Evaluation of Neonatal Resuscitation Readiness at Delivery Suites in Tertiary Hospitals Across the North West Zone

The majority of neonatal deaths occur within the first 24 hours of life, with birth asphyxia preventable through prompt and effective neonatal resuscitation at the point of delivery. This study evaluates neonatal resuscitation readiness at delivery suites in tertiary hospitals across the North West geopolitical zone, covering Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, UDUTH Sokoto, and Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital Kaduna. A structured readiness assessment tool evaluated resuscitation equipment availability, its functional status, staff training, resuscitation protocol availability, and documentation of recent drills. Observation of five resuscitation events per facility supplemented assessments. Functional bag-valve-mask devices were available in 80 percent of delivery suite bays. Suction equipment was functional in 70 percent. Newborn resuscitation protocol cards were posted in only one of three facilities. Staff with updated Helping Babies Breathe certification constituted 41 percent of assessed delivery staff. Simulation drills had been conducted within six months in two of three facilities. Response time to identified neonatal asphyxia exceeded two minutes in 35 percent of observed events. Professional recommendations include quarterly neonatal resuscitation simulation drills, functional equipment maintenance checklists, universal Helping Babies Breathe training for delivery suite staff, and dedicated resuscitation space designation at all three hospitals. Keywords: neonatal resuscitation, birth asphyxia, delivery suite, North West Nigeria, newborn care