The Evolving Landscape of Neonatal Care and Research : Based on 14^th Dr. I. C. Verma Excellence in Research Award Delivered as Oration on 4^th October 2026.

Authors

Adhisivam Bethou

Published in

Indian journal of pediatrics. Oct 26, 2026. Epub Oct 26, 2026.

Abstract

Neonatology has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past six decades, evolving from a discipline focused predominantly on preventing neonatal death to one increasingly concerned with quality of survival, neurodevelopment, family-integrated care and long-term health. Despite substantial progress, neonatal mortality remains a major global health challenge. In 2024, approximately 2.3 million newborns died globally, with the highest mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. India has achieved a substantial decline in neonatal mortality, from 28 to 17 per 1000 live births between 2015 and 2023, accompanied by rapid expansion of facility-based newborn care. However, prematurity, low birth weight, intrapartum complications, infection, antimicrobial resistance, inequitable access, workforce constraints and inadequate long-term follow-up remain major challenges. The epidemiology of neonatal disease is also changing, with increasing survival of extremely premature infants and greater recognition of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, brain injury and developmental impairment. Neonatal research is similarly moving from descriptive epidemiology and rescue therapy towards prediction, prevention, precision medicine and implementation science. The next decade should prioritize prevention of prematurity, precision sepsis management, respiratory and brain protection, nutrition and gut health, Kangaroo Mother Care, zero separation, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics, long-term outcomes and affordable innovations. The ultimate measure of neonatal care should move beyond survival to enabling every newborn to develop and reach their full potential.

PMID:
42932155
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 27 Oct 2026.

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