Neonatal-perinatal medicine in a transitional period in China

With an annual birth rate of 12 parts per thousand, or 16 millions, of all population (1.34 billions), and an implementation of universal healthcare policy for all rural residents in recent years, China is undergoing a dramatic and profound transition in perinatal and neonatal healthcare as a part of the global campaign for reduction in mortality of children under 5years old. This review describes recent development in neonatal-perinatal medicine, with special emphasis on general neonatal-perinatal care, respiratory and intensive care, neurological and infectious diseases, for a comprehensive view of the trend and challenge in relation with problems and solutions of the field.