International Development Week: MNCH and Men
This week, from February 3-9, the Canadian Red Cross supports International Development Week. International Development Week focuses on how Canada and Canadians are making a difference around the world. From conflict zones to communities destroyed by devastating disasters or debilitating health issues, the Canadian Red Cross responds to the needs of vulnerable communities around the world.
One of the projects that the Canadian Red Cross works on internationally is the Mother Newborn Child Health (MNCH) project in Honduras called REDES. REDES, which means "networks", was implemented starting in 2006 by the Honduran Red Cross, in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross, the Honduran Ministry of Health and municipal organizations. Together, the partners are working towards reducing child mortality and improving maternal health. Through the project, Red Cross volunteers, health personnel, and community leaders are trained to educate community members on health and nutrition of children, and encourage healthy practices.
As a developing country, in Honduras there are large disparities in the health status of people living in urban and rural settings. In remote areas, women and children are particularly vulnerable to health risks. The lack of health services and information in these communities reduces women’s demand for health services and the likelihood that they will seek medical attention during pregnancy, childbirth and after giving birth.
The REDES project aims to strengthen community and government networks for improving MNCH, while promoting more equal practices and behaviours between men and women in support of family health. In order to do this, the project developed a gender strategy to encourage men to take part more actively in MNCH. Health support groups for men were developed, to reach out and provide men with the education they need to support and protect their family’s health, and make informed health-related decisions.
Since the implementation of the REDES project, in the rural communities of Copán and Santa Bárbara, many men have started taking on new roles, as active and engaged advocates of maternal, newborn and child health.
The Red Cross proves to be a vital part of these communities by providing equal access to local health services for men, women and children.
