Predictive factors of neonatal mortality in intensive neonatal care unit at Goma Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

The millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2015 have not been achieved.1 Neonatal death is defined as newborn death occurring within the first four weeks after birth.2,3 The first 28 days of life or the neonatal period is most vulnerable time for child’s survival. Globally 2.5 million children died in the first month of life in 2017. 1 million dying on the first day and close to 1 million dying within the next six days.4 A vast majority of global neonatal deaths take place in the in developing countries while approximately 70% of these deaths occur in just two World Health Organization: Africa and south-East Asian.5,6 In Sub-Saharan Africa alone 1.2 million newborns died every year equivalent to 13 000 deaths per days or almost nine death every minutes.7,8 50% of neonatal deaths occur in just five countries: Nigeria, Democratic, Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda. Majority of neonatal deaths in this party of Africa occur at home,9 in rural communities,10 among the poor and poorest,11 less educated,12,13 and in war regions.14‒16 Also causes and risk factors of neonatal death vary by country with the availability in relation with quality of health care.13 Democratic Republic of Congo, ranks second among Africa countries with higher neonatal mortality rate more than 28 per 1000 live births.17,18 Understanding those neonatal mortality factors is crucial to realize sustainable development goal in this country. Objective of this study was undertaken to assess maternal and neonatal risk factors of neonate’s deaths in Goma, East Democratic Republic of Congo. Methods and material