Reducing infections among low birthweight infants through micronutrient powders, hand sanitizers, and education

Bangladesh

Project Summary

Low birthweight infants are particularly vulnerable to frequent infections and consequent morbidity resulting in sub-optimal breastfeeding, limited ingestion of complementary foods and ultimately micronutrient deficiencies that result in post-natal linear growth faltering. The objective of this research is to facilitate improved feeding practices through the early reduction of infections using the innovative tool of water-based hand sanitizers, and a combination of improved micronutrient powders (MNPs) plus nutrition and hygiene education thereafter.

Collaborating Institutions

Hospital for Sick Children (applicant organization): The Research Institute at The Hospital for Sick Children (University of Toronto) undertakes child-centered research across the life continuum from fetal origins to adult outcomes, including fundamental discovery, applied research, and outcomes and impact.

BRAC (Implementing Agency): The study will be carried out in partnership with the Research and Evaluation Division of BRAC, the largest non-governmental organization in Bangladesh. BRAC has the infrastructure for scaling up the outcomes of this new project with Alive and Thrive and other health program partners of BRAC to improve child health in Bangladesh.

Principal Investigator

Dr. Stanley Zlotkin, M.D., Ph.D., Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto