Improvement of Mother and Child Health Services in Uzbekistan, phase II

CONTEXT

According to 2010 WHO data, around 49 per cent of maternal deaths are directly related to obstetric factors or to the management of complications, while indirect causes include several factors related to pre-existent health conditions which are aggravated by pregnancy. In the context of the high proportion of deliveries attended by qualified medical personnel, this suggests there is room for the further improvement in facility-based practices.

OBJECTIVES

• To contribute to the human development in Uzbekistan with special emphasis on Mother and Child Health Care (MDGs 4 and 5).
• Support the Ministry of Health to increase the quality of mother and child health care services, and to increase the capacity of families to make informed choices about health and nutrition.

RESULTS

• Institutional strengthening - Skills and operational capacity of the Ministry of Health and its three tiers have been enhanced to effectively support the health reform process concerning the Mother and Child health services in accordance with international standards.

Capacity development and empowerment. A comprehensive education-training process dealing with mother and child health care has been developed and put in place, at both a medical-institutional and a family level.

TESTIMONY

Elena Ten (young mother)

My first baby was also born before term. At that time, the doctors wouldn’t allow me to stay with my child,” Ms. Ten said. “Today, they allow me to stay with my daughter and take care of her. I have more confidence, and I hope that we will both be well soon. The approaches they use give children the will to live and survive. Even though my child was born premature, I know he will live.