International

In Kenya, PTBi-EA is improving facility care during the intrapartum period. The project is lead by Dr. Phelgona Otieno at 17 health facilities in Migori County. We began in 2016 by assessing facilities for project readiness and strengthening use of existing facility-based data collection, tools, and practices. We are currently testing a package that includes a customized version of the WHO’s Safe Childbirth Checklist, simulation and team training for providers through PRONTO International (preparing clinicians to better identify and manage preterm births), and training for health facility staff in quality improvement cycles. These interventions improve the quality of care for mothers and newborns, ultimately saving lives. 

PTBi-EA, Rwanda. Drawing on previous research in the US that shows group care can reduce preterm birth rates, our work in Rwanda focuses on group antenatal and postnatal care (referred to as prenatal and postpartum in the US). Dr. Sabine Musange, from the University of Rwanda in partnership with Rwanda Biomedical Center, leads the effort. PTBi-EA is conducting the largest cluster randomized control trial of group antenatal and postnatal care in the world. By 2019, 11,000 mothers-babies across 36 government health centers in five districts will be enrolled.

PTBi - Uganda is working with six health facilities in the Busoga region.The project began with assessing facilities for project readiness and strengthening the use of existing facility-based data collection tools and practices. We are currently implementing an intervention package that includes a Uganda-specific, customized version of the WHO’s Safe Childbirth Checklist; simulation and team training for providers through PRONTO International (preparing clinicians to better identify and manage preterm births); and training for health facility staff in quality improvement cycles. We feel confident that this package of interventions will improve the quality of care for mothers and newborns, ultimately saving lives in both Kenya and Uganda. 

Since its launch in 1994, UZ-UCSF studies have helped shape national and global responses to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and defined policies and standards regarding HIV acquisition, prevention, treatment and care. The collaborative research program has released a new report and website to commemorate this anniversary and highlight some of its noteworthy findings and accomplishments.