Maternal, newborn and child health
Tdh’s vision is to significantly and substantially contribute to the reduction of disease and mortality in children under five and their mothers. With innovative approaches and in collaboration with local actors, we improve the quality of health services in the remotest and poorest areas of the world. A specific focus is given to health services around birth, when most deaths take place.
What we do in maternal, newborn and child health
Good quality healthcare services
The health of children and their mothers is most at risk at birth as well as during the first years of life. It is during this crucial period that health interventions can effectively reduce mortality rates and positively influence the child’s development. To improve the quality of healthcare services, we train health workers on standard clinical protocols. We also improve the water, hygiene, and sanitation (WASH) conditions in healthcare facilities, and data management through digital tools. With timely data collection and analysis, health workers can better diagnose and treat children’s illnesses and do evidence-based interventions. Tdh works closely with governments and local authorities to advocate for financially accessible health services for pregnant women and children under five, to ensure universal health coverage.
Community engagement for the management and monitoring of health
We strengthen the competencies of community health staff in remote areas to improve the management and maintenance of healthcare facilities, including their water and sanitation systems. By training community groups and improving the local governance of health centres, we strengthen the trust of communities in the health system. Through participatory learning, we empower and mobilise communities to improve their health, sanitation and hygiene and advocate for quality services at a local level. Tdh’s specialists also train communities to be prepared for natural disasters and to reduce disaster risks.
Healthy behaviour in families
We provide health education on perinatal and child healthcare, nutrition, hygiene and sanitation, on family planning as well as on the availability of services. Mothers therefore adopt good nutrition, health and hygiene practices to prevent malnutrition and illnesses. They are also able to detect danger signals and seek treatment when needed. We advocate for a change in behaviour related to gender equality. Through this, women become more confident to take control of their own health and that of their children.
Key projects
“Technology holds incredible promise for health to address the issues of child deaths.”
Riccardo Lampariello, head of Tdh's health programme
Read more...IeDA : a life-saving innovation
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16.11.2018
Children explain their rights …
11.09.2018
Terre des hommes wins the Balzan Prize: one million Swiss francs for newborn children
Previous
11.09.2018
Terre des hommes wins the Balzan Prize: one million Swiss francs for newborn children
06.06.2018
Aid provided to record numbers of children in humanitarian crises in 2017
Next
24.03.2020
How does COVID-19 impact development aid?
Related publications
Our Values
Thematic Policy - Mother and Child Health
Courage no. 57 - Can digital technology save lives?
