Iranian Journal of Neonatology

Iranian Journal of Neonatology

How to Reduce Neonatal Mortality in Iran?

Articles in Press

Document Type : Editorial

Author
Reza Saeidi
Neonatal Health Research Center, Research Institute for Children Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
10.22038/ijn.2026.96955.2874
Abstract
Introduction
Neonatal mortality rate, has significantly declined in Iran over recent decades. The national neonatal mortality rate (NMR) has decreased from around 30 per 1,000 live births four decades ago to approximately 9 per 1,000 in recent years, with Iran aiming to reduce it to under 7 per 1,000 by 2025-2026. (1,2)
The country has already achieved Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.2 targets for neonatal and under-5 mortality in most provinces, though regional disparities persist, particularly in areas like Sistan and Baluchestan and Azerbaijan. This short review outlines key contributing factors and evidence-based strategies to further reduce neonatal mortality, based on recent data up to 2026. (3,4)
According to the World Health Organization report published on March 14, 2024; although neonatal deaths have decreased by 44% since 2000. However, in 2022, approximately 2.3 million neonatal deaths occurred, accounting for 47% of all deaths among children under 5 years old in the neonatal period, and approximately 6,500 neonatal deaths occur daily. Furthermore, progress has significantly slowed since 2010, and 64 countries will fail to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals target for neonatal mortality by 2030 unless urgent actions are taken.(1)
Additionally, inequities in access to health services have resulted in children having different survival chances based on where they are born, with neonatal mortality rates in 2022 being about 27 deaths per 1,000 live births in Africa, and 21 in Central and Southern Asia. In other words, the risk of death in the first month of birth for a child born in the country with the highest mortality rate is about 60 times higher than in the country with the lowest mortality rate.(1)
The lowest neonatal mortality rate in 2022 was about 0.7 deaths per 1,000 live births in Australia and New Zealand.(1)

Main Factors Contributing to Neonatal Mortality
Leading causes include preterm birth complications, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), birth asphyxia, congenital anomalies, and infections such as lower respiratory infections and sepsis. Prematurity and RDS are major contributors, while regional variations show higher rates in low-sociodemographic index (SDI) provinces. Other risk factors encompass maternal conditions like hypertension, eclampsia/ preeclampsia, and lack of antenatal care.(2.5.6.7)

Strategies to Reduce Neonatal Mortality
A comprehensive approach integrating infrastructure, training, prevention, and policy is essential:

Enhancing Healthcare Infrastructure
Expanding Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) and modernizing equipment like ventilators and monitoring systems can significantly lower mortality. Simulations indicate a 20% increase in NICU capacity could reduce NMR by 7-35% in high-burden areas like Kerman and Bam. Upgrading surveillance systems for neonatal mortality, birth registries, and hospitalizations supports better detection and response.(8.9.10)

Capacity Building and Training
Targeted training for healthcare providers, focusing on the "Golden Hours" post-birth, addresses staff turnover and skill gaps in high-risk provinces like Sistan and Baluchestan. Training over 400 neonatal specialists and standardizing protocols have reduced ventilated newborn mortality from 43.6% to 24% and shortened hospital stays.(11)

Preventive Measures and Prenatal Care
Reducing prematurity through preconception and antenatal care, including corticosteroids, genetic counseling, and surfactant administration, is critical. Promoting exclusive breastfeeding, vaccinations (e.g., rotavirus, pneumococcal), and maternal nutrition programs targets low birth weight and infections.(12)

Policy and Social Interventions
Establishing a single national leadership entity, allocating dedicated budgets, and decentralizing NICUs to minimize transfers are recommended. Programs like the Rural Family Physician Plan, Every Newborn Action Plan (ENAP), and focus on refugee-dense areas promote equity. Digital health interventions post-NICU discharge can improve outcomes and maternal competence.(13)

Conclusion
Iran's progress toward SDG 3.2 is notable, with converging mortality trends linked to rising SDI. Achieving an NMR under 7 per 1,000 by 2026 requires focused efforts on provincial disparities, infrastructure investment, and multi-sectoral collaboration with entities like UNICEF and WHO. Ongoing policy analysis and root cause assessments will ensure sustained reductions
1.     https://www.emro.who.int/iran/priority-areas/reproductive-maternal-neonatal-child-and-adolescent-health.html
2.     Habibelahi A, Heidarzadeh M, Daemi A, Jazani NR, Sedighi S, Mostafa-Gharabaghi P, et al. Determinants of neonatal mortality in East Azarbaijan province: a population-based study from Iran. BMC Pediatr. 2025;26(1):108.
3.     https://www.unicef.org/iran/en/mother-and-baby-health
4.     Hosseinpour M, Maleki F, Farrokh-Eslamlou H, Sahebazzamani Z, Aghazadeh J, et al. Rates and Causes of Neonatal Mortality In North-West of Iran. Inn J Pediatr. 2024;34(2):e143632.
5.     Bachemir AK, Borumandnia N, Taherian R, Gohari MR, Majd HA. Low birth weight as a risk factor for neonatal preterm mortality in the middle east and north Africa region: A regional trend analysis. J Clin Neonatol. 2026;15(1):42-49.
6.     Saeidi, R., Nouripour, S., Alizadeh, P. The Effect of Probiotics on the Prevention of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in Low Birth Weight (LBW) and Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) Infants. Iranian Journal of Neonatology, 2025; 16(3): 63-67. doi: 10.22038/ijn.2025.88290.2707
7.     Kordkatouli M, Noripour Sh, Alizadeh P, Mehri M, Asgarzadeh L, Veysizadeh M. A Review on the Role of Melatonin in Neonatal Sepsis Caused by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Iranian Journal of Neonatology. 2026 Jan: 17(1). DOI: 10.22038/ijn.2025.92245.2796
8.     Shitran, R. F., Ali, S. M. Prevalence and Associated Factors of Premature Birth at Ramadi Teaching Hospital for Maternity and Children: A Cross-sectional Study. Iranian Journal of Neonatology, 2026; 17(2): 21-28. doi: 10.22038/ijn.2026.78358.2522
9.     Saeidi, R. Cell Therapy in Neonates. Iranian Journal of Neonatology, 2025; 16(1): 1-2. doi: 10.22038/ijn.2024.84957.2631
10.  Amini E, Amiresmaili M, Torabinejad Z, Bagherzadeh MA. Dynamic systems modeling for quality improvement in reducing neonatal mortality: evidence from Kerman and Bam, Iran. Int J Health Care Qual Assur. 2025;38(4):318-337.
11.  Heidarzadeh M, Rahimi R, Mahmoudi M, Habibelahi A, Ali Akbari khoei R, AbdollahiAbed L, Shahi F, Abbasi A, et al. Impact of managerial and clinical interventions on trend of neonatal care and mortality in a regional hospital in Iran: a retrospective study. Egyptian Pediatric Association Gazette. 2025;73(1):79.
12.  Habibelahi A, Heidarzadeh M, Abdollahi L, Taheri M, Ghaffari-Fam S, Vakilian R, et al. Clinical cause of neonatal mortality in Iran: analysis of the national Iranian Maternal And Neonatal network. BMJ Paediatr Open. 2024;8(1):e002315. 
13.  Daemi A, Ravaghi H, Jafari M. The policy analysis of reducing neonatal mortality in Iran. J Pediatr Rev. 2019; 7(4):249-256.
Iranian Journal of Neonatology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 29 June 2026