The Oxytocin Challenge: Maximizing Safe Use

PATH is pleased to announce “The Oxytocin Challenge: Maximizing Safe Use,” a three-year project supported by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The project, which began on November 1, 2008, will work to improve maternal health and survival in resource-poor settings by creating a strong evidence base to support expanded safe use of oxytocin, a lifesaving drug recommended by the World Health Organization for the prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage.

The project will investigate administration of oxytocin via the Uniject™ injection device, a prefilled, autodisable device that can be used by community-based health workers. The strength of this project is its focus on rigorous evaluation and research of novel strategies to maximize safe use of oxytocin, answer key questions, and introduce interventions to minimize unsafe use. A supply-sustainability component will complete the project’s holistic approach. The work will be carried out in three countries in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, and in-country research partners.

• Video on oxytocin in Uniject
• Fact sheet on oxytocin in Uniject
• PATH's work in the Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage Initiative

Uniject is a trademark of BD.

Posted December 10, 2008.