Learning’s from community and home-based newborn care experiences of India for strengthening Rajasthan’s Community Level Newborn interventions

Introduction: This study was conducted to understand the evidences generated on community and home-based interventions related to newborn health in India, a systematic review of studies on community and home based interventions from India for last decade 1999-2000 to 2010-2011 is presented. Methods: The data was reviewed from various online reports and publications available and the three main sources from where health services, and morbidity and mortality data are derived for the study include the NFHS, DLHS and the Report of RGI. Study data was summarized and analyzed using appropriate statistical tools. Results: An analysis of all community based interventions till 2010 demonstrate a reduction in NMR, early NMR, still births and perinatal mortality. It also showed an increase in referrals to health facility for pregnancy – related complications and improved rates of early breastfeeding. The results were significant when impact was estimated for early neonatal mortality. The results are more encouraging if the proven interventions are implemented effectively with high coverage and targeted at areas and population where they are needed the most. Conclusion: Community based interventions have to be supported by facility-based interventions. With phased planning, outreach and family-based services can be effective in ensuring access of the poor to basic services, while professional clinical care is being strengthened and made more equitable. Even with a relative weak health system, it is possible to achieve measurable reduction in mortality with adequate coverage of community-based services