Belize National Implementation of Helping Babies Breathe and Essential Care for Every Baby Programs

Background: The Belize Ministry of Health (MOH) committed to improving neonatal care and reducing neonatal mortality. Belize has 6 health districts with one tertiary hospital, three regional hospitals, and small district centers, with combined 7400 births per year. Neonatal resuscitation and essential care were initial targets. Under MOH leadership, in partnership with World Pediatric Project and Saint Louis University and Cardinal Glennon, Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) and Essential Care for Every Baby (ECEB) were implemented. Methods: Seven multidisciplinary trainings were administered over a 12-month period from Aug 2014-Aug 2015. Local …