The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #62419

Carlos Carrazana, MBA, MPH, The Summa Foundation - Director, 1001 G Street NW suite 400w, Washington, DC 20001, 202 220 2157, ccarrazana@cmsproject.com

BACKGROUND: Mujeres en Desarrollo Dominicana (MUDE), was created to respond to the needs of lower-income women in rural areas of the Dominican Republic. Many of tthese women are refugees from Haiti or belong to indigenous communities. Services provided by MUDE include microcredit, social services, and a health program. MUDE leverages the strengths of its microcredit program to generate income that allows for the cross-subsidization of their health program. This goal is in part achieved through funding from the Summa Foundation.

The health program is carried out through various interventions including training, education, medical visits, and the dissemination of information for the prevention of HIV/AIDS/STIs, cervical cancer, breast cancer, and family planning. The interventions have been implemented in nearly 250 poor, marginalized, and difficult to access communities in rural areas. The project has been executed through community organizations of rural women and skilled volunteer leaders residing in the communities, who together form a Health Network with ample experience and available working tools. Health outcomes and development impact to date includes the establishment of a volunteer network comprised of 385 women; the creation of 25 sales units for the selling of contraceptives; and 21,326 cases referred to health care providers for reproductive health services.

CONCLUSIONS: NGOs have an important role to play in the delivery of quality maternal and reproductive health services in rural areas. Financing and technical assistance can be used to promote the sustainability and growth of community based interventions that contribute to positive public health outcomes in rural areas.

Learning Objectives:

• By the end of the presentation, participants will understand how private sector interventions can strengthen community-based programs and the delivery of health services in rural populations

Keywords: Maternal Health, Rural Health Service Providers

Related Web page: www.summainvestments.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The Summa Foundation Mujeres Dominicanas Unidas en Desarrollo (MUDE) - local Dominican NGO USAID
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am the Director of the Summa Foundation - a 501 C3 organization