Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) is an American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) training program designed to reduce neonatal mortality due to birth asphyxia, particularly in resource-limited settings. The Helping Ghanaian Babies Breathe Program reintroduced the HBB curriculum to communities in Ghana, specifically in the Lower Manya Krobo and Yilo Krobo Municipalities in the Eastern Region.

Neonatal mortality is a global health concern, and reducing it aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3 (United Nations, 2015). Despite efforts by the Ghana Health Service, the country’s neonatal mortality rate remains high compared to the SDG target. Birth asphyxia contributes significantly to neonatal deaths, making it a critical issue to address.

Key Findings of Helping Ghana Babies Breathe Project

43 Facilities in the Manya Krobo and Yilo Krobo were closely monitored in regards to neonatal health metrics from Nov. 2021 to Dec. 2022

– Increase in vaginal deliveries
– Decrease in low Apgar scores
– Decrease in discharge rates for sick newborns
– Healthcare providers reports acquisition of new skills over time, better resolution techniques, and acknowledgement of improvements as vital