A Data Descriptor on the Impact of COVID-19 Infection Prevention Protocols on Neonatal Sepsis in Ethiopian Hospitals, 2021–2026

This data descriptor presents a curated, longitudinal dataset investigating the unintended effects of COVID-19 infection prevention and control (IPC) measures on neonatal sepsis in 12 Ethiopian public hospitals (2021–2026). It addresses a critical evidence gap regarding how pandemic-era protocols, whilst vital for COVID-19 containment, may have inadvertently altered hospital-acquired infection dynamics in a vulnerable neonatal population within a resource-limited setting. The dataset was constructed via a rigorous mixed-methods methodology. This includes a retrospective cohort analysis of neonatal admission records (n=8,450) for sepsis incidence and aetiology, combined with structured, triennial audits of hospital IPC compliance and resource allocation. Preliminary analysis of data from 2021–2024 reveals a paradoxical 18% rise in culture-confirmed neonatal sepsis cases concurrent with stringent COVID-19 IPC implementation, despite reduced overall hospital admissions. This trend is preliminarily correlated with documented disruptions to essential neonatal care practices—such as kangaroo mother care and breastfeeding support—attributable to visitor restrictions and staff redeployment. The dataset's significance lies in its direct contribution to strengthening health systems resilience in Africa. It provides robust evidence for policymakers to develop more nuanced IPC guidelines that mitigate pandemic risks without compromising essential newborn care. This work underscores the imperative for context-sensitive public health strategies that protect maternal and child health outcomes during future crises.