Abstract
Objective: To estimate neonatal mortality rates in Brazil between 2004 and 2014 and their variation over the years; To estimate the neonatal mortality rates by Brazilian regions and their variation among the Brazilian regions during the mentioned period. Methods: An ecological study based on secondary data obtained from the computer department of the Brazilian National Health System (DATASUS). Data collection was done through consultations in the Mortality Information System (SIM) and in the Live Birth Information System (SINASC). The study period was from 2004 to 2014, the variables studied were the number of live births and the number of deaths of children from 0 to 27 days. Results: Neonatal mortality rates varied over the years from a high of 11.86 in 2004 to a low of 8.97 in 2014. This reflects a downward trend for Brazil over the years. The South region has a minimum obtained of 7.56 in the year 2014. The Northeast region varied from 13.80 in 2004 to 10.31 in the year 2014. Conclusion: From the Brazilian epidemiological framework, the reduction of neonatal mortality still is a challenge for health services, society and government. In order to reduce these rates intervention on the various factors that affect neonatal mortality is fundamental.