Optimising the prevention, diagnosis and management of preterm birth

Nearly 15 million infants are born preterm every year and preterm birth is the largest cause of death among newborn babies (age up to 28 days) and the children younger than 5 years. Globally, more than 80% of preterm births occur in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Preventing preterm birth, and mitigating the deleterious effects of preterm birth on newborns, is therefore key to reducing the high rates of preterm-associated mortality and morbidity worldwide. Projects are available for postgraduate research students to work with the Global Women’s and Newborn’s Health Group on this topic at the Burnet Institute in Melbourne. Available projects include: - What is the most effective system for classifying preterm births in low, middle- and high-income countries? - What are the effects of antenatal corticosteroids and tocolytics in women with complications of pregnancy? - What is the quality of medicines used in the prevention and management of preterm birth? - What are the effective strategies for prevention of preterm birth, particularly in low-middle income countries? These projects would allow the successful candidate to gain experience in global maternal and newborn health research, systematic reviews and quantitative and qualitative methodologies, with view to a scientific publication.