THE SETTING

THE LIFENET WAY IMPROVES MATERNAL AND INFANT CARE

According to UNICEF, 80% of newborn deaths are preventable. Similarly, the World Bank estimates that 74% of maternal deaths are preventable if health workers have access to the knowledge and tools they need. Four of the top clinic-based delivery complications in resource-limited settings are infection, sepsis, hemorrhage and asphyxia. These morbidities are preventable and/or readily treatable through evidence-based practices (EBPs) such as hand washing and equipment sterilization, proper estimation of blood loss, placental assessment and infant CPR.

Despite the fact that the supplies and equipment needed to adhere to these key EBPs are inexpensive and generally available, utilization of these EBPs at health facilities in low-resource settings across sub-Saharan Africa is generally limited. This is largely due to a lack of knowledge and skills among healthcare providers. Although training programs on EBPs exist, there is little driving their long-term adoption and adherence in clinical settings.

LifeNet’s innovative interventions directly address these challenges and improve maternal and infant care at these health facilities with cost-effective maternal and infant health training, which also includes a corresponding supply of related equipment. By equipping behavior change and ensuring adherence to EBPs, LifeNet interventions have a significant impact on the leading causes of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. In 2021 alone, LifeNet partner health facilities saved the lives of 2,789 mothers and newborns at birth, by implementing proper protocols for postpartum hemorrhage and birth asphyxia.