Page 7 - EMBRACE Book

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Project Overview

The Enhance Mother/newborn/child health in Remote Areas thru health Care & community Engagement
(EMBRACE) project is a four-year, comprehensive development initiative with the goal of reducing maternal
and child mortality in Cambodia, Burma (Myanmar), the Philippines, and Rwanda. Over $20 million was
contributed by the Government of Canada, through Global Affairs Canada. The remaining $5 million was
contributed by ADRA Canada and its partners.

Focusing primarily on women of reproductive age, newborns, and children under five, the program directly
assisted over 100,000 people, including 33,000 children. Many of the women, men, and children who benefitted
from this program were from vulnerable people groups such as ethnic minorities and those returning to their
homes after natural disasters or civil conflict.

By building new health clinics, expanding some existing clinics, training community-based health workers such
as nurses, midwives, and community health volunteers, and establishing or improving transportation systems,
communities now have better access to the health care that they need.

Parents and caregivers were trained on the importance of health and nutrition. They now know how to grow
nutritious fruits and vegetables close to their homes in kitchen gardens. They understand how a balanced diet
will improve their children’s health and well-being.

Training on proper hygiene and sanitation has improved the health of families. Latrines, water filters, and
water tanks are now making the task of obtaining clean water easier and lifting the burden of collecting water
from the shoulders of women and girls.

At both the community and the family level, the understanding of traditional gender roles is being transformed.
Women are increasingly taking on leadership positions. Men are participating in household and childcare
responsibilities. Families are living more harmoniously.

Beyond the immediate project participants, the awareness of maternal, newborn, and child issues was raised
by groups of volunteers to ensure that the key messages reached a broader audience.

Photo: © 2019 ADRA | Frank Spangler