The Bohol Project and Its Impact

Abstract

A pilot project on the island of Bohol was initiated to provide MCH/FP (maternal and child health and family planning) services. The project objectives were: improving mother and child health care, improving family planning services, improving MCH/FP personnel training, and undertaking operational and other studies to determine the optimal resources to obtain the best program results. In conjunction with RHUs (Rural Health Units), midwives are staffing PHCCs (Pprimary Health Care Centers) to provide vaccinations; health and nutrition education; prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care; and family planning counseling and supplies to approximately 3000-5000 persons. In addition, there are more than 600 trained birth attendants to assist. Of 47,900 women, 88% have obtained some health services. The rate of infant deaths due to tetanus neonatorum has decreased but the maternal mortality rate has shown no statistical decline. 82% of the children are receiving health care with 3000-4000 well chidlren and 2500 sick children seen monthly suggesting preventive care is being given. Despite the increase in contraceptive usage and sterilization procedures over a 27-month period, the fertility decline cannot be attributed to the health services as the decline began before the services were available. This project has had no vital demographic impact on vital rates of the 420,000 population, but it has shown the feasibility of setting up the MCH/FP project with midwives as the major providers of services.