During the last 25 years, international maternal and child health programs have focused primarily on reducing maternal and under-five mortality. While many projects have succeeded in achieving their mortality reduction targets, little attention has been directed at the health status and quality of life of the survivors. Clearly, a child paralyzed by polio or blind from measles, or a mother disabled by a vaginal-vesical fistula is challenged to function and contribute to community wellbeing. Shifting the focus from survival to wellness will require two actions: 1)a reassessment of the relative priorities allocated to promotion, prevention, and treatment, and 2) new partnerships between families, communities, and the health system.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify five differences between programs focusing on child survival and programs focusing on child wellness 2. Identify three actions to be taken to increase child wellness
Keywords: Maternal and Child Health, Wellness
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Private Voluntary Organization, USAID
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.