In Nepal, neonatal mortality accounts for 54% of deaths among children under age 5, with neonatal infection (sepsis) being one of the leading causes. The private sector treats the largest proportion of childhood illness cases. However, nationally representative data on the quality and appropriateness of care provided in the private sector for sick young infants are limited.
In 2017, USAID Nepal asked the Maternal and Child Survival Program (MCSP) to coordinate a large, nationally representative survey to obtain a more definitive picture of private sector outpatient care for possible severe bacterial infection (PSBI) among newborns and young infants. Study partners included the Child Health Division (CHD) of the Ministry of Health and Population, USAID, and New ERA.