Testing a scalable community-based approach to improve maternal and neonatal health in rural Nepal

Objective:the aim of the study was to determine the feasibility of improved maternal–neonatal care-seeking and household practices using an approach scalable under nepal's primary health-care services.study design:impact was assessed by pre- and post-intervention surveys of women delivering within the previous 12 months. each district sample comprised 30 clusters, each with 30 respondents. the intervention consisted primarily of community-based antenatal counseling and dispensing and an early postnatal home visit; most activities were carried out by community-based health volunteers.result:there were notable improvements in most household practice and service utilization indicators, although results regarding care-seeking for danger signs were mixed.conclusion:it is feasible in a nepal setting to significantly improve utilization of maternal–neonatal services and household practices, using the resources available under the government primary health-care system. this has the potential to significantly reduce neonatal mortality.