Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Handbook Projects

1. Definition

To level up mother's knowledge, attitude and behavior, and to improve MCH service and status, through nationwide utilization of MCH handbook in Indonesia

2. Background

Maternal mortality rate (425/100 thousand birth in 1993) and Infant mortality rate (47/1000 birth in 1995) of Indonesia remain higher than those of other ASEAN countries. In Indonesia, Improvement of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) service is a focal point of the national plan.

Japan implemented MCH project 1989-1995 in certain Indonesian provinces. Consequently it is ensured that MCH handbook developed in this project is a very effective tool as health promotion and service device.

Currently Japan has extended target area to national level to be continuously working for the assistance on development and dissemination of MCH handbook in partnership with several partners (see 4.).

3. Details

(1) The assistance for development and dissemination of MCH handbook in partnership with WB, ADB, UNICEF,World Vision, Indonesian Midwife Association, etc.

(2) Promotion of South-south cooperation for dissemination of MCH handbook to other countries

(3) Convening international symposium* on MCH handbook

*At present, planned for next year in Thailand

4. Partners

Ministry of Health of Indonesia, WB, ADB, UNICEF, World Vision, Indonesian Midwife Association, etc.