Cultural, Institutional and Policy Impact on Neonatal Safety Practice in Ethiopia: A Concept from Policy Dialogue

Abstract

The first 28 days is the most critical time for the survival of newborns and is the most essential time to intervene to reduce under-five mortality rapidly. This paper summarized the gaps found related to neonatal mortality in Ethiopia. A stakeholder discussion was held, and a dialogue report was written. From the report, three themes emerged. Institutional level readiness and safety was the first theme where the absence of enough room for neonatal care was stressed. A neonatal intensive care unit is absent in most hospitals. The attention given to neonatal death is minimal compared to labouring mothers. The cultural issue was the second theme in which mourning for the death of a newborn is forbidden. The death of the newborn is handled as a secret, and the burial place is in the backyard. Lastly, the theme of policy-level attention to neonates showed no policy direction guides the audit of neonatal death.