Data To Action
DATA TO ACTION
The Background
At CHAMPS we believe that child mortality data should do more than describing the loss – it should prevent it.
Our Data-to-Action approach ensures no child’s death goes unexplained, and no lesson goes unused.
Our approach transforms detailed mortality findings into meaningful change for families, communities, health facilities, academic institutions, public health institutes and global partners. Our data becomes awareness and awareness becomes prevention.
Turning Loss into Life-Saving Change
Turning loss into life-saving change
WHO WE WORK WITH
Our Impact
CHAMPS partners across communities, health systems, academia, public health institutions, and global agencies to translate mortality data into action—locally and globally.
Through community engagement activities, 306 children were screened by community healthcare workers; of these, 43% (131/306) were diagnosed with some form of malnutrition, and 95% (126/131) were successfully linked to care. Our findings revealed critical gaps in the detection and management of malnutrition among children under five years of age in Kenya. In response to these insights, the CHAMPS Kenya team, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, implemented a community-based malnutrition intervention.
To strengthen laboratory diagnostics and clinical management in paediatric wards, the CHAMPS Mozambique team introduced routine antimicrobial-resistance testing through blood culture collection to support timely, evidence-based treatment decisions. Through this enhanced diagnostic approach in year-10, 52.7% (59/112) of culture-positive cases received a change in therapy to a more appropriate, susceptible antibiotic, resulting in improved quality of patient care.
A Bangladesh study investigating the aetiology and potential sources of maternal infections at the time of delivery associated with perinatal morbidity in Bangladesh revealed that the majority of maternal infections 73.6% (98/133) were nosocomial, compared to 35.2% (60/170) of women who tested positive upon admission. This disparity suggests that a substantial proportion of infections were acquired during facility-based care, highlighting significant gaps in existing infection prevention and control measures within maternity settings. In response, CHAMPS Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has initiated efforts to review and strengthen IPC protocols across health facilities from year 11.
Ethiopia established neural tube defects (NTDs) as a significant contributor to stillbirths and congenital malformations with an NTD-attributable mortality rate of 104 per 10,000 births. In response to these findings, CHAMPS Ethiopia team undertook an in-depth investigation to better understand local perceptions, levels of awareness, and the stigma experienced by mothers and families affected by NTDs. We are also collaborating with Nutrition International to promote the use of a double-fortified salt containing folate and iodine. The CHAMPS team continues to measure the program’s impact, ensuring this vital intervention reaches those who need it most.
To strengthen the Ministry of Health’s efforts to improve the quality of care for children aged <5 years in Bombali and Bo Districts, the CHAMPS team continues to provide critical support by sponsoring emergency drugs for hospitalized patients, with the aim of improving clinical outcomes. In Year 10, a total of 1,645 children were treated with CHAMPS-supported emergency drugs, of whom the majority (76.1%, 1,251/1,645) had favourable health outcomes and were discharged. A substantial proportion (6%, 101/1645) of patients who also received CHAMPS-supported emergency drugs left the hospital before being formally discharged by a medical practitioner. This observation highlights potential gaps in continuity of care and points to areas where additional support or system strengthening may be required.
A study in South Africa established that among deaths in children aged <5 years, 20% were attributable to burns. According to the DeCoDe panel, these burn-related deaths are entirely preventable. Guided by these insights, community-based interventions were implemented, focused on assessing knowledge and promoting behaviour change related to burn prevention and early treatment. Educational materials—including informational pamphlets and instructional videos on burn prevention, risk reduction, and household first-aid—were disseminated to more than 245 households to strengthen community awareness and response.
Nigeria is one of our newest sites with two surveillance sites in Bauchi and Cross River. Their data to action efforts are already gaining momentum. The current focus is on raising awareness of the surveillance programme and demonstrating its value to communities and health systems alike. Recognising the importance of continuity of care, transportation is provided to help women attend their antenatal care visits. At the same time, investments in quality improvement are underway, with midwives receiving advanced training in the management of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy—strengthening care where it matters most and laying the foundation for better maternal and newborn outcomes.
Pakistan is also one of our newest sites, with data to action efforts focused on strengthening community awareness and engagement. Through targeted campaigns, the site is promoting the importance of routine child vaccination and HIV testing—helping families make informed decisions about their health. To ensure timely care, transportation is provided for emergency medical situations, enabling rapid referral and linking of sick children to appropriate services. In parallel, healthcare workers are being equipped with essential skills in grief support, ensuring that families receive compassionate, holistic care during some of their most difficult moments.
Data To Policy Examples
Malnutrition
CHAMPS findings on high number of malnutrition deaths have led to a joint UNICEF-Ministry health investment in nutritional supplements for children in Sierra Leone
Neural Tube Defects
CHAMPS findings helped to drive a coordinated national response to the high burden of neural tube defects linked to folate deficiency in Ethiopia. We collaborated with the Ethiopian Public Health Institute in developing fortified salt solutions aimed at protecting future generations. Researchers estimated that folate-fortified salt could prevent nearly 18,000 child deaths every year in Ethiopia.
Poisoning
CHAMPS findings In South Africa informed stronger pesticide regulations and mandatory national reporting of deaths among children under 12 years old.
Improve Treatment Guidelines
CHAMPS data in South Africa revealed that many stillbirths and newborn deaths were linked to untreated preeclampsia. In response, policymakers added aspirin to the national essential medicines list for public prenatal clinics.
