Into the mouths of babes - The Breastfeeding, Weaning and Growth Monitoring Project in the Philippines Case Study Teacher's Notes Student Activities Use a map of the Philippines to locate the villages identified in the case study where this project is currently being undertaken. The Breast Feeding, Weaning and Growth Monitoring Project or Child Growth Project was introduced to the Philippines aiming to reduce infant mortality and malnutrition. In your own words describe the three major factors that have contributed to high infant mortality and malnutrition in the Philippines. Strategies for the Child Growth Project were designed to be implemented at three different levels- the national level, the local level and the family level. Divide into groups of three and brainstorm for as many reasons why you think the strategies where designed to be implemented at three different levels. Share your groups' answers with the class. Why was the Mother and Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative developed by WHO and UNICEF? Discuss how the implementation of the ten steps of the MBFHI would provide a positive environment for the physical, social and emotional development of mothers and newborns. Explain why the 'milk code' has been adopted in the Philippines? What advantages would the implementation of the milk code have for the physical, social and emotional development of women, newborn and children in the Philippines? Explain how the educational support materials in the Basic Learning Package would improve the health and development of mothers and children. What social considerations were taken in to account when the Basic Learning Package was designed? Discuss the effectiveness of establishing weighing posts in each barangay. How do weighing posts promote growth and development? Imagine you are a mother who has just undergone the CGP series of ten classes for caregivers. The local village newspaper has asked you to write a 150 word article entitled "Through the eyes of a mother". In your report explain how the project has improved the health and development of your child. Share these with the class. The aims of the Australian Government's overseas aid program, UNICEF and the CGP was to increase breast feeding, improve complementary feeding practices, detect and intervene early enough when growth faltering occurs and achieve sustainable development. Divide into groups and select one of the aims of the project. Draw a concept map to evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies implemented in terms of one of these aims. Share these with the class. Discuss the role of the Australian Government's overseas aid program, UNICEF and the local government in achieving sustainable development in the Philippines. Class Activity Read through the strategies that have been explained at length. Divide into groups and select a different strategy. In detail explain your strategy. Describe how the strategy will aim to address one or any of the three factors that contribute to high infant mortality or malnutrition. Describe how the strategy will optimise the physical, social and emotional development of the mother and child. Discuss the effectiveness of the strategy detailing changes identified. Explain how this strategy promotes sustainable health care. The groups will report back to the class with each student being responsible for presenting the information from one or more of the questions.   Top © Commonwealth of Australia