The Care for Life Family Preservation Program: Outcome Evaluation of a Holistic Community Development Program in Mozambique

Abstract

Objective: In 2016, Mozambique ranked 13th worldwide in infant mortality (67.9 deaths/1,000 live births) and 20th worldwide in maternal mortality (489 deaths/100,000 live births). This study’s objective was to determine whether a comprehensive program, incorporating the International Association for Community Development’s recommended holistic elements was effective in a country such as Mozambique. Method: Over a 5-year period (2012–2017), an independent, randomized between-group outcome study was conducted to determine whether the holistic Care for Life ( CFL) Family Preservation Program was effective in reducing infant mortality ratios (IMRs) and maternal mortality ratios (MMRs) in Mozambique. Results: At preintervention assessment, intervention and comparison villages were statistically equivalent in both IMR and MMR. After 5 years, intervention villages were significantly below the comparison villages in both IMR (odds ratio = 2.3) and MMR (odds ratio = 4.6). Conclusion: The use of comparison groups demonstrated the CFL program comprehensive, holistic, and sustainable approach is effective.