Population Council Research that makes a difference

The problem

Throughout sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, 75–90 percent of the poorest women give birth at home, often without experienced support. In resource-poor settings, the postnatal period is the most neglected in the birth continuum—only 13 percent of women in developing countries receive care within 24 hours of giving birth. As a result, many women and babies die unnecessarily every year. Furthermore, birth-related illnesses and complications can have long-lasting effects on a mother's health and the health and well-being of her newborn. One growing area of research in low-resource settings is maternal mental health and the impact of a mother's ill health on fetal, infant, and child development. 

Early intervention works

Antenatal care and treatment in the first days and weeks postpartum can prevent at least two-thirds of newborn deaths. Eighty percent of maternal deaths are preventable with a set of proven interventions delivered by a skilled attendant. Similarly, treatment for perinatal depression can improve outcomes for mother and baby alike.

For many women, however, a cellular signal is more likely to reach their home than a skilled attendant or community health worker.

Baby Monitor takes clinical screening directly to women in the critical period before and after birth. This mobile phone application, developed with partners at InSTEDD, uses interactive voice response technology to detect complications and take action. Women listen to screening questions in their local language and respond by pressing a key. Baby Monitor assesses responses and, if necessary, sends information, makes referrals, and dispatches community health workers.

Baby Monitor is made possible by the generous support of the Saving Lives at Birth partners: the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Government of Norway, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Grand Challenges Canada, and The World Bank.

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See also

• News release: Saving Lives at Birth Grand Challenge Results Announced in Washington, DC