The “Project for Continuum Care from Pregnancy to Infancy” is an ongoing initiative that aims to improve maternal and child health through targeted interventions, training, and awareness programs. This project, which began in January 2023 and is set to conclude in May 2025, represents a collaborative effort among various stakeholders committed to enhancing healthcare services from pregnancy through infancy. The year 2023 was particularly significant, marking the completion of Phase 3 with numerous achievements that underscore the project’s progress.
Throughout 2023, several key activities were implemented to advance the project’s goals. One of the major accomplishments was the pilot training, workshop, and training on the Continuum of Care in Maternal and Child Health using the Maternal and Child Health Handbook. This series of sessions, conducted from June to December, brought together over 90 participants from different health organizations, enriching their knowledge and skills in maternal and child health care. In line with this, the Maternal and Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative was launched, focusing on spreading awareness and providing counseling within hospital settings to promote maternal and child health. This initiative complemented the broader Continuum of Care approach advocated by the project.
The Kawate Breast Massage training was another significant activity, aimed at extending community health outreach through method-based training. Certificates were awarded to attendees, further supporting the project’s goal of enhancing community health practices. Additionally, a crucial workshop was conducted to discuss and finalize the contents of the Maternal and Child Health Handbook. This workshop brought together key figures from the Ministry of Social Development, the Health Directorate of Gandaki Province, and the Health Division of Pokhara Metropolitan City, ensuring that the handbook’s content was relevant and comprehensive for healthcare providers. The orientation program for the staff of Matrisishu Miteri Hospital further solidified the project’s impact, equipping doctors, emergency ward staff, statisticians, administrative personnel, and Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) staff with essential knowledge on maternal and child health over two days in January.
Community engagement was also prioritized through the Continuum of Care training for female community health volunteers across various wards of Pokhara Metropolitan City, including Wards 16, 19, 20, 25, and 30. This training, conducted in January 2023, empowered volunteers to provide vital maternal and child health support at the grassroots level. The distribution of the Maternal and Child Health Handbook to healthcare providers and volunteers further ensured that standardized and accessible healthcare information was widely available. Beyond these core activities, the project maintained regular meetings with the steering committee and engaged with donors through both physical and virtual meetings. These interactions facilitated continuous dialogue, advice, and idea sharing, strengthening the overall coordination and implementation of the project.
Another notable development was the progress in designing the project’s webpage, which is currently in its final stages. Recognizing the importance of digital platforms in this era of information and technology, the project aims to leverage this website to increase its global reach and garner positive responses worldwide. Reflecting on 2023, the project not only achieved its fundamental goals but also set a strong foundation for the remaining phases. The year was filled with dynamic activities and collaborative efforts that have significantly contributed to advancing maternal and child health, showcasing the dedication of all parties involved and the fruitful outcomes of their combined efforts.
