Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health (MNCH)

Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health (MNCH)

Overview

The Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health (MNCH) program at FIRAT Rwanda is a comprehensive initiative dedicated to improving the health and well-being of mothers, newborns, and children through research, education, and policy advocacy. The program recognizes the critical importance of this life stage for the overall health of communities and the future of Rwanda.

MNCH integrates multisectoral approaches — combining healthcare service strengthening, community engagement, scientific research, and innovation — to reduce mortality and morbidity and enhance quality of care.

Functions and Roles

1. Dialogue Series and Sensitization:

Host regular MNCH Dialogue Series bringing together healthcare workers, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to discuss emerging issues, share best practices, and foster evidence-based interventions.

2. Capacity Development:

Provide targeted training programs for healthcare providers, community health workers, and researchers focused on maternal and child health innovations, clinical care, data collection, and health systems strengthening.

3. Research Leadership:

Lead and collaborate on multidisciplinary research projects addressing critical MNCH challenges such as maternal mortality, neonatal care practices, nutrition, immunization, and health inequities.

4. Policy Engagement and Advocacy:

Facilitate translation of research findings into actionable policies and programs by working closely with ministries, NGOs, and international partners.

5. Innovation Solutions:

Encourage and support the development of technological and community-based innovations to improve access, quality, and sustainability of MNCH services.

6. Community and Stakeholder Engagement:

Mobilize communities and stakeholders through outreach, education, and participatory approaches to promote MNCH awareness and service uptake.

Key Activities

1. Quarterly MNCH Dialogue Forums and Workshops
2. Training and mentorship programs for MNCH healthcare teams
3. Implementation and evaluation of MNCH research projects
4. Development and dissemination of policy briefs and advocacy materials
5. Partnership development with government, academia, and civil society
6. Innovation challenges and pilot testing of MNCH tools and practices
7. Community sensitization campaigns on maternal and child health rights and services

Contact and Engagement

To participate in MNCH dialogues, propose research collaborations, or inquire about capacity programs, please contact:

Email: mnch[at]firat.rw

Dialogue Series and Events: mnch.events[at]firat.rw / https://firat.rw/mnch