Results from the East Africa Preterm Birth Initiative (PTBi-EA) study have showed that the intervention package that was implemented in Uganda and Kenya reduced the odds of combined fresh stillbirth and neonatal mortality among eligible infants by 34% compared with the control group.
The study aimed to assess the effect of a quality improvement package for intrapartum and immediate newborn care on stillbirth and preterm neonatal survival in two regions of the two countries, where evidence-based practices are often underutilised.
“The study assessed outcomes of low-birthweight and preterm babies. Eligible facilities were pair-matched and randomly assigned (1:1) into either the intervention group or the control group. All facilities received maternity register data strengthening and a modified WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist; facilities in the intervention group additionally received provider mentoring using PRONTO simulation and team training as well as quality improvement collaboratives,” the authors explain their methodology.
Publishing in the latest issue of The LANCET Global Health journal, the authors aver that “fresh stillbirth and neonatal mortality among low-birthweight and preterm babies can be decreased using a package of interventions that reinforces evidence-based practices and invests in health system strengthening.”
The full paper can be accessed through the link https://bit.ly/3kd4q4N