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Neonatal mortality is a great marker for the development of a nation; for it to be controlled and kept at the lowest possible rates, it is necessary to understand all the variables that can influence this denominator. The three delays theory emerged to assess relevant points regarding maternal mortality in the perinatal period, points that can also be applied in the assessment of neonatal mortality. The objective of the study is to evaluate the influence of the distance between the neonate and the tertiary health service and the mortality rate due to infectious diseases, since these suffer great influence as to the delay in instituting appropriate treatment.