Reducing Neonatal Mortality in Nepal's Remote Regions: A Narrative Review of Challenges, Disparities, and the Role of Helping Babies Breathe (HBB).

Abstract

Background: Nepal's diverse geography creates significant challenges for healthcare accessibility, particularly for neonatal care. Rural areas, especially in the mountainous regions, face severe healthcare gaps due to isolation, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled staff. Strengthening healthcare in these underserved regions is essential to reducing neonatal mortality. Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) is a neonatal resuscitation training program designed to reduce neonatal mortality due to birth asphyxia in low-resource settings.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search identified studies on neonatal mortality and interventions, particularly HBB, which were analyzed using a narrative synthesis approach. This review examines disparities in neonatal health outcomes, regional differences, and barriers to healthcare access.

Findings: This review identifies key themes related to healthcare disparities, neonatal mortality, and birth outcomes in Nepal's remote regions. Geographical isolation, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and cultural barriers contribute to persistently high neonatal mortality, particularly in mountainous areas such as Jumla and Dolpa, where rates exceed 60 per 1000 live births. HBB has shown a significant impact, reducing neonatal mortality by up to 60% when effectively implemented. However, infrastructural gaps, lack of emergency transport, and the uneven distribution of skilled birth attendants (SBAs) remain critical challenges. Addressing these disparities requires expanded training, increased availability of neonatal resuscitation equipment, and culturally sensitive healthcare strategies.