Missing gap: Neonatal Mortality Puzzle

As valuable as online qualitative research and literature review is, there is no substitute to discussing with key leaders in the Ministry of Health regarding MCH health priorities and country context on MCH. Particularly with a nation as complex and diverse as Ethiopia. Prior to coming to Ethiopia, I had an insightful conversation with Dr. Lia (Former Minister of Health) followed by an equally enlightening conversation this Monday with Dr. Meseret (Former Director of MCH at the Ministry of Health and currently Deputy Director of ACECD). During both conversations, the main theme was the lack of progress in neonatal mortality - currently at 33 per 1000 live births, which is simply unacceptable and tragic. There is a puzzle as the amount of investment towards neonatal care has not directly translated to improved health outcomes. Our research goal over the summer has thus solidified to producing evidence around neonatal outcomes across the continuum of care. Neonatal mortality is inextricably linked to maternal mortality so analyses around neonatal mortality must be considered at various points in the continuum of care. Specifically, understanding the coverage of Antenatal Care, Facility Delivery, Post-Natal Care as well as key Emergency Services needed for newborns. In addition, Ethiopia is a diverse country both geographically, economically and culturally and a key part of our research is also around equity of these services across the country. Receiving input from the Ministry of Health regarding priorities is invaluable and their enthusiasm about our research around the gaps in neonatal outcomes has been very inspiring and notable.

Geospatial data showing the 1,110 districts in Ethiopia. This is necessary to show the equity/disparities in services across the nation. I'm also learning QGIS from an expert on the team which is a key component of this analysis at the district-level.

On Wednesday, I went to the MoH for meetings with the MCH Department. To the right is the Data Manager at the Maternal and Child Health Department of the Ministry of Health (Abraham Kassahun) along with my supervisor Dr. Fentabil Getnet. Abraham is the data guru around MCH in Ethiopia and was a great resource on identifying reliable data sources for our analyses as well as helping us understand how the conflict and COVID have affected data collection and reliability.

I am continuously learning each week and so grateful for the opportunity to work on impactful research to drive public health policy and improve health outcomes for newborns and mothers in Ethiopia. Below is an essential Ethiopian tradition I have come to love - Coffee after lunch with colleagues at NDMC.