Page 73 - fourth year book

MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CARE (MCH)

Introduction

Improving the well-being of mothers, infants, and children is an

important public health goal. Their well-being determines the health of
the next generation and can help predict future public health challenges
for families, communities, and the health care system. Maternal and
child health (MCH) care refers to preventive, promoted, curative and
rehabilitative health care for mother and children.

Objectives OF MCH program

1. Ensure that every expectant and nursing mother maintains good
health, learns the art of childcare, has a normal delivery and bears
healthy children.

2. Health promotion of children from 0-6 years of age.

MCH services

1. Premarital care.
2. Maternity care.
3. Infant and preschool child care.

4. Family planning.
5. Health education.
6. Social care.
1. Pre-Marital Care

Introduction

In Egypt, pre-marital care was introduced in 1946 as a main

component of maternal and child health services. However, the coverage
and utilization of these services have been very limited up till now. This
is probably because of lack of awareness of the prospective couples
about the advantages of premarital counseling. Also, culture values and
traditions may have a significant role in underutilization of the

available services.

Importance of premarital care:

1. Early detection of any health problems and treat it
2. To provide guidance, preparation for marriage, family education
art of child rearing and family planning.

3. Saving parents and future off springs from health hazards.

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