Table 2.

Quotations from chiefs at community meetings

Quotations
“Welcome my children. I fully understand the importance of research in development and urge you all to feel free to ask for my support at any time during the implementation period of this study.” Chief Moyo, Choma District
“Here in Chief Singani's area, our preferred method of notifying the study team on the delivery with 24 hours is by sending the family member. Also, our traditional birth attendants can also be useful, and most of them among us are willing to physically travel to the Centre to notify the study team on a delivery in the community. We are willing to share our cell phones wherever we have the network.” Chief Chipepo, Women's Meeting, Siavonga District
“Work that is intended to improve the health of our children and the mothers is exactly what we want, and I will personally ensure that this is given the support necessary in my chiefdom.” Chief Chikanta, Kalomo District
“I welcome this research in my chiefdom. Let me acknowledge the new developments in the health sector and especially the ones aimed at reducing maternal and child illnesses and deaths; and further state that the research is welcome. I pray that it will bring about further reduction of these illnesses and deaths in our women and new babies. My palace is open to you all anytime.” Chief Hamaundu, Choma District
“I am very happy to receive the good news of such a big study in my district. Let me assure you of my support. Any program or project, whether research or service delivery, that aims to help improve our children and women wellbeing is greatly appreciated by the people of Kalomo District. Yours is even special in that you are here for the rarely considered area of health, NEWBORN UMBILICAL CORD CARE!” Kalomo District Commissioner, Kalomo District
“I would like to thank the ZamCAT team for the good work aimed at trying to find an answer to neonatal mortality in our district of Mazabuka. The area of umbilical cord care is a very important subject matter if we are serious about improving neonatal health in Zambia. I am challenging the ZamCAT team to ensure quality research work as outlined in the protocol is replicated in the field if we are to meaningfully contribute towards the attainment of MDG #4 in reducing infant mortality. I pledge my support and that of my district staff to the ZamCAT team.” District Community Medical Officer, Mazabuka District
“I am the custodian of healthcare for my chiefdom, and therefore, I am welcoming this progressive project, ZamCAT, in my chiefdom. I will make reference in my remarks to all the good works that the Boston University team is doing in my chiefdom, especially preventing babies from getting infected with HIV and now babies' umbilical cord care. I, however, challenge you to ensure you adhere to all ethical procedures in your work with my subjects. You should ensure all ethical requirements are followed in order to protect my subjects from research abuse.” Chief Sianjalika, Mazabuka District
“I am very happy to have such a big study that includes my district of Siavonga. Pregnant women and their newborns from the valley of Siavonga rarely receive such support and care. For your team to include the valley as part of the study area is appreciated greatly. Let me emphasize the importance of effective community sensitization considering that many studies that have involved people in the valley in the past have not explained the benefits of participation to community members. This has contributed to reluctance in participation on research studies. Please ensure you effectively share the study aims and procedures. Also, manage any expectations from participants before beginning the implementation. You are welcome to Siavonga.” District Commissioner, Siavonga District, December of 2010