Emergency Evacuation Services for Newborn Babies with Birth Asphyxia in Dili Municipality, Timor-Leste

Abstract

Birth asphyxia is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in low-resource countries with limited emergency neonatal care and referral systems. In Timor-Leste, emergency transportation challenges such as delayed communication or receiving information, heavy traffic, limited ambulance services, and limited neonatal equipment continue to affect neonatal outcomes. This study aimed to assess emergency evacuation services for newborn babies diagnosed with birth asphyxia in Dili Municipality, Timor-Leste.
A descriptive case study was conducted among newborn babies with birth asphyxia referred for emergency neonatal care in Dili Municipality. Patients were transported by SNAEM healthcare workers from communities to health facilities. Variables assessed included referral time, transportation availability, neonatal stabilization before transfer, and barriers affecting emergency evacuation services.
The findings showed that delayed transportation, limited ambulance availability, and communication challenges were major barriers affecting emergency referrals. Several newborns required oxygen therapy, neonatal resuscitation, and continuous monitoring during transfer. Early recognition and rapid referral were associated with improved neonatal outcomes.
The study concluded that strengthening neonatal emergency evacuation systems, improving referral coordination, and increasing neonatal emergency equipment and resuscitation capacity are essential to reduce complications and mortality associated with birth asphyxia in Dili Municipality, Timor-Leste.