It is early morning in a small village in the hills of Nepal. Maya has just given birth to her baby boy at home. The family is happy, but the room is quiet and cold. There is no heater, no special equipment, and no health worker nearby. As time passes, the baby’s small body starts to feel colder. Maya does not know that this cold can be dangerous, as it is one of the most serious neonatal threats in Nepal- neonatal hypothermia.

Over the years, Nepal has steadily improved maternal and child health, but newborn mortality is still a major problem. According to the most recent estimates, there are between 16.6 and 17 newborn fatalities for every 1,000 live births, and NDHS (National Demographic Health Survey) reflects roughly 21 deaths per 1,000 live births. This suggests that progress has slowed and is short of the SDG target of 12 per 1,000 by 2030.  Many neonates are born in settings that don't always guarantee warmth. Cold weather, home deliveries, inadequate health infrastructure, and ignorance exacerbate the issue. In some remote mountain districts, neonatal mortality can be over three times the national average, reflecting deep inequalities in health access. Among the various neonatal conditions affecting newborn survival, hypothermia is one of the most common and preventable causes of complications and death. Neonatal hypothermia occurs when a newborn’s body temperature falls below the normal range. Newborns are especially vulnerable because they cannot regulate their body temperature effectively. Without proper thermal care immediately after birth, heat loss begins rapidly. Even mild hypothermia can increase the risk of infection, breathing difficulties, low blood sugar, and, in severe cases, death.

In order to determine which thermal treatment techniques are most effective in Nepal's actual situations, a consensus-based study was performed, comprising neonatal and public health experts, realizing the significance of workable and realistic solutions. The emphasis was on practicality in hospitals, health posts, and home births in addition to medical efficacy. The study underlined that in order to actually save lives, evidence-based care must be in line with local reality.

The findings highlighted several simple yet powerful practices that can significantly reduce neonatal hypothermia. Immediate drying and wrapping of the newborn after birth was identified as a critical first step. Skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby emerged as a natural and effective way to maintain warmth while strengthening bonding. Delaying the baby’s first bath was also shown to reduce heat loss. Maintaining a warm delivery and postnatal environment, even with basic resources, was another key factor. Crucially, the study emphasized that rather than using a one-size-fits-all strategy, procedures must be tailored to the particular birth situation.

Despite clear evidence, gaps remain between knowledge and practice. Many families and caregivers are unaware of proper thermal care. Health workers in remote areas often lack training or resources. Cultural practices, though deeply rooted, sometimes increase the risk of hypothermia unintentionally. These barriers highlight the urgent need to translate research into community-level action. This is where GEI Asia plays a vital role. At GEI Asia, we believe that every newborn deserves a warm and safe start to life, regardless of where they are born. Guided by scientific evidence and grounded in community needs, our work focuses on turning proven research into practical action. Through training programs for health workers, awareness initiatives for families, and support for newborn care services, we help ensure that essential thermal care practices reach those who need them most. Neonatal hypothermia is preventable. The solutions are simple, affordable, and effective when applied correctly. By combining research, community engagement, and committed action, it is possible to protect newborns from unnecessary risk.  GEI Asia is committed to helping create a future where every baby born in Nepal starts life safely, is kept warm, and is treated with care and respect.

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-Sambriddhi Basnet