Approximately 10% of newborns require some assistance to begin breathing at birth, and about 1% require extensive resuscitative measures. Despite the existence of known interventions to prevent or manage these conditions, almost one million newborns die every year due to birth asphyxia; another million are classified as intrapartum stillbirths. The key evidence-based interventions include:

• Antenatal period: Prompt recognition and referral/treatment of obstetric complications such pre-eclampsia.
• Intrapartum period: Use of partographs by skilled birth attendants to identify intrapartum complications and provide prompt treatment/referral.
• Immediate postnatal period: Neonatal resuscitation including clearing the airway and stimulation only; and neonatal resuscitation including clearing the airway, stimulation and assisted ventilation with bag and mask.