The project aims to contribute to the reduction of maternal and child mortality in Ghana, Malawi and Rwanda. Target areas in each country experience a low level of knowledge on prevention, delays in seeking early treatment, poor hygiene and sanitation practices, traditional cultural practices, and gender inequities. Overall, key impediments in health delivery include low capacity of skilled workers, poor infrastructure, weak referral systems and lack of transport. Activities include: (1) training health workers in areas such as basic emergency obstetric and newborn care; (2) improving utilization and promotion of health services; emphasize household and community level engagement; (3) preventing illnesses and create demand for health services. These activities involve the setting up of Model Mothers, Care Groups, Community Conversations and mobilisations and sensitization activities, improving nutrition through increased community knowledge and skills on optimal feeding, improving access to nutritious foods and preventing malnutrition through community based initiatives.In Ghana, the project works with the Ghana Community Ambulance project to ensure increase access of adequate medical supplies and care. It also supports development and transmission of SMS and voice messages to pregnant women and mothers. In Malawi, the project strengthens early identification and integrated support for growth faltering children, and community management of acute malnutrition services. In Rwanda, activities include permaculture approaches to kitchen gardens, water harvesting and water-saving techniques. Christian Children’s Fund of Canada works in consortium with ADRA Canada and Emmanuel International Canada. In Ghana, Christian Children’s Fund of Canada works in collaboration with local partners of Christian Children’s Fund, Tuma Kavi Development Association and Assemblies of God Relief and Development Services; in Malawi, Emmanuel International Canada with Emmanuel International; and in Rwanda, ADRA Canada with ADRA Rwanda.
