Karolinska Institutet study links improved maternity care to lower neonatal mortality

A study led by researchers at the Karolinska Institutet has demonstrated that improved maternity care can significantly reduce neonatal deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa. The research, published in Nature Medicine, focused on the ALERT project, which implemented a multi-faceted intervention across 16 maternity units in Benin, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The intervention utilized a co-design approach involving women, families, and healthcare professionals to identify barriers to care. Key components included specialized training for midwives and delivery staff, quality improvement support for hospitals, and mentorship for department managers. Researchers also established a digital perinatal register to monitor outcomes and provide feedback to staff.

Results showed a 22 percent reduction in early perinatal mortality, defined as stillbirth or death within the first 24 hours of life. Additionally, there was a 19 percent decrease in newborn complications related to oxygen deprivation. The study also noted improved fetal heart rate monitoring and a slight increase in cesarean sections, suggesting earlier detection of complications. Lead researcher Claudia Hanson noted that the model demonstrates how mortality and morbidity can be reduced even in resource-limited environments with high workloads.