JICWELS' MCH training program in the Aiiku Institute: Asian MCH workshop

Taking a form of Official Development Aid (ODA), the Japan International Cooperation of Welfare Services (JICWELS) and Imperial Gift Foundation, Boshi-Aiiku-Kai (Aiiku Association for Maternal and Child Health and Welfare) have extended a study program on maternal and child health (MCH) since 1989 on the commission of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. 'Community participation' is the key to the first international study program focused solely on MCH. The purpose of the program is to help to improve the planning and administration in the field of MCH. Through this, the information and experience attained in Japanese MCH activities are introduced especially by participation in community-level activities of 'Aiiku-Han' in which local citizens play a major role. The operation system of the Asian MCH Workshop, contents of the workshop, evaluation and future prospects are discussed.