BARRIERS TO IMPLEMENT THE NATIONAL GUIDELINES ON NEWBORN CARE IN A RURAL MOUNTAINOUS PROVINCE OF VIETNAM.

Reducing the disparity in neonatal health among regions to ensure every mother and her newborn receive the health care they need is a priority in Vietnam. This study was conducted to assess the barriers in implementing the National guidelines on newborn care in a rural mountainous province of Vietnam. Qualitative methods were applied with 28 in-depth interviews and 4 focus group discussions in DakNong province. The results showed that there exist many barriers in implementing the national guideline in newborn care services. There is a big gap between health policy development and policy implementation. The Vietnam government had approved a good strategy and guidelines. Efforts now need to focus on implementing the national guideline and improving quality of care.