Growing Together：15 Years of UNRWA Experience with Japan’s Maternal and Child Health Handbook

Growing Together：15 Years of UNRWA Experience with Japan’s Maternal and Child Health Handbook
Date: June 6th, 2023
Sponsors: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
Co-host: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Backups: The international committee on MCH Handbook, Friends of WHO JAPAN
Location: Gaza, Palestine

The Palestinian Maternal and Child Health Handbook (MCH Handbook), known as the "Passport for Life," was developed with the support of JICA and has been effectively used for 15 years to save lives of Palestinian mothers and children, with the initiatives of the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MOH) and UNRWA. The Palestinian MOH, with technical assistance from JICA and in cooperation with UNRWA, developed the world's first Arabic version of the MCH Handbook, which has been in operation at public health facilities and UNRWA health facilities in the West Bank since 2008. Subsequently, the MCH Handbook was expanded to Gaza Strip and UNRWA Palestinian refugee camps in Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. JICA and UNRWA developed a smartphone application for the MCH Handbook for Palestinian refugees in 2017. JICA has continuously supported Palestinian MOH for the rollout and institutionalization of the Palestinian MCH Handbook, and in 2022 supported the revision and printing of 165,000 copies of MCH Handbook in Palestine.

The first part of this event commemorated the 70th anniversary of Japan's support to UNRWA and the 15th anniversary of the Palestinian MCH Handbook. Representatives of the Japanese government, UNRWA, and JICA praised the achievements and contributions of the MCH Handbook. In the second part of the event, mothers from Gaza and Japan interacted online and exchanged views on the MCH Handbook and child-rearing.

In the first part, the Japanese Government, UNRWA and JICA offered congratulatory remarks commemorating the 70th anniversary of Japan's support to UNRWA and the 15th anniversary of the Palestinian MCH Handbook. Mr. Yoichi Nakashima, Ambassador of Japan to Palestinian Authority, stated that the people of Japan are proud of our experience contributing to promoting the health of all mothers and their children in Palestine. Dr. Ghada Al Jadba,　Chief of UNRWA Health Sector in Gaza, expressed her gratitude for the cooperation of Japan and stated that the MCH Handbook contributed to providing continuum of care for all Palestinian mothers and children with quality.

Mr. Mitsutaka Hoshi, Chief Representative of JICA Palestine Office, emphasized the significance of the Palestinian MCH Handbook, saying that the Handbook is popularly known in Palestine as a "passport for life" and ensures that all mothers and children receive continuous care regardless of their birthplace or environment.

Dr. Akihiro Seita, Director of Health at UNRWA, expressed his gratitude for the support from the Government of Japan and JICA over the years and commented that the MCH Handbook, known as the "JICA Book" was used by one million mothers and children who use UNRWA clinics and is essential in providing quality health care services to Palestinian refugees. Midwife Etaf Abu Zarka having 21 years of career in UNRWA health center, commented that the MCH Handbook improved health care services. It provided mothers with accurate information, encouragement, and improved care at home.

In the second part, mothers from Gaza and Japan interacted online and exchanged views on MCH Handbook and child-rearing. A mother in Gaza said, “When I visit any health facilities, I bring the book with peace of mind knowing that my previous health records and my child’s ones are in the MCH Handbook." Another mother in Gaza said, “It is like a friend! I need it all the time." The MCH Handbook has become a close companion for them. A Japanese mother commented that she liked the pages where she could fill her observation and feelings. At some point, mothers in both countries seemed to agree that the MCH Handbook promoted better communication within the family and encouraged fathers to participate in childcare.

Dr. Akiko Hagiwara, JICA Senior Advisor, who supported the development and national rollout of the Palestinian MCH HB since 2005, reflected that “When we started the MCH Handbook in Palestine, the West Bank and Gaza Strip were in separation politically and physically. We explored all the possible actions to take among Palestinian MOH, UNRWA, UNICEF, and JICA to deliver the MCH Handbook to all Palestinian mothers and their children. At that time, it was a challenge even for MOH officials to travel to Gaza and transfer supplies and the MCH Handbook to Gaza. We trained health workers on MCH Handbook online and transferred the MCH Handbook with the vaccine cold chain. Hearing the joyful voices of the mothers at the 15th anniversary event, I realized that the MCH Handbook had been well-established in Gaza, which had been under a closure for the last 15 years. I was convinced of the significance of cooperation between UN agencies, governments, and JICA for reaching mothers and children who need it most.”