MCH Student:

Catherine Patterson

Date of Defense:

May 30, 2014

Abstract:

Poor education levels, limited economic opportunities, diseases, such as HIV, tuberculosis and  malaria and lack of access to culturally appropriate medical treatment have led to significant  health disparities for women and children in the isolated highland s of Tolikara Regency in Papua  Provice, Indonesia.  This technical report describes the outcomes of a feasibility study  commissioned by World Relief (WR), an international non – governmental organization operating  in the region, to determine if its preferred maternal and child health (MCH) intervention  methodology, the care group model, is an efficacious project design strategy as the organization  seeks to incorporate MCH programming into its existing HIV prevention project in the area.

Assessment activities completed in 2012 included a comprehensive secondary data review of the  health situation and key social determinants of health in Tolikara Regency and in – depth  interviews with community members and MCH stakeholders.

World Relief has successfully used the care group intervention model to mitigate situations for  women and children around the world.  The assessment revealed that while community willingness to engage in care group activities appears strong, modifications to the traditional  model are needed to be effective in Tolikara Regency.  Recommended project modifications and  components are addressed.