Helping Babies Breathe implementation in Zanzibar, Tanzania

Area of Science:

• Neonatal resuscitation
• Global health
• Medical education

Background:

• High neonatal mortality rates in resource-limited settings are often due to birth asphyxia.
• The Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) program aims to reduce neonatal mortality by training healthcare providers in essential resuscitation techniques.
• This project focused on improving HBB implementation through a train-the-trainer approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness and practicality of the Helping Babies Breathe program in resource-limited environments.
• To assess the impact of HBB training on midwives' knowledge and skills in neonatal resuscitation.
• To determine the long-term retention and application of HBB skills in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• A train-the-trainer strategy was employed with 33 midwives in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
• Knowledge and skills were assessed at three intervals using a repeated measures design.
• Real-time delivery observations and focused interviews were conducted to evaluate skill application and program satisfaction.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in knowledge scores and resuscitation skills were observed and sustained (P < .05).
• During 62 observed births, 19% required intervention, with all infants appropriately resuscitated and surviving.
• Midwives demonstrated appropriate actions during neonatal resuscitation in practice.

Conclusions:

• The Helping Babies Breathe program effectively equips midwives with essential neonatal resuscitation skills.
• Participants retained their knowledge and skills, applying them successfully in clinical practice.
• The program shows feasibility and sustainability for reducing neonatal mortality in resource-limited settings.