“Neonatal Mortality in Low and Lower-Middle Income Countries: Which Areas Require Further Attention? Evidence from Bangladesh”
The global neonatal mortality rate is still high – 19 per 1,000 live births in 2015 which accounts for 45 percent of under-five deaths. If this trend continues, the rate of neonatal deaths is projected to increase to 52 percent of under-five deaths in 2030. A majority of these deaths occur in low and lower-middle income countries where neonatal mortality rates are nearly seven times more likely compared with newborn living in high-income countries. Against this background, my research project summarizes the key factors that affect the neonatal mortality in Bangladesh.
Why did you decide to embark on your research degree at the Faculty of Health at UTS?
I believe that the Faculty of Health has a range of professors who are experts in the field I am attempting to explore and therefore, persuade me to embark my studies at this University.
What contribution to knowledge are you planning to make with your research project?
I think my research on neonatal morality in Bangladesh may have implications on the adoption and implementation of the essential interventions in saving newborn lives. The investigation provides insight into the impact of different health care practices on neonatal mortality which are relevant for policy making, planning and implementing interventions in Bangladesh as well as other low and lower-middle income countries.
Who will benefit from your research? How?
Newborns will be benefited from better quality of essential newborn care, especially those from vulnerable groups. This research provides statistics to show how are those existing interventions working in reducing neonatal mortality, therefore, I believe policy makers will also be benefited in revisiting their policy.
How did you go about selecting your supervisor?
First, I investigated staff profiles and read their research projects to explore their interest. Then I communicated with some of them and expressed my research interest and finally, I concluded on a supervisor.
What advice would you give to future research students thinking about starting a higher degree in research at the Faculty of Health?
I would definitely encourage people to consider Faculty of Health at UTS because of its friendly environment, quality researchers and other research facilities.