National Program for RMNCH + A: Newer Strategies for Improving the Newborn Health in India

Indian J Pediatr. 2019 Jul;86(7):617-621. doi: 10.1007/s12098-019-02867-x. Epub 2019 Feb 8.

Abstract

RMNCH+A is a platform for delivering adolescent, maternal, newborn and child health in an integrated manner using a life cycle approach. The new initiatives under this strategy that would impact newborn health include antenatal corticosteroids in preterm labor, delayed clamping of cord at birth, skin-to-skin contact at birth and Kangaroo mother care, Family participatory care, Lactation management centers and care beyond newborn survival under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram. Even though the coverage of many of the existing initiatives has been moderately high, there are concerns about the quality of delivery of these interventions and slow progress in the roll out of the newer interventions. Quality assurance initiative such as Dakshata and LaQshaya will also contribute to improved newborn health as we proceed towards the Sustainable development goals (SDG) 2030 targets for newborn and child survival.

Keywords: Antenatal corticosteroids; Delayed cord clamping; Family participatory care; Human milk bank; Kangaroo mother care; Newborn health.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent Health
  • Child Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Child Health Services / standards*
  • Conservation of Natural Resources
  • Female
  • Humans
  • India
  • Infant Care / organization & administration
  • Infant Care / standards*
  • Infant Health / standards*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Kangaroo-Mother Care Method
  • Lactation
  • Mortality
  • Obstetric Labor, Premature
  • Pregnancy
  • Reproductive Health