| Reporting Organization: | Health Partners International of Canada (HPIC) |
|---|---|
| Total Budget ($CAD): | $ 216,715 |
| Timeframe: | November 15, 2024 - October 15, 2027 |
| Status: | Actif |
| Contact Information: |
Raini Aquino [email protected] |
Health Partners International of Canada (HPIC)
Unspecified
| Kenya - $ 216,715.00 (100.00%) | |
| Reproductive Health & Rights incl. Maternal Health (30.00 %) | |
| Newborn & Child Health (30.00 %) | |
| Health Promotion & Education (30.00 %) | |
| Health Systems, Training & Infrastructure (10.00 %) | |
The Strengthening Maternal and Infant Health through Local Engagement and Support (SMILES) project aims to improve the health and well-being of women, newborns, and children in 30 communities in Kakamega County, Western Kenya. The project focuses on women of reproductive age, pregnant and lactating women, newborns, and children under five, with particular attention to underserved rural communities.
SMILES strengthens both community- and facility-based maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) services by building the capacity of frontline health workers and community health structures, improving the availability of essential MNCH medicines and supplies, and increasing community knowledge and use of health services. Key activities include training midwives, nurses, community health volunteers (CHVs), and community health committee members; supporting health facilities with essential medicines, equipment, and job aids; and conducting household visits and community dialogues on MNCH practices, including adolescent and reproductive health.
Implemented in collaboration with local health authorities and community structures, the project seeks to improve the quality and utilization of MNCH services, strengthen referral systems between communities and health facilities, and support informed decision-making among women, families, and communities. Through these efforts, SMILES contributes to healthier pregnancies, safere births, timely care-seeking for childhood illnesses, and improved maternal and child health outcomes in Kakamega County.
| Gender and age: | Under-5 children Newborns |
|---|---|
| Descriptors: | Rural |
| Total Direct Population: | 789 |
| Total Indirect Population: | 3,000 |
Unspecified
Return to topThrough targeted investments at the facility and community levels, the SMILES project contributes to safer pregnancies, improved newborn and child survival, and increased access to essential health services.
At the health system level, SMILES strengthens the capacity of frontline health workers to deliver quality MNCH care by improving skills related to emergency obstetric and newborn care, early identification and management of common MNCH complications, and effective referral practices. The project also improves the availability and functionality of essential MNCH medicines, equipment, and supplies in supported health facilities, contributing to more timely and appropriate care for women and children.
At the community level, the project increases knowledge, confidence, and decision-making power among women, families, and community members regarding MNCH services and healthy practices. Through household visits, community dialogues, and engagement of community health structures, SMILES supports improved care-seeking behaviours, increased utilization of antenatal, postnatal, immunization, and family planning services, and strengthened linkages between communities and health facilities.
Collectively, these outcomes contribute to improved delivery and use of MNCH services, stronger community–facility referral systems, and better maternal and child health outcomes across the targeted communities.
