Neonatology in the emerging countries: the strategies and health-economics challenges related to prevention of neonatal and infant infections

SummaryThe prevalence of neonatal and infant infections is higher in emerging countries when compared to the developed world. Major factors associated to this increased frequency include the scarcity of trained health personnel, overcrowding of the neonatal units, late onset and slow advance of feeding, use of formula instead of breastfeeding, failure to comply with handwashing recommendations, and excessive use of antibiotics, resulting in the emergence of resistant strains. Infants discharged home frequently share rooms with a large number of siblings and other cohabitants, increasing the risk of infection by respiratory viruses. Several strategies are described that could decrease these serious problems which impact increasing significantly neonatal and infant mortality rates in developing countries.