Overview

The document titled 'National Guidelines for Comprehensive Newborn Care, 2021' is a first edition policy guideline published in November 2021 by the Federal Ministry of Health of Nigeria. It aims to provide a structured national framework for comprehensive and advanced newborn care at referral levels (secondary and tertiary facilities) in Nigeria. The foreword highlights that Nigeria has approximately 7 million annual births, with 240,000 neonatal deaths, contributing 32% to under-five mortality. Under-five mortality increased from 128 per 1000 live births (2013) to 132 per 1000 live births (2018), with neonatal mortality at 38 per 1000 live births. The guideline addresses gaps in care at referral levels, as existing efforts focus on primary care through the 'Essential Newborn Care Course.' It aligns with the global 'Every Newborn Action Plan' and Nigeria's adaptation, emphasizing the need to strengthen 'Special Care Baby Units' at secondary facilities and 'Neonatal Intensive Care Units' at tertiary facilities. The National Strategic Health Development Plan (NSHDP II, 2016–2021) is cited as supporting comprehensive newborn care. The document is endorsed by Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Honourable Minister for Health. The acknowledgement section credits contributions from the Nigerian Society of Neonatal Medicine (NISONM), Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN), government departments, and development partners like UNICEF and NEST 360. The guideline serves as a tool to reduce neonatal mortality through standardized care at referral levels.

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