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Scaling up Chlorhexidine for Newborn Cord Care in Pakistan

Evidence from Pakistan and the surrounding region shows that ensuring optimal cord care at birth and in the first week of life is a crucial strategy to prevent life-threatening sepsis and avert preventable neonatal deaths. Chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) is a low-cost antiseptic that is effective against major causes of neonatal infection. The private sector in Pakistan plays a critical role in ensuring access to key health services, including deliveries and neonatal care. With locally manufactured CHX now widely available, SHOPS Plus is supporting the introduction of CHX in the private health sector. To inform the strategy, SHOPS Plus conducted a landscape assessment of the CHX market. This report summarizes key findings from the assessment.