Solution - NEST

About the NEST Model

Since 2014, the Paolo Chiesi Foundation has been committed to improving neonatal survival in sub-Saharan Africa through the NEST Model, which focuses on reducing neonatal mortality (0–28 days) among premature, low birth weight, and sick newborns. with a particular emphasis on French-speaking countries in the region.

The NEST Model promotes a family-centered care approach designed to ensure both the survival and healthy development of newborns.

The name NEST – Neonatal Essentials for Survival & Thriving expresses an integrated, newborn-centered strategy that not only helps babies survive, but also creates the conditions for a safe, nurturing, and opportunity-rich start to life.

Essentials

reflects the focus on core elements, evidence-based practices, and essential resources required for effective neonatal care

Survival

highlights the urgent priority of saving newborn lives, particularly in high-risk and resource-constrained settings

Thriving

goes beyond survival, aiming to support optimal development, long-term health, and overall wellbeing

From strategy to action

The NEST Model provides a practical roadmap to address the main causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Inspired by global frameworks and best practices, the NEST Model aims to close the gap between theory and practice and respond to the challenges that local health systems face on the ground.

It begins with a detailed analysis of the barriers to quality newborn care and leads to the development of sustainable, context-appropriate solutions.

By turning evidence into action, the NEST Model empowers healthcare providers and communities to deliver high-quality, life-saving care for the most vulnerable newborns.

Strategic Framework

Inspired by global frameworks, this phase defines the model’s guiding vision, principles, and core areas of action. It establishes the overarching structure within which all interventions are designed and aligned.

Operational Implementation

It focuses on translating strategic priorities into context-specific actions on the ground. It describes how the model is applied in practice to address identified needs, strengthen local systems, and ensure sustainability.

Strategic Framework

Inspired by global frameworks, this phase defines the model’s guiding vision, principles, and core areas of action. It establishes the overarching structure within which all interventions are designed and aligned.

Operational Implementation

It focuses on translating strategic priorities into context-specific actions on the ground. It describes how the model is applied in practice to address identified needs, strengthen local systems, and ensure sustainability.

Key Enablers of Change in the NEST Model

The NEST Model operates on multiple, interconnected levels to enable lasting improvements in newborn care. Its key areas of focus include:

Capacity Building and Support for Local Health Professionals

Investing in the training, motivation, and mentorship of frontline staff to deliver sustainable, context-adapted care. This includes addressing language and accessibility barriers to ensure equitable access to learning.

System Strengthening and Network-Based Service Delivery

Building resilient care systems through integrated “hub-and-spoke” networks that ensure continuity, quality, and knowledge sharing across levels of care.

Institutional Engagement and Ownership

Partnering with local institutions and professional bodies to co-design interventions, align with national priorities, and foster long-term sustainability.

Data, Learning, and Quality Improvement Systems

Strengthening data collection, analysis, and feedback loops to drive clinical practice, continuous learning, adaptation, and evidence-based advocacy.

Community and Family Engagement

Empowering families and communities to participate actively in newborn care and in sustaining behavior change beyond health facilities.

Evidence-Based Advocacy for Policy and Resource Mobilization

Using data and results from the NEST network to influence policies, secure resources, and raise the profile of newborn health at all levels.

Overcoming Language Barriers

Ensuring equitable access to training material, guidelines, and health information by addressing linguistic barriers. Many essential guidelines and learning materials remain available only in English, limiting the participation of non-English-speaking professionals.

How does the NEST Model implementation work?

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