Abt Care Project: Reducing Infant Mortality in Rural Bihar

A Healthcare Toolkit Designed by Abhishek Majumder and Deepali Saini

Think Design collaborated with Abt Associates to develop a toolkit aimed at reducing delays in the care pathway for pneumonia and diarrhea, two major causes of infant mortality in rural Bihar. The goal was to equip informal health providers with the necessary tools to identify severe cases and make timely referrals to doctors.

The Abt Care Project stands out for its unique approach. The solution is entirely paper-based and physical, making it easily accessible and adaptable for adoption across numerous villages. The toolkit includes a decision-making manual, a communication kit, and a record-keeping tool.

The decision-making manual, printed on A4-sized paper, provides clear instructions for healthcare providers on what to prescribe and when to escalate criticality. The communication kit, also printed on A4-sized paper, keeps parents informed about when to seek healthcare services and how to care for their child during critical situations. The record-keeping tool, housed in a custom-made leatherette folder, allows parents to store patient records for future reference.

Think Design's solution not only addresses the technical aspects of the problem but also takes into account the literacy levels and perspectives of the users. The toolkit is designed to be easily understood by people with varying levels of literacy, ensuring that it can be effectively used by individuals from different backgrounds.

The Abt Care Project was executed in India over a three-month period, starting in April 2016. The final product was rolled out in October 2016, following extensive research and validation with actual users. The project involved desktop research, rapid ethnography, stakeholder workshops, guided tours, and semi-structured interviews to gain a comprehensive understanding of the problem and the needs of the users.

Overcoming challenges such as understanding the users' perspective and shedding biases, Think Design successfully created a toolkit that addresses the specific needs of rural communities. The solution not only reduces infant mortality rates but also empowers healthcare providers and parents with the necessary knowledge and tools to make informed decisions.

The Abt Care Project has been recognized for its excellence and impact. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2017 in the category of Public Awareness, Volunteerism, and Society Design. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that are practical, innovative, and meet professional and industrial requirements. The Abt Care Project's integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics contributes to a better world by improving healthcare outcomes for infants in rural Bihar.