Conference Proceedings - School of Nursing & Midwifery - Trinity ...

School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin: 8 th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference
Transforming Healthcare Through Research, Education & Technology: 7 th – 9 th November 2007
Conference Proceedings
planning information and nutrition information. Persistent
challenges identified are: lack of funds and lack of human
resources. Low educational attainment among mothers was also
considered. A regional network system is also favorable in
strengthening the MCHH in each country.
SOUTHEAST ASIA AND MCH
According to the World Health Report in 2005, hundreds of millions
of mothers and children have no access to basic life-saving care.
Deaths could have been prevented through the use of key
interventions and a “continuum of care” approach for mother and
child that begin before pregnancy, extending through childbirth, and
further into childhood. About 530,000 women die in pregnancy or
childbirth, more than three million babies are stillborn, more than
four million newborns die within the first few days of life, and
altogether 10.6 million children a year die before their fifth birthday.
Out of a total of 136 million births in a year worldwide, only a third
of women in less developed countries have their babies delivered by
skilled attendants; even less are those women who have access to
healthcare facilities necessary to sustain an adequate healthy living.
UNICEF estimates that most under-five deaths occur in Southeast
Asia. More than one million infants die before turning one, with
more than 300,000 babies die at birth in the region. Also according
to the World Health Organization, 40% of the 50,000 maternal
deaths every year in the Western Pacific Region occur in Cambodia,
Laos, Philippines and Vietnam. The leading causes of under-five
mortality rates are prenatal concerns, diarrhea and acute
respiratory infections (ARI) - all known to be highly preventable.
The maternal and child health (MCH) is indeed a major concern in
Southeast Asia (SEA).
MCH HANDBOOK
One public health measure used for the promotion of MCH is the
MCH handbook (MCHH). It is an essential tool in promoting the
health of mothers and children. The utilization showed promise in
improving MCH indicators in several countries. In Asia, Japan is one
of the success stories when it comes to the use of the MCH
Handbook. For 50 years since its introduction, it was successful in
keeping mothers informed. Other countries such as Thailand and
Indonesia also have a successful MCH Handbook introduction. Other
countries in Southeast Asia are currently following suit.
The handbook has two functions: (a) as a health education material
which contributes to the mother’s knowledge and (b) as a
- 238 -