Annual Report of the Department of Health 2010 - Unrwa

The maternal health modules of the e-health project were developed jointly with the Information System Department team. The
module is currently being tested in one health centre in Jordan and Lebanon.
The Maternal and Child (MCH) Hand Book was fully implemented in Jordan, Syria and Lebanon Fields. The MCH handbook is
therefore operational in all the five Fields of the Agency.
The new updated technical guidelines on provision of maternal health were made fully operational in all Fields in 2010 and a
standardized training plan covering both in-service and on-the-job training was implemented to enhance institutional capacity
building at the service delivery level. A training package to be followed by competency-based assessments on the Technical Instructions
on provision of maternal health care and Family Planning and other standard protocols were developed jointly with fields as a
tool to improve staff performance.
Screening for domestic violence was integrated into the maternal and child health services. Women attending preconception,
antenatal, post-natal and family planning services are screened counselled and are provided with the necessary support and help.
The West Bank Field Office is leading this shift in the conceptual paradigm of domestic violence by focusing on community participation,
human rights, and on the comprehensive well-being of individuals and families.
To ensure good oral health during preconception, pregnancy and lactation, oral health services were integrated in MCH services and
reoriented to focus on the preventive aspects of oral health. Women are counselled by MCH staff about following a healthy diet, and
on the importance of daily tooth brushing andof using fluoride toothpaste. They are also advised on their children's oral health and
referred to the dental clinic for screening, further advice and possible treatment.
Community participation and outreach activities were strengthened during 2010. Nurses participated in health education
programmes for preparatory girl students, in health exhibitions in camps, in woman and gender focussed activities, in screening and
health education/promotion campaigns and in training on Breast Self-Examination and psychosocial activities. They were also
involved as active members of the different women's committee.
The “maternal health services” annual assessment was conducted during 2010 in all Health Centres for the seventh consecutive year
to monitor progress made towards addressing identified Health Centre-specific strengths and weaknesses. A team of supervisors,
together with Health Centre staff, conducted the review using a problem-solving approach, and corrective measures were taken to
address any areas that needed further improvement at the Health Centre or Field levels. The aspects analysed included the appointment
system, waiting times, privacy, counselling, completeness of records, and proper management of cases, risk assessment and
cold chain. Corrective actions to improve the provided services were implemented.
During the period 7-13 March 2010, the 14th Field Family Health Officers meeting, the 3rd Field Nursing Officers meeting, the 2nd
School Health Services meeting and the 3rd Senior Dental Surgeons meeting were jointly conducted with the participation of the
Education Department.
ACTIVITIES OF THE PERI-NATAL CARE SERVICE
Comprehensive maternal health care to women of reproductive age including:
- Ante-natal care;
- Intra-natal care;
- Post-natal care;
- Surveillance and management of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs); and Surveillance of maternal mortality.
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