Population Council Research that makes a difference

Since July 2005, with USAID funding and a subcontract from John Snow, Inc, the Population Council has been part of the Health Management and Quality Project, to which Council researchers contribute in three main areas: operations research, monitoring and evaluation, and continuous quality improvement programs.

The project seeks to improve clinic-based health service delivery and management capacity at the local level (health networks and municipalities) through a combination of activities. Implementing a continuous quality improvement (CQI) program in 50 percent of the 33 health networks is one of four key initiatives; the CQI program focuses on improving the management of child malnutrition and tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment. The second is to expand the use of evidence-based interventions to diminish maternal mortality and neonatal mortality, particularly from postpartum hemorrhage and asphyxia, infections, and prematurity. Third, the program aims to conduct operations research to identify best practices; alternative solutions to identified problems; evaluation methods; and needs for diagnostic, behavioral, financial, or intervention-related research. The final and summary program initiative is to institutionalize these interventions in Bolivia's health system.

Since 2007, the Population Council has completed several studies:

• Investigated the effects of the supplementary food Nutribebé on children’s nutrition and health;
• Explored the introduction of practices beneficial to mother and child health during delivery (immediate breastfeeding, early skin-to-skin contact, delayed clamping of the umbilical cord, and active delivery management);
• Evaluated strategies to improve communication between health providers and their clients;
• Examined ways to improve the diagnosis and treatment of neonatal infections; and
• Analyzed perceptions of the community on care for obstetric and neonatal emergencies.

 

Banner photo: Uri Carrasco