CHAPTER 7 : FIVIMS-Related Programs, Projects and Activities

Maternal and Child Health Projects

As embodied in the Ninth NESDP (2002-2006) and guided by the principles of “sufficiency economy”, and people-centered development, FIVIMS-related programs/projects activities (FIVIMS-PPA) have been formulated with the objective of the reduction of poverty and empowerment of the Thai people, and with specific targets of balanced economic development, improved quality of life and poverty alleviation among the Thai population. The well being of the people is considered as the final measure of success, and economic improvement is viewed only as a means to improve the people’s condition, rather than the final objective of the development. Since health and nutrition condition is an outcome food security, and interlocking factors (economic, social), thus, the need to strengthen FIVIMS-PPA.

The royal Thai government with the Prime Minister Dr. Thaksin Shinnawat set out a policy to alleviate poverty in the country by the year 2008. This has been the theme of the National Strategic Planning. In response to this policy, all government ministries and similar authorities have been formulating plans, projects and activities to solve the problem collectively. In 2004, the Department of Community Development spearheads the integration of all ministry projects. These will be undertaken by the different bodies of government that respectively formulated those projects. As an example, the Ministry of Interior has incorporated poverty alleviation strategies dealing with managing development and developing the grassroots economy. Monitored by the Department of Community Development, the above objective mandated that rural Thai citizen who earn less than 20,000 Baht per annum will receive assistance from the government to help improve their economic condition. As of to regional sector, it was stated that the new CEO Provincial Governor must take the responsibility and lead in the implementation of the programs, projects and activities in the plan.

The ASEAN Food Security Information System Project (AFSIS) is being implemented with the objective of facilitating planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation through systematic collection, organization, management, analysis and dissemination of food security data and information in ASEAN countries, including Thailand. The project activities focus on capacity building through human resource, and infrastructure development, and establishing regional and national information network. Training courses, conferences and seminars are conducted for skills upgrading and updates. IT equipment and other support systems will be provided. Information will be made available from the regional center to member countries through databases and Internet WebPages, in collaboration with ASEAN Secretariat and other related institutions, and FAO.

Food and nutrition programs for the reduction and control of the malnutrition problem, specifically micronutrient deficiencies such as IDD, IDA and VAD are given emphasis. Micronutrient fortification and food diversification will be undertaken, in addition to the continuing programs implemented in the past plan, e.g. universal iodized salt, triple fortification of instant noodle, enrichment of iodine in egg, and fish sauce fortification. Simultaneously, the advocacy on the food and nutrition for health promotion will be conducted categorized accordingly: 1. Food and nutrition for the prevention and management of chronic diseases according to WHO recommendation. 2. Food and nutrition for the health promotion. 3. Food security and safety. Along with these advocacy programs, research and development is planned.

The health reform for the health promotion movement will be the main theme with focus on food safety, nutrition promotion, physical activity program and advocacy, and prevention of non-communicable chronic diseases.

Under the Health Development Plan, the Ministry of Public Health has designed a desirable future “image” of the health condition of the Thai population: “That all Thai citizens, regardless of sex, age, occupation, religion, locality, race, educational attainment, and economic status will live a happy normal (physically, mentally and socially) life”. It is further stated that Thais shall be born and raised in a well-prepared and warm family environment; shall be raised physically, mentally and intellectually capable to adjust to rapid changes, and make rational decisions; have access to health security and appropriate and quality services at reasonable and equitable cost; live in a community with shared responsibilities (with emphasis in the health care of children, elderly, underprivileged and the disable) and resources and in safe and sound environment; and live a quality and long life, and die with human dignity.

To ensure implementation of the plans, the following strategies shall be undertaken: 1) reform of the health management system, 2) enhance efficiency and accessibility of health services, 3) develop health prevention and promotion technologies, 4) develop a system for consumer health protection, 5) develop human resources on health, 6) promote and encourage effective behavioral change for health, and 7) promote health and related studies, and research and development.

The Ministry of Public Health, as the principal agency responsible for the health of the people spearheads the health and related strategies, reforms, programs, projects and activities in the country.

The major programs, projects and activities implemented in the country are:

Maternal and Child Health Projects

    • Thalassemia Prevention and Control – This project aims to reduce the rate of thalassemic infants by 10%. A screening with counseling was carried out in 199,221 pregnant mothers and primary school children or 99.6% (200,000 subjects) of the target in 75 provinces.
    • Breastfeeding Promotion at Health Centers – The Baby-Friendly Hospital Project covered 97.6% of the target (791 hospitals) and expanded to 68.7% of target health centers nationwide.
    • Safe Motherhood – This was launched in seven hospitals and two maternal and child health hospitals in region 6 (Khon Kaen) and in region 8 (Nakhon Sawan).