Transcript Slide 1

Optimizing the Delivery of Key Maternal
and Newborn Interventions
through Task Shifting
Dr. Salim Sohani,
Senior Health Advisor, Canadian Red Cross
Ottawa
June 7, 2012
Lay Health Workers
• Perspective from organizations involved in
implementing MNCH programs in
Countries:
– where there is significant shortage of Health
human resources
– Where essential MNCH services are not
readily accessible
Set of interventions under the following
broad categories were considered and
recommendations made
• Promotional interventions for maternal and
new-born health
– Recommended
• Distribution of oral supplements to pregnant
women
– recommended with targeted M/E
– Low dose aspirin – only in the context of Rigorous
research
Interventions by LHWs and
recommendations
• Initiation and maintenance of
antiretroviral treatment or
antiretroviral prophylaxis for pregnant
women and for prevention of HIV
infection in infants
• Recommendations on HIV interventions will be complemented
by a comprehensive set of recommendations being prepared by
WHO department of HIV/AIDS
Interventions by LHWs and
recommendations
• Continuous support during labour
– Recommended to provide social support but not
medical care
• Prevention and treatment of
postpartum haemorrhage (PPH)
– Recommended –administer misoprostol to prevent
PPH
• Delivery of neonatal resuscitation
– Recommended in the context of Rigorous research
Interventions by LHWs and
recommendation
• Management of puerperal sepsis using
parenteral antibiotics before referral
– Recommended in the context of Rigorous research
• Initiation and maintenance of kangaroo
mother care
• Recommended in the context of Rigorous research
• Delivery of antibiotics for neonatal
sepsis
• Recommended in the context of Rigorous research