Aim
This paper examines the change in neonatal resuscitation practices after the implementation of the Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) programme.

Methods
A systematic review was carried out on studies reporting the impact of HBB programmes among the literature found in Medline, POPLINE, LILACS, African Index Medicus, Cochrane, Web of Science and Index Medicus for the Eastern Mediterranean Region database. We selected clinical trials with randomised control, quasi‐experimental and cross‐sectional designs. We used a data extraction tool to extract information on intervention and outcome reporting. We carried out a meta‐analysis of the extracted data on the neonatal resuscitation practices following HBB programme using Review Manager.

Results
Four studies that reported on neonatal resuscitation practices before and after the implementation of the HBB programme were identified. The pooled results showed no changes in the use of stimulation (RR‐0.54; 95% CI, 0.21–1.42), suctioning (RR‐0.48; 95% CI, 0.18–1.27) and bag‐and‐mask ventilation (RR‐0.93; 95% CI, 0.47–1.83) after HBB training. The proportion of babies receiving bag‐and‐mask ventilation within the Golden Minute of birth increased by more than 2.5 times (RR‐2.67; 95% CI, 2.17–3.28).

Conclusion
The bag‐and‐mask ventilation within Golden minute has improved following the HBB programme. Implementation of HBB training improves timely initiation of bag‐and‐mask ventilation within one minute of birth.