Accelerated scale-up of Kangaroo Mother Care: Evidence and experience from an implementation-research initiative in south India

Aim Though Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) has demonstrated benefits for low birth weight newborns, coverage continues to be low in India. As part of a World Health Organization (WHO) multi-country study, we explored intervention models to accelerate KMC coverage in a high priority district of Karnataka, India. Methods We used implementation-research methods, formative assessments and quality improvement approaches to design and scale-up interventions. Evaluation was done using prospective cohort study design; data were collected from facility records, and client interviews during KMC initiation, at discharge and at home after discharge. Results KMC was initiated at health facilities for 87.6% of LBW babies under 2000 g. At discharge, 85.0% received KMC; 67.9% continued to receive KMC at home on the 7th day post-discharge. The interventions included training, mentoring and constant advocacy at many levels: public health facilities, private sector and the community. Innovations like a KMC case sheet, counselling, peer support group triggered KMC in the facilities; a KMC-link card, a microplanning and communication tool for CHWs helped to sustain practice at homes. Conclusion The study provides a novel approach to designing and scaling up interventions and suggests lessons that are applicable to KMC as well as to broader reproductive, maternal, neonatal and child health programmes.

Automated summary

This study explores intervention models to accelerate the coverage of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) for low birth weight newborns in a high priority district in Karnataka, India. The interventions included training, mentoring, and constant advocacy at various levels to promote the implementation of KMC in health facilities and the community.