Terms of Reference (TOR)

MotherNewBorNet
Facilitating translation of research into action

Network Goal:  To move research into practice to improve maternal and neonatal health at the community level

Objective:  Strengthen and scale-up community based maternal and newborn health programs using evidence-based interventions

Technical focus:  Integrated or linked programming that includes maternal, newborn and family planning interventions

Approach:  A phased approach of topics, partners, and regional concentration

Sub-objectives for first two years:

1. Develop the network through an initial focus on community-based, integrated postpartum care for both mothers and newborns
2. Develop the partnership through enhanced dialogue initially among USAID staff and USAID bilateral programs and global cooperating agencies
3. Develop the partnership with implementation activities  initially in the Asia and Near East  region
4. Document and support learning across projects and countries to address gaps in knowledge, programs and practices
   1. Map on-going research and identify priorities and gaps  in community-based postpartum care research
   2. Map on-going programs and identify priorities and gaps in community-based post partum care programs
   3. Share information, tools, and guidelines on maternal and neonatal health, including evidence-based best practices developed by bilateral programs
   4. Facilitate targeted assistance needs and foster partnerships to address these needs

Longer-term sub-objectives will include:

1. Facilitate response to research and program gaps.
2. Advocate to promote the use of evidence-based best practices at scale
3. Expand global knowledge on community-based integrated post-partum care
4. Share information on models and approaches for scaling-up
5. Promote donor and country support and resources for program and research activities.