Here is a report on a joint UN monitoring mission to see GONGO activities in Sagaing.
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WHO-UNFPA Joint monitoring on strengthening of reproductive health activities (maternal and newborn health) in Sagaing Division
The joint monitoring trip on February 26-March 1, 2007 to 5 townships (Myaung, Monywa, Salingyi, Khin Oo and Wetlet) in the Sagaing division was to monitor the implementation of a WHO UNFPA funded project on "A continuum Maternal and Newborn Care (MNC) package from the community level to health facility". The main activities of this project is to improve and strengthen quality of MNC services, to empower the Individual, Family and Community (IFC) in MNC and to increase utilization of Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) services including the timely referral when complications and problems during pregnancy and delivery arise.
Under this project a Maternal and Newborn Team (MNT) at township level was formed with members from the Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association (MMCWA), Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation (MWAF), Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA), Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) and Volunteer Fire Brigade. The main role of the MNT is to assist and guide pregnant mothers in seeking medical care when complications occur. Training on basic knowledge of danger signs during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum was provided to the MNT. The Basic Health Staff (BHS) received training on Pregnancy, Child-birth, Postpartum and Neonatal Care (PCPNC) and Reproductive Health management. IEC materials, drugs and MNC basic equipments were provided to those model townships. Each township also received 5 three wheeler mini-tractors to evacuate complicated pregnancy cases from home to the nearest hospital for timely proper treatment. The transport is free of charge. The mini tractors were also used to evacuate 3 snake bite cases. All referral cases were saved and alive.
The three wheeler mini-tractors were found to be very useful since many villages in those townships are located in heavy terrains and face bad roads. To sustain the mini tractors, the village leaders formed a mini-tractor committee who raises community fund for maintenance and operation of the mini tractor, and assigned 2-3 community members as voluntary drivers. The peoples appreciated the project activities as there was no maternal death since the presence of the mini tractors. The midwives became confident with the knowledge gained from the PCPNC training. Some RHC built delivery room on cost-sharing basis with the community. The WHO-UNFPA team appreciated the commitment of the health officers, health workers, local leaders and the community to support this joint project.
