Neonatal health program management in a resource-constrained setting in rural Uttar Pradesh, India

Abigail Thomas, Vishwajeet Kumar, Mahendra Bhandari, Ramesh C. Ahuja, Pramod Singh, Abdullah H. Baqui, Shally Awasthi, J. V. Singh, Mathuram Santosham, Gary L. Darmstadt, Netu Bharti, Amit Gupta, Sanjay Gupta, Rajendra P. Misra, Saroj Mohanty, M. K. Mitra, Vivek Singh, Smita Drona Singh, Peter J. Winch, Ranjanaa Yadav

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

This analysis identifies salient features of team management that were critical to the efficiency of program implementation and the effectiveness of behavior change management to promote essential newborn care practices in Uttar Pradesh, India. In May 2003, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and King Goeorge Medical University initiated a clusterrandomized, controlled neonatal health research program. In less than 2 years, the trial demonstrated rapid adoption of several evidence-based newborn care practices and a substantial reduction in neonatal mortality in intervention clusters. Existing literature involving research program management in resource-constrained areas of developing countries is limited and fails to provide models for team organization and empowerment. The neonatal research project examined in this paper developed a unique management strategy that provides an effective blueprint for future projects. Transferable learning points from the project include emphasizing a common vision, utilizing a live-in field site office, prioritizing character and potential in the hiring process, implementing a learning-by-doing training program, creating tiers of staff recognition, encouraging staff autonomy, ensuring a broad staff knowledge base to seamlessly handle absences, and maintaining the flexibility to change partnerships or strategies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)173-184
Number of pages12
JournalInternational Journal of Health Planning and Management
Volume24
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009

Keywords

  • India
  • Low-resource
  • Management
  • Neonatal health

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health Policy

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