In its second phase, the MHTF is providing support to projects that are closely aligned to our implementation research agenda on improving and measuring quality of care, and expanding educational opportunities for new and mid-level maternal health professionals. The MHTF will continue to convene scientific and technical and meetings, and the next Global Maternal Health Conference in late 2012.
To view projects we have funded in the past, click here.
Here's an alphabetical listing and short descriptions of the small grants that the MHTF is supporting in its second phase:
Centre for Development and Population Activities Working on Integration Issues of HIV/AIDS and Maternal Health
Centre for Development and Population Activities (CEDPA) is reviewing and compiling information on programs and policies that integrate HIV/AIDS and maternal health in India. From the information collected, CEDPA will develop a collection of best practices for projects that integrate the two intertwined health issues. These best practices will in turn inform recommendations and strategies for policy makers and program staff. For an update on the project, read CEDPA's blog posts. Click here to view the MH-HIV Integration Desk Review.
Ifakara Health Institute Using Cell Phones for Obstetric Emergencies
Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) aims to improve emergency care for pregnant women and newborns in Tanzania by providing free mobile phones and service for mid-level health care providers to enable better communication with senior medical staff at district headquarters. Cooperating with district councils and ZAIN, a mobile telephone company, IHI is evaluating the cost, feasibility and implementation issues that arise if health workers at the district level have better access to long-distance counseling, faster referrals and resupply service, and emergency clinical support. For an update on the project, read IHI's blog posts.
In order to increase access to comprehensive information on maternal health, the MHTF is collaborating with PLoS to provide a freely available, open access collection of research and commentary on maternal health. The three year partnership will address burning issues in maternal health, with the 2012 series focusing on access to quality maternal health care.
Visit the MHTF PLoS Collection on Maternal Health here.
Women and Health Initiative, Harvard School of Public Health Field Experience in Maternal Health
The MHTF is collaborating with the Women and Health Initiative at Harvard School of Public Health to provide students with an opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge to maternal health issues in developing countries through direct experiences with MHTF partner organizations. In January 2012, students spent three weeks working with an MHTF partner organization under qualified supervision. Their work involved collecting data, visiting sites, conducting interviews, preparing draft reports and proposals, and conducting needs assessments.
Learn more about the course by visiting the course page here.
