Neonatal unit human resources: coverage for six cadres and trends for staff-to-baby ratios in 65 neonatal units implementing with NEST360 in Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, and Tanzania.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Implementing small and sick newborn care (SSNC) requires skilled health workers; however, there is a shortage, adversely impacting patient outcomes and health worker well-being. There are limited data and no current World Health Organization (WHO) standards for staff-to-baby ratios in neonatal units in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to inform policy, planning, and investment.

Methods

In 65 neonatal units (36 in Malawi, 13 in Kenya, 7 in Tanzania, and 9 in Nigeria), a health facility assessment (HFA) for SSNC and government-led quality improvement (QI) processes were implemented. Staffing data were collated from baseline HFA (Sept 2019-March 2021) and mid-2023 HFAs, and quarterly QI processes. The unit of analysis was the neonatal unit with day and night

SUBMITTER: Penzias RE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12613486 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature