Saving Newborn Lives in Pakistan

Implementing Kangaroo Mother Care

Prof Rubina Sohail, Dr. Noreen Rasul, Dr. Rubab Khalid, Dr. Saba Ansari, Dr. Mariam Iqbal

Background

Preterm infants face heightened risks from hypothermia, infections, and hypoglycemia —contributing to about 12 deaths per 1,000 live births. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) offers a cost-effective solution in resource-limited settings by promoting thermoregulation, breastfeeding support, and early discharge, thereby reducing neonatal mortality compared to conventional care. Substantial progress has been made in its implementation in many developing countries including Pakistan where facility-based KMC has been institutionalized

Objectives

To demonstrate the implementation of KMC in Pakistan since 2016, and its outcome.

KMC Criteria used in Pakistan 

• Weight of baby 
• Gestational age < 37 weeks
• Babies who don't need NICU

KMC – Components 

• Skin-to-Skin contact in Kangaroo Position
• Kangaroo Nutrition
• Early discharge
• Support mother and family
• Follow-up

KMC discharge Criteria 

• Weight gain 15-20 gms/ day for 3 consecutive days 
• Established breastfeeding 2-3 hourly for 20-30 mins
• Comprehensive counselling for continued KMC at home
• Ensured support of the family for KMC after discharge

KMC Implementation Plan 

• Training 
• Establishing KMC units
• Data collection 
• Performance review 
• Feedback