New technologies for essential newborn care in under-resourced areas: what is needed and how to deliver it

Globally, the largest contributors to neonatal mortality are preterm birth, intrapartum complications and infection. Many of these deaths could be prevented by providing temperature stability, respiratory support, hydration and nutrition; preventing and treating infections; and diagnosing and treating neonatal jaundice and hypoglycaemia. Most neonatal health-care technologies which help to accomplish these tasks are designed for high-income countries and are either unavailable or unsuitable in low-resource settings, preventing many neonates from receiving the gold standard of care. There is an urgent need for neonatal health-care technologies which are low-cost, robust, simple to use and maintain, affordable and able to operate from various power supplies. Several technologies have been designed to meet these requirements or are currently under development; however, unmet technology needs remain. The distribution of an integrated set of technologies, rather than separate components, is essential for effective implementation and a substantial impact on neonatal health. Close collaboration between stake-holders at all stages of the development process and an increased focus on implementation research are necessary for effective and sustainable implementation.