Spotlights Series

This week we feature the work of Surekha Tayade, whose project addresses the critical challenges of maternal and neonatal health in rural central India. 

Surekha Tayade, awarded an RGHI Innovation Grant in 2024, is leading a project titled Optimising Maternal and Neonatal Health: Evaluating Hygiene Protocols and Crafting Training Modules for Labour Rooms in Rural Central India. Maternal mortality remains alarmingly high in many low and middle-income countries, with India accounting for nearly 20% of maternal deaths worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions. Additionally, child mortality is strongly linked to maternal health, and maternal infections contribute to severe health complications and fatalities.  

The project focuses on improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes by addressing hygiene practices in labour rooms within rural healthcare facilities. This approach includes conducting a needs assessment of current hygiene practices, reviewing global best practices in similar rural contexts, and developing targeted training modules for healthcare providers. The purpose of these modules is to equip providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to reduce infection risks during childbirth and postpartum care.  

Sarah Roberts, RGHI Executive Director, said,“By supporting innovative projects like this, we aim to bridge critical gaps in maternal and neonatal healthcare. Surekha’s work exemplifies the transformative potential of improving hygiene practices in rural healthcare settings to save lives and create lasting change.” 

Investing in hygiene is one of the most powerful and cost-effective strategies for improving global health outcomes. Poor hygiene remains a major cause of preventable illness and death, particularly among children, contributing to a substantial burden of disease worldwide. Hygiene has been instrumental in tackling some of humanity’s most significant health challenges. However, as new and emerging threats arise, we must accelerate our efforts to address critical hygiene gaps. By advancing hygiene research, building capacity, and translating evidence into policy, RGHI aims to drive transformative change, ensuring that hygiene continues to be a cornerstone of health resilience and disease prevention across the globe.  

Stay tuned next week for more insights from RGHI-funded research projects.