Role of health system strengthening (HSS) in reducing neonatal mortality in Bangladesh: A document review [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]

• Published in: F1000 research 2023, Vol.12, p.412
• Main Authors: Matin, Md. Ziaul, Sharmin, Shamina, Kim, Minjoon, Sayem, ASM, Rahman, Fazlur, Abdullah, Abu Sayeed MD, Sheikh, Sifat Parveen, Khan, Moonmoon Islam, Halim, MA
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2046-1402; 2046-1402
• DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.133251.1

Background: The majority of neonatal deaths occur in  low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh. This study explored the role of health system strengthening (HSS) in reducing neonatal mortality. Methods: The document review was the method to conduct this study. The secondary data, including the reports and protocols, were reviewed to find out the success, challenges and scope of the improvement of HSS interventions in reducing neonatal deaths. The analysis was performed descriptively. Results: The National Neonatal Health Strategy was found adopted in Bangladesh including the policies and strategies for newborn health and newborn health service delivery. The evidence-based newborn care initiatives were found to cover the essential newborn care, application of chlorohexidine in newborn care, role of post-natal care in reducing child death, management of birth asphyxia, use of Antenatal Corticosteroid (ACS) for the prevention of complication related to preterm and Kangaroo Mother Care. Conclusions: The health system strengthening with improving the quality of newborn care is very much essential at facilities both at urban and rural settings to reduce neonatal mortality in Bangladesh.