Summary

This JHU-ICDDR,B –Oxford University-Shishu Hospital-Kumudini Hospital study is a cluster randomized, controlled trial in a population of 300,000 in rural Mirzapur, Bangladesh, to evaluate the impact (mortality, care practices, cost-effectiveness, equity) of a package of maternal and neonatal care practices, including community health education to promote birth preparedness, clean delivery, evidence-based essential newborn care, and prompt care-seeking for illness at a community-based tertiary care center. We will also determine the agents of serious neonatal infections on a population basis for the first time, which will inform the rational development of treatment regimens. This trial will inform the government of Bangladesh and NGOs of the cost-effectiveness of this model of neonatal health service delivery.

This project is being conducted through the Johns Hopkins International Center for Advancing Neonatal Health.