Transitioning a Bundle for Early Assessment and Intervention for Children with Developmental Disability

In 2018, the Medical Research Council of the UK and Uganda Virus Research Institute (MRC/UVRI) first collaborated with Partners in Health Canada (PIH) to bundle and scale-up their respective innovations: PIH’s pediatric developmental clinic (PDC) and MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit’s ABAaNA Early Intervention Program (EIP).PDCs expand clinic-based care with home visits and parent support groups that promote stimulating, responsive follow-up care for high-risk infants after discharge from hospitals and health centers. Enrolled children are seen in the PDC according to the protocol for their specific condition, with a minimum of 7 visits up to the child’s second birthday. Children identified with developmental disabilities are then referred into the EIP to receive further support out of facility and within their communities. The EIP is a community-based, peer-led group program for caregivers and their children with early developmental disability. Together, the PDC/EIP model provides one cohesive solution of care consisting of tiered and targeted support for mothers and their vulnerable children.