OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological profile of neonates hospitalized in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the city of Anápolis, Goiás, Brazil, due to neonatal anoxia between 2014 and 2015. METHODS: The present study is an observational, descriptive, retrospective, epidemiological character, with a qualitative approach. The study site is a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in a public hospital in the municipality of Anápolis Goiás-Brazil. Data were collected from records of newborns hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit due to neonatal anoxia in the referred period, between 0 and 28 days of life, with the completion of a structured instrument for this purpose. After the data collection, the data were tabulated and analyzed by means of a statistical study and with specific literature on the subject in question. RESULTS: The total number of charts analyzed was 1210. The prevalence of neonatal anoxia was 1.16%. Mortality due to neonatal anoxia was 0.0008%, with lethality rate of 0.07%. Prevalence of male gender (57.14%), as well as cesarean sections (50%), term (64.28%) and adequate weight (78.57%) were demonstrated. DISCUSSION: A public health policy aimed at improving the actions performed during the prenatal period is essential for the reduction of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality and, consequently, the reduction of the incidence of neonatal anoxia.