Completed Basic Research in the 2023 Healthcare Industry International Expansion Promotion Project: 'Basic Research on Neonatal Resuscitation Education Devices and Implementation Support Services for Cambodia, Nepal, and Congo

We are pleased to announce that ASHA, a certified nonprofit organization (hereafter referred to as ASHA), has participated in the joint project 'Basic Research Project on Neonatal Resuscitation Education Devices and Implementation Support Services for Cambodia, Nepal, and Congo,' led by Elecom Co., Ltd. (hereafter referred to as Elecom) and selected for the '2023 Healthcare Industry International Expansion Promotion Project' by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (implementing organization: Medical Excellence JAPAN). ASHA has successfully completed the basic research.

In this project, the goal is to promote the neonatal resuscitation training simulators and training programs provided by Elecom. ASHA was responsible for conducting basic research in Nepal, one of the three target countries, focusing on the healthcare education system and its implementation, needs and regulations, market trends, and competitive landscape. The research was completed in March 2024.

Based on the findings of this survey, we will launch a pilot project starting this year with the following objectives: ① incorporating simulation-based education into existing training programs, ② training and supporting local healthcare providers as instructors, and ③ evaluating the effectiveness of neonatal resuscitation simulation education and collecting data.

Related Links (Japanese):

・2023 Healthcare Industry International Expansion Promotion Project Final Report:

https://medicalexcellencejapan.org/jp/all/detail/629/

・Elecom Co., Ltd. Press Release:

https://www.elecom.co.jp/news/release/20230822-01/

■ Neonatal Mortality Rate in Nepal and Challenges for Improvement

While the global under-five mortality rate has significantly decreased, neonatal mortality accounts for the largest proportion of under-five deaths, and its reduction has been slow. According to UNICEF (2024), the estimated neonatal mortality rate in Nepal is 16 per 1,000 live births, which is significantly higher compared to Japan's rate of 0.8 per 1,000 live births*1. Major causes of neonatal deaths include prematurity, infections, and respiratory and circulatory failure at birth (neonatal asphyxia)*2. Neonatal asphyxia accounts for approximately 23% of global neonatal deaths*3, and many of these deaths could be prevented with appropriate neonatal resuscitation.

In many developing countries, including Nepal, a significant challenge is the lack of skilled healthcare providers in neonatal resuscitation and the insufficient opportunities for practical education.

References：

*1 Levels and trends in child mortality. UNICEF DATA. (2024, March 13). https://data.unicef.org/resources/levels-and-trends-in-child-mortality-2024/ 

*2 World Health Organization. (n.d.). Newborn mortality. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/newborn-mortality 

*3 Yitayew, Y. A., & Yalew, Z. M. (2022). Survival status and predictors of mortality among asphyxiated neonates admitted to the NICU of Dessie comprehensive specialized hospital, Amhara region, Northeast Ethiopia. PloS one, 17(12), e0279451. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0279451

■ Project Objective

The goal of this project is to reduce neonatal mortality rate in Nepal by widely spreading knowledge and skills in neonatal resuscitation. We aim to provide practical simulation-based education to local healthcare providers, medical students, and nursing students, contributing to the improvement of their ability to handle various situations encountered in clinical settings.

■ Pilot Project Overview

This project will focus on the introduction of practical training using neonatal resuscitation simulators in Nepal, including the development of a training program and evaluation of its effectiveness. In Phase 1, we will conduct a situation analysis and trial training, while in Phase 2, we will test the integration of the program into local training initiatives.

Phase 1: Situation Analysis and Trial Training

To understand the current state and needs of training programs in Nepal, we will conduct interviews with international organizations and visit local training sessions to collect necessary data. Additionally, trial lectures on simulation-based education will be held by Japanese experts, and their effectiveness and acceptance will be evaluated.

Phase 2: Integration into Local Training Programs

Based on the feedback from Phase 1, we will make concrete proposals for implementing the training program in Nepal. We will also offer training programs for local healthcare providers and support them in becoming trainers themselves. To assess the effectiveness of the program, we will measure and evaluate knowledge and skills related to neonatal resuscitation before and after the training through self-assessment surveys and practical exams.