Plan International Canada Inc

Published purpose

This project aims to improve maternal, neonatal and child health (MNCH) in underserved populations of 26 districts and sub-districts of Ghana, Mali, Ethiopia, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. Reaching over 1.85 million people, including families and community health workers, the project uses a community-based approach and works to improve the quality of community outreach and MNCH services while encouraging health-seeking behaviours, and improved health care management. Activities include: training government health workers on basic obstetric and neonatal care, safe deliveries, and management of childhood illnesses; training health facility managers to strengthen quality control; equipping 63 health facilities and 30 maternity wards; conducting home visits for postnatal care; and helping communities address traditional cultural views impeding the use of health services. Plan Canada is working with the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, UNICEF and ministries of health, to implement this project. This project is part of Canada’s Maternal, Newborn and Child Health commitment.