• A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted to determine the frequency of delays in healthcare among deceased infants and children aged 1-59 months.

• Data was collected through verbal autopsies and medical records from 6 sites across the globe.

• The three-delay model was used to assess the delays.

• The findings of the study are as follows:

1. 64% of the participants had at least one form of delay.

2. The most common form of delay was waiting to seek care, in which waiting for >72 hours after recognizing the illness, was the most common. (32%).

3. 4% of the individuals had the 2nd delay,i.e., delay in obtaining transport and reaching the health care facility.

4. Delay in getting the necessary care, in the form of the absence of a few medications was seen in 8% of the participants.

5. It was found that children aged 12-59 months faced more delays when compared to those aged <12 months.

• There is a dire need for community-based interventions to ensure timely management of ailments to reduce mortality among infants and children.

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