The May 24th edition of Indonesia’s online "Tribunnews" highlighted MCHIP’s work to strengthen maternal, newborn and child health in the country. A translation follows.

For the original piece, click here.

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The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the South Kalimantan Provincial Health Office held a seminar for two days, 24 - 25 May, at the Samarinda Mesra Hotel to discuss the Maternal and Child Health Integrated Program (MCHIP).

Since 2010, USAID's flagship MCHIP Program, worth U.S. $9 million, has helped to strengthen the health of mothers, newborns, and children under five in 175 villages in Aceh, Banten, and East Kalimantan. This Program helps to improve care for 1.4 million mothers and infants in Indonesia.

The experience gained in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation activities in the three districts has provided much valuable information, said Wita Sari, MCHIP's Chief of Party in Indonesia.

Mini University is part of a series of seminars aimed at sharing the learning, development model, and interventions made by  MCHIP in collaboration with local health office where the Program works.

Mini University is attended by representatives from the Health Department of East Kalimantan, the Regional Planning Board of 14 districts in East Kalimantan and 11 health centers, and the Midwife Chief Coordinator.

"With the support of MCHIP from the village to the district level, we find it easier to conduct advocacy on maternal and child health services to all interested parties," said Dr. Marthen Luther, Chief Medical Officer of the East Kutai Regency.

MCHIP is one of many health initiatives by the United States in Indonesia, which shows the extent of US participation in the US-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership.