Can BCG Vaccination at First Health-facility Contact Reduce Early Infant Mortality?

Launched by BANDIM HEALTH PROJECT · Dec 1, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring whether giving the BCG vaccine, which helps protect against tuberculosis, more frequently at health facilities can reduce early infant deaths in Guinea-Bissau. Currently, BCG vaccination often happens only once a week if there are enough children present, which can lead to delays. The researchers believe that by making the vaccine available every day, even for just one baby, they can lower the risk of babies dying from non-accidental causes by 25%.

To participate in this study, babies born in three specific regions of Guinea-Bissau (Oio, Biombo, and Farim) and registered by health workers will be eligible, as long as they are not born outside these areas or die within the first day. If their mothers agree, the babies will be monitored until they are 42 days old, which is when they are scheduled for other vaccinations. The study will look at how many babies survive, how often they need to go to the hospital for non-accidental reasons, and whether providing the vaccine daily is a cost-effective solution.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • All children registered during pregnancy in Oio, Biombo or Farim by CHWs or the BHP HDSS
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Children, who have died within 1 day after birth
• • Children born outside Oio, Biombo and Farim health regions