Avances en atención neonatal en América Latina y el Caribe.

Abstract

The field of neonatology, a pediatric subspecialty focused on the care of newborns, has experienced significant advancements in Latin Americaand the Caribbean. Although neonatal mortality was once one of the leading causes of infant death, recent medical and policy efforts have succeeded in reducing these rates. However, the decline has not been uniform across the region, highlighting persistent inequalities. The most pressing challenges include prematurity, complications during childbirth, and infections, factors thatguide interventions and priorities in neonatal care. In this context, the role of nursing professionals is crucial, especially in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), where care extends beyond basic needs to include medical treatment and emotional support for families. Despite advancements, access to specialized neonatal care remains unequal, particularly in rural areas and impoverished regions. This scenario calls for more robust nursing training, encompassing technical, ethical, and humanized competencies, adapted to thecultural and socioeconomic particularities of the region.