Lessons from the field: Supporting infection prevention and control and antimicrobial stewardship in Amman, Jordan.

Background: To reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR), appropriate antimicrobial prescribing is critical. In conjunction with Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) programs, Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASP) have been shown to improve prescribing practices and patient outcomes. Low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) face challenges related to inadequate ASP policies and guidelines at both the national and healthcare facility (HCF) levels.

Engagement of private healthcare sector in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health in selected Eastern Mediterranean countries.

Background: The private healthcare sector in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) is active and growing, providing curative, preventive, and promotive services related to reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH).

Aims: To understand the contribution of formal for-profit private health-care sector in delivering RMNCAH services and explore best practices for improvement.

Methods: Desk review of available literature from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, Egypt, Sudan, Yemen, Pakistan, and Islamic Republic of Iran, followed by stakeholder interviews in Iraq, Pakistan, and Oman were carried out.

Global implementation survey of Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI): 20 years on.

Objective: To assess the extent to which Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) has been adopted and scaled up in countries.

Setting: The 95 countries that participated in the survey are home to 82% of the global under-five population and account for 95% of the 5.9 million deaths that occurred among children less than 5 years of age in 2015; 93 of them are low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Maternal and perinatal health research priorities beyond 2015: an international survey and prioritization exercise.

Background: Maternal mortality has declined by nearly half since 1990, but over a quarter million women still die every year of causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Maternal-health related targets are falling short of the 2015 Millennium Development Goals and a post-2015 Development Agenda is emerging. In connection with this, setting global research priorities for the next decade is now required.