Achieving high coverage of Kangaroo mother care practice is possible: Lessons from implementation research for accelerating scale‐up in Tigray Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Aim To evaluate coverage of effective Kangaroo mother care (KMC) by developing a model that would result in high coverage (≥80%) of KMC for newborn weighing less than 2000 g at birth in Tigray region, Ethiopia. Methods The study used formative research and continuous programme learning in iterative cycles of model development and modification conducted in close collaboration with the Tigray Regional Health Bureau. Quantitative methods were used to evaluate the various models. All study facilities were enrolled simultaneously, and hospitals and health centres were considered to become KMC‐providers. Results The final scalable model implemented in two rural districts and one special urban zone of Tigray region attained the desired objective, with coverage of effective KMC of 82.3% at discharge. Conclusion Achieving high coverage of KMC is possible through the design of context‐specific implementation strategies. The key factors for success were the commitment and strong leadership from the regional health bureau, strong linkages within the health system and between different departments within health facilities, improved health worker knowledge, skills and attitudes, hospitals and health centres that supported KMC performance, and systematic generation and use of data for continuous quality improvement.

Developing context‐specific models to achieve high coverage and quality of KMC in India and Ethiopia: Learnings from implementation research

“…Several factors supported these positive results and each paper in this supplement highlights site‐specific factors 5–11 . Government guidelines were supportive in all sites.…”

“…This supplement brings together eight papers published by Acta Paediatrica 5–12 . They present learnings from a multi‐site implementation research 13 on how to accelerate the scale‐up of KMC in support of these goals.…”

“…4 ThissupplementbringstogethereightpaperspublishedbyActa Paediatrica. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] They present learnings from a multi-site implementationresearch 13 ThisisanopenaccessarticledistributedunderthetermsoftheCreativeCommonsAttributionIGOLicense,whichpermitsunrestricteduse,distributionand reproductioninanymedium,providedtheoriginalworkisproperlycited. ©2023WorldHealthOrganization;licensedbyFoundationActaPaediatrica.PublishedbyJohnWiley&SonsLtd.…”