Author of Paper on EMBRACE Implementation Research in Ghana Receives Japan Association for International Health Award

Seamlessly ensuring healthcare for mothers and babies, from pregnancy to birth, and from newborn to infant, is crucial as the foundation of lifelong health aimed at achievement of Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): "Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages." In 2011, the Japanese government advocated the "Ensure Mothers and Babies Regular Access to Care (EMBRACE)" model, and since then has worked to promote a Continuum of Care (CoC) for mothers and children.

The JICA Research Institute (JICA-RI) has conducted research with the University of Tokyo, the Ghana Health Service (GHS), the JICA Human Development Department and the JICA Ghana Office, aiming to develop an effective assistance package (activities) for achieving a CoC for mothers and children and verify scientific evidence, through embodying the EMBRACE model. We have continued conducting EMBRACE implementation research since 2012.