Program Overview

Perinatal and Infant Health

Although the Prevention Institute has focused on areas related to perinatal and infant health since its inception in 1980, the Perinatal and Infant Health (PIH) program wasn’t formed until 2000 following a symposium on infant mortality co-hosted by the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute and Saskatchewan Health. From this symposium, the following recommendations were made:

To expand death reviews to the first year of life (364 days)
To implement a perinatal database for Saskatchewan
To examine the components of a perinatal-infant health reproductive care program
To implement health promotion strategies to address identified causes of infant mortality such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), congenital anomalies, Shaken Baby Syndrome, etc
To consult with health districts, First Nations and Métis Nations

Following the symposium, a partnership was formed between the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute and Saskatchewan Health to form the Perinatal and Infant Mortality Program, which was later renamed the Perinatal and Infant Health Program.

The ultimate goal of the PIH program is “to improve perinatal and infant health in Saskatchewan through a coordinated population health approach.” Its specific objectives are:

To increase the breadth and depth of knowledge about factors that contribute to perinatal and infant deaths in Saskatchewan, such as infant care practices, SIDS, preterm birth, congenital anomalies, etc
To increase awareness among parents, prospective parents, professionals, service providers and Saskatchewan residents about the major causes of perinatal and infant mortality
To increase knowledge of strategies to reduce specific causes of perinatal and infant mortality such as SIDS and congenital anomalies
To assess the relevance of existing strategies and programs aimed at reducing the risk of infant mortality in the areas of Saskatchewan that have the highest rates of infant mortality
To facilitate forums and other opportunities for information sharing between professionals about existing reproductive health services and ways to reduce perinatal and infant mortality
To build on existing partnerships and networks to enhance collaborative efforts in the areas of perinatal and infant health

The PIH program areas focus on the prevention of major causes of perinatal and infant mortality and morbidity. The current areas of focus have been identified through evaluation of statistical information and research evidence as well as the direction and recommendations of the Perinatal and Infant Health Advisory Committee.

The goals of each program area are to raise awareness and knowledge, facilitate information sharing, increase knowledge and implementation of successful strategies for prevention, and evaluate and continuously improve programs and strategies aimed at prevention and reducing the risks that contribute to infant mortality.

For more information on Perinatal and Infant Health issues, or to access our available resources and videos, please refer to our on-line Resource Catalogue.