The Uganda NewBorn study (UNEST) was implemented by MakSPH in Iganga and Mayuge Districts in Eastern Uganda. The aim of the study was to confront the challenge of equitably and effectively operationalising already existing and proven low cost evidence-based interventions that are already policy.

The study was then to design, adapt, develop and cost an integrated maternal-newborn care package that links community and facility care, and evaluate its effect on maternal and neonatal practices in order to inform policy and scale-up in Uganda. Through formative research around evidence-based practices, and dialogue with policy and technical advisors, UNEST designed a home-based neonatal care package implemented by Village Health Team (VHT) member, effectively a Community Health Worker.

These CHWs were trained to identify pregnant women and make five home visits- two before and three just after birth, and providing a linkage between community and the health facilities.