Improving new-born survival in the Democratic Republic of Congo: challenges for the neonatal transfer system

This article focuses on the challenges of neonatal transfer and its impact on neonatal mortality in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a major public health issue with alarming rates of neonatal mortality, estimated at 30 deaths per 1000 live births in 2017, with regions such as South Kivu reaching as high as 47‰. Unfortunately, the absence of a formal system for managing and transferring sick new-borns limits access to care, particularly in isolated areas, despite efforts made by the free maternity program. Nearly 80% of neonatal deaths are attributed to avoidable causes, including prematurity, asphyxia, and infections, which require prompt intervention. Establishing an appropriate neonatal transport system is therefore crucial for improving care. This necessitates the training of specialized teams and the implementation of clear communication protocols to ensure effective patient follow-up. Reforms are essential to strengthen the free maternity program to guarantee optimal transfer of sick new-borns to adequate healthcare facilities. The implementation of these measures aims not only to reduce neonatal mortality but also to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring accessible and quality maternal and neonatal care. Overall, this underscores the urgency of improving the healthcare system in the DRC to protect the lives of new-borns and secure a better future for the next generation.