Research suggests that kangaroo mother care (KMC) can significantly reduce deaths in newborns as well as the risk of hypothermia and severe illness. Furthermore, it can lead to improved growth, breastfeeding practices and mother–child bonding. A recent study conducted by Chan and colleagues systematically reviewed the barriers and enablers of KMC within a health system…read more
Addressing the Maternal Mental Health Diagnosis Gap Through Screening Tools in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Posted onThere is a dearth of mental health screening tools validated for use in low-resource settings among pregnant women, specifically in Africa. To address this research gap, a study recently published in PLOS ONE by Heyningen et al. examined the reliability and feasibility of five screening tools to diagnose Major Depressive Episode and/or anxiety in a South African primary care antenatal clinic…read more
A Low-Cost Care Bundle Reduces Preterm Infant Mortality in Tanzania
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Despite progress, Tanzania’s under-five mortality rate continues to be high—largely driven by deaths during the first week of birth. A pilot study recently assessed the benefits of a low-cost, evidence-based preventive care bundle on preterm infant mortality. The pilot was introduced at three university-affiliated and one district hospital with support from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Tanzania…read more
Linking Maternal Height and Poor Birth Outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa
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A paper recently published in PLOS ONE examines the association between maternal height and cesarean section as well as maternal height and neonatal mortality in 34 sub-Saharan African countries, a region facing numerous maternal and neonatal health challenges along with the smallest gains—even losses—in average adult height during the last century…read more