The Home Based Management of Young Infants (HBMYI) is a research study intended to study the effectiveness of a package of home-based interventions, delivered by a village-based worker, in reducing mortality of neonates and young infants (<60 days) in rural communities through a multi-site field trial.

In Rajasthan, Rajsamand district was chosen in consultation with state and district authorities as it had neonatal mortality above 40 per 1000 births and more than 70 percent of deliveries occurred at home. A baseline study undertaken at the beginning of the study would help to assess the outcome and impact of the interventions. Teenage, first-time and illiterate mothers, and those from SC/ST and OBC communities exhibited the highest NMR in the baseline study. The study undertaken across four PHC areas of the district follows two approaches- in two PHC areas village based female workers called shishu rakshaks (SR) have been employed while in other two PHC areas anganwadi workers (AWW) have been trained to provide the home-based care. The SR/AWW visits the families during pregnancy, delivery and 8 times during the first postpartum month. She educates the mother & family on newborn care and feeding, detects problems and manages or refers them. This is carried out with an extensive support from ARTH, ICDS and health department.