Knowledge transfer

Extreme heat and maternal health in Matam

Transforming research into action

In the Matam region, the impact of extreme temperatures on maternal and child health remains largely undocumented. Although several strategic frameworks exist, such as the COMNACC (National Committee on Climate Change), the SNDD (National Strategy for Sustainable Development), and the PNDSS (National Health and Social Development Plan), the lack of evidence limits the ability of institutions to formulate recommendations adapted to local realities. In light of this gap, knowledge transfer plays an essential role, with the aim of transforming research findings into concrete tools for decision-making, improving professional practices, and promoting healthy behaviors.

"This field of study mainly aims to understand how to effectively promote and support the use of knowledge resulting from research through the implementation of different strategies"

The SPRINT project is based on a targeted and participatory knowledge transfer strategy, involving three key target groups:

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1.

Breastfeeding mothers

Improve exclusive breastfeeding practices among women in the community by strengthening community awareness strategies.

2.

Healthcare professionals and community stakeholders

Strengthen the capacity of health facilities by training health professionals in the use of indoor temperature monitoring data.

3.

Decision makers

Inform, mobilize, and influence decision-makers to implement concrete actions aimed at reducing the health effects of extreme temperatures (ET) on pregnant women and their children.

Below are the knowledge transfer plans, specifying the strategies envisaged and the activities to be implemented for each target. The first plan uses data from the research to inform the content of the community intervention in Matam and to highlight the usefulness of the indoor temperature monitoring system to healthcare professionals and the population. This plan is based on focus groups organized in October 2024 at the study sites, incorporating the perspectives of various stakeholders: breastfeeding women, health workers, neighborhood leaders, Badienou Gokh, as well as cultural, environmental, and housing sector stakeholders.

A second knowledge transfer plan focuses on how research findings, including those from community intervention, can contribute to effective decision-making for the benefit of the people of Matam. It places particular emphasis on ways to promote their adoption and effective use by the authorities.