MORE NEWS, IFUGAO

JICA official cites Ifugao execs for zero birth deaths

MAYOYAO, Ifugao — Recognizing the role of the community in saving the lives of women and children, the Japan International Cooperation Agency-Maternal and Child Health has commended the provincial and municipal governments in Ifugao for eliminating maternal and child deaths in the province.

Norio Matsuda, JICA resident representative, commended the community stakeholders who were instrumental in the attainment of the goals of the project.

"The project’s goals to reduce maternal and infant mortality in the province have made much progress due to the tireless commitment and efforts of the provincial and local government units and their frontliners, the Women’s Health Teams. We extend our appreciation of these efforts done by our community stakeholders who are our implementing and development partners," Matsuda said.

The local health department reported zero death rate of mothers and children when the JICA-MCH project was implemented here starting in March 2006.

Mayoyao, Alfonso Lista, and Aguinaldo towns are the pilot areas of the project due to the high incidence of deaths of mothers and children in these areas.

A part of the Department of Health’s Formula One and the provincewide Investment Plan for Health, the WHTs are tasked to improve MCH services in the community, and their work has been very crucial in the success of the project.

The project was participated in by local government officials and WHT members from the 27 barangays here.

Matsuda noted that the WHTs have provided timely and effective interventions in helping pregnant mothers and their families.

"I am sure that the members of the WHTs will remain steadfast in their commitment," he said.
He appealed to the provincial and local government units and all concerned to continue motivating the WHTs whose effort is an important factor in sustaining the MCH project.

"May you all sustain your commitment to improve the lives of women, men and children in the Philippines," he said.