The Role of the Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) Handbook in establishing a continuum of care for mothers, newborns, and children: BRAC's experience from urban slums of Bangladesh
Abstract
Background: In Bangladesh, the major barriers to achieving improved maternal, neonatal and child health (MNCH) are low levels of health education, discontinuity in maternal healthcare and lack of women’s empowerment.... [ view full abstract ]
Background:
In Bangladesh, the major barriers to achieving improved maternal, neonatal and child health (MNCH) are low levels of health education, discontinuity in maternal healthcare and lack of women’s empowerment. Globally, it’s already proven that Health literacy plays a fundamental role in addressing these obstacles and leading to improved outcomes in MNCH. The MNCH Handbook is a multifaceted health promotion tool that educates the community, facilitates communication with healthcare providers, and keeps record of the beneficiary's ongoing health status. BRAC introduced MNCH Handbook to a unique community based MNCH project of BRAC called Manoshi in 7.1 million urban slum dwellers in 12 City Corporations in Bangladesh. Since then there has been significant impact and an exceptional response from health care service providers and beneficiaries.
Objective:
This paper aims to demonstrate the achievements of Manoshi through exploring the utility of the handbook in improving health outcomes.
Methods:
Data was extracted from the BRAC’s Management and Information System and baseline survey in 2007 by ICDDRB.
Results:
The Handbook keeps health records of both mother and child and used as a training module. In 2014, modern contraceptive use rose to 65%. 4+ Antenatal care visits rose from 27% to 81%. Significant increases of 8.1% to 99% in 3+ postnatal care visits were obtained. Out of 148,687 deliveries 11% took place at home (86% in 2007) and 89% (14% at baseline) at facility based centers.
Conclusion:
The MNCH handbook is a very useful tool for realizing a comprehensive approach. Ultimately, it acts as a bridging tool between mothers and care providers. The results reflect major behavioral change within the community; and a substantial advancement in MNCH. This paper reveals the potential of the MNCH Handbook across Bangladesh and suggests its implementation on a wider scale in the future.
Authors
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Tamjida Sohni Hanfi
(BRAC)
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Nauruj Jahan
(BRAC)
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Kaosar Afsana
(BRAC)
Topic Area
V. Healthcare Service 5.1 Accessibility of healthcare services and its optimization 5.2 He
Session
EFA-O-05 » Evidence for Action in Policy and Programs (08:00 - Monday, 4th April, TBA)
Paper
Abstract_13th_ICUH_2016_Tamjida_Sohni_Hanfi_BRAC.docx
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