Approximately every two minutes a baby dies in the WHO Western Pacific Region. The majority of newborn deaths occur within the first few days, mostly from preventable causes. The high mortality and morbidity rates among newborns are related to inappropriate hospital and community practices that currently occur throughout the Region. Furthermore, newborn care has fallen into a gap between maternal care and child care.This Guide provides health professionals with a user-friendly, evidence-based protocol to essential newborn care--focusing on the first hours and days of life.