AID cooperative agreement no. OTR-0500-A-00-9165-00 with the Foundation for the Peoples of the South Pacific, Inc. to support the child survival project with aims to reduce the high rates of infant mortality and morbidity in Vanuatu

Interventions will include an expanded program of immunizations (EPI), oral rehydration therapy and control of diarrheal diseases (ORT/CDD), nutrition education (including breastfeeding, improved weaning practices, and growth monitoring), and diagnosis and prevention of other MCH problems. FSP will: (1) conduct baseline and periodic knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) surveys, including documenting traditional beliefs and practices which could aid in implementing health interventions; (2) train at least 4 community health nurses for each island, who will deliver village outreach services in EPI, MCH, ORT/CDD, and nutrition, and train at least one village health worker per village as their assistants; (3) introduce the concept of baby clinics in target villages; and (4) train a MCH specialist to take over project management at the end of the project. Overall targets are to: increase complete immunization coverage of infants aged 0-2 to 80%, and tetanus toxoid coverage of women aged 15-45 to 80%; improve knowledge and use of ORT among 75% of mothers with children aged 0-4; and improve the weaning practices of 60% of mothers with children aged 6 months-3 years.