonatal care interventions in LAC countries.