Panel discussion: respiratory care for newborns in resource-limited settings

Approximately 46% of the 5.2 million annual under-5 deaths derive from neonatal conditions commonly associated with hypoxaemia or acute respiratory distress. It has been estimated that 98% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Effective implementation of non-invasive respiratory support at all levels of healthcare could significantly reduce neonatal mortality.

Several factors limit the widespread and effective implementation of non-invasive respiratory support in LMICs, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of proper instrumentation, shortage of skilled staff, costly disposables and difficulties in the supply of consumables and spare parts. Therefore, it is crucial to increase the awareness about the importance of improving neonatal respiratory management in LMICs, to provide educational opportunities to healthcare workers in LMICs, and to identify the most cost-effective respiratory management interventions that may be affordable and sustainable in LMICs.

Educational aims

The audience will learn about:

• The burden of neonatal respiratory disease worldwide,
• Strategies for neonatal resuscitation in resource-limited settings,
• Devices and interventions for respiratory care in the post-natal ward,
• Challenges and future opportunities for improving neonatal respiratory outcomes.

Topics

• Overview of the global respiratory disease burden during the neonatal period,
• New WHO guidelines for the care of preterm and low birthweight infants in low resource settings,
• State-of-the-art on neonatal stabilisation and respiratory support at birth,
• Management of respiratory care after birth in resource-limited settings,
• Cost-effective interventions to improve respiratory outcomes.

Format/Programme

• Introduction: Global respiratory disease burden during the neonatal period – E. Zannin/K. Kawaza (5 min)
• Presentation 1: Respiratory consequences of the new WHO guidelines for the care of preterm and low birthweight infants in low resource settings – M. Blennow (15 min)
• Presentation 2: Neonatal stabilisation and respiratory support at birth in resource-limited settings – D. Trevisauto (15 min)
• Presentation 3: Respiratory management in the neonatal ward in resource-limited settings – R. Singh (15 min)
• Round table discussion on challenges and new opportunities for promoting respiratory outcomes worldwide – E. Zannin, K. Kawaza, R. Singh, D. Trevisanuto, E. Zannin, M. Blennow (10 min)

Learning outcomes

Following this webinar, participants will know the most effective interventions that may improve respiratory outcomes in resource-limited settings.

More information

This webinar is organised directly by the Pan African Thoracic Society (PATS). For any questions including registration, technical and log in details, please contact PATS directly here.