Authors: Thandi Maya Gondwana de Wit, Tanya Doherty, Michael Hendricks
Neonatal deaths remain a major concern in South Africa, with nearly half linked to prematurity. The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) program supports very low birth weight (VLBW) babies through community health worker visits. This study examined VLBW infants discharged from a regional hospital, their follow-up care, health outcomes, and caregiver experiences. Among 169 infants, most had respiratory distress or suspected infections at birth, and some mothers faced social challenges like smoking or teenage pregnancy. Although referral plans were made for 43% of infants, only 18% reached HCBS. Caregivers who received HCBS visits had positive experiences. Strengthening referral systems is key to ensuring more VLBW infants receive home-based follow-up care.
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Resource Topic: Child health
Resource Type: Qualitative
Year: 2025
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Country: South Africa
Publisher May Restrict Access: No