Table 2 Implementation challenges identified and strategies co-designed in both countries
Challenges | Strategies |
|---|---|
Mother’s fear of COVID-19 infection at health facilities and COVID-19 response measures (restricted mass gatherings, limited mobility, and restricted public transportation) | • Community mobilization • Integrate COVID-19 and routine services • Strengthen facility-level infection prevention and control practices |
Stock-out of essential drugs and supplies | • Strengthen supply chain management • Redistribution of supplies, and • Advocacy for iCCM/PSBI supply integration |
Weak support system | • Supportive supervision and coaching • Technical oversight from district/sub-county health management offices • Establish a technical support unit (Ethiopia only) • Adaptation of digital platforms to support data management and tracking of PSBI cases (Kenya only) |
Weak referral systems between facilities and frontline health workers | • Strengthen community-facility referral link |
Weak integration of support system, commodity supply, and community-to-facility referral within routine newborn care | • Advocacy for iCCM/PSBI supply integration • Advocacy for procurement of gentamicin (Ethiopia only) • Integrate PSBI management strategies into the district/county work stream (performance review, supervision, and annual planning sessions) |