Innovation in Reducing Maternal Mortality in the Philippines

This project aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality in typhoon-ravaged Eastern Samar and three urban slum communities in Metro Manila in the Philippines by addressing the lack of maternal newborn and child health (MNCH) services such as family planning skilled birth attendants emergency obstetric care and newborn care as well as the lack of community understanding of safe motherhood practices. To address these needs this initiative aims to establish an integrated network of four non-profit MNCH clinics delivering services and outreach. Project activities include: (1) conducting information and education campaigns on safer MNCH issues; (2) training clinic medical staff on quality care standards and up-to-date MNCH issues knowledge and practices; (3) setting-up and opening four MNCH clinics; (4) training women youth and other marginalized groups in human rights and gender equality to enable behavioural changes that promote safe practices; and (5) produce and distribute public engagement resources on MNCH (print online video toolkit) for use in Canada. This project is expected to contribute directly to the improved health of approximately 16 000 people including approximately 6 400 children. In addition more than 171 000 are expected to benefit indirectly from this project. Inter Pares is implementing this project in collaboration with the local partner Likhaan Center for Women's Health.

The expected outcomes for this initiative include: (1) improved delivery of essential health services to mothers pregnant women newborns and children under five years of age; (2) improved utilization of essential health services by mothers pregnant women newborns and children under five years of age; and (3) increased Canadian public engagement in maternal newborn and child health issues.