Neonatal Screening Program coverage in Maringá (PR), 2001 to 2006

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the National Newborn Screening Program (NNSP) coverage in the city of Maringá, from 2001 to 2006. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional research design, which verified the number of live newborns as well as the number of screened children. The study considered the children born in Maringá as well as those born in other cities but living in Maringá. RESULTS: The NNSP did not reach the expected coverage of 100% in Maringá during the first five years of evaluation. There is a need to consider certain particularities when performing data analysis, such as the period and the place of material collection. CONCLUSION: Changes should be made so as to improve NNSP coverage. Furthermore, the period when the blood sample was drawn should be reconsidered and decentralized with a view to improve health care delivery.