Bergh, Anne-MarieManu, R.Davy, KarenVan Rooyen, EliseAsare, G. QuansahWoonor-Williams, A.Dedzo, M.Twumasi, A.Nang-Beifubah, A.2017-04-072017-04-072013-06Bergh, AM, Manu, R, Davy, K, Van Rooyen, E, Asare, GQ, Awoonor-Williams, JK, Dedzo, M, Twumasi, A & Nang-Beifubah, A 2013, 'Progress with the implementation of kangaroo mother care in four regions in Ghana', Ghana Medical Journal, vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 57-63.0016-9560http://hdl.handle.net/2263/59709AIM : To measure progress with the implementation of kangaroo mother care (KMC) for low birth-weight (LBW) infants at a health systems level. DESIGN : Action research design, with district and regional hospitals as the unit of analysis. SETTING : Four regions in Ghana, identified by the Ghana Health Service and UNICEF. PARTICIPANTS : Health workers and officials, health care facilities and districts in the four regions. INTERVENTION : A one-year implementation programme with three phases: (1) introduction to KMC, skills development in KMC practice and the management of implementation; (2) advanced skills development for regional steering committee members; and (3) an assessment of progress at the end of the intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES : Description of practices, services and facilities for KMC and the identification of strengths and challenges. RESULTS : Twenty-six of 38 hospitals (68%) demonstrated sufficient progress with KMC implementation. Half of the hospitals had designated a special ward for KMC. 66% of hospitals used a special record for infants receiving KMC. Two of the main challenges were lack of support for mothers who had to remain with their LBW infants in hospital and no follow-up review services for LBW infants in 39% of hospitals. CONCLUSIONS : It was possible to roll out KMC in Ghana, but further support for the regions is needed to maintain the momentum. Lessons learned from this project could inform further scale-up of KMC and other projects in Ghana.en© 2013 Ghana Medical JournalGhanaKangaroo mother care (KMC)Low birth weight (LBW)Premature infantArticle