HOLD MY HAND II Quarterly Report Q2FY23 (Final revision)

The project is implemented by the Institute of Population, Health and Development (PHAD] in collaboration with Catholic Relief Services (CRS). HMH II focuses on developing a holistic care model that addresses health, protection needs, and supports persons with disabilities develop their independent living skills by improving home care and changing family's attitude toward persons with disabilities. The project has developed a comprehensive approach to care and social assistance for persons with significant disabilities, including strengthening care and social assistance services, improving the quality of care and social assistance services, and providing assistive devices for persons with significant disabilities. HMH II also aims to develop financing models for care services to diversify the sources of care systems and strengthen care and social assistance services governance by standardizing care training packages and tools. The project has five specific objectives: SO1: Improved care and social assistance services for approximately 2600 persons with severe disabilities; SO2: A sustainable workforce for care and social assistance services developed; SO3: Independent living of approximately 200 persons with disabilities improved through the provision of assistive devices; SO4: Finance for care systems improved; and SO5: Care and social assistance services governance strengthened. During the reporting period, the project team conducted various activities, including care needs assessment for 19 additional cases in 10 new project communes, training in Home-Based Care (HBC) mentoring for care mentors in 10 new project communes, and HBC training and mentoring for persons with disabilities and caregivers in 36 project communes. The project also conducted assessment of the need for ADL devices and home modification for persons with disabilities in 10 new project communes. The project has made significant progress in implementing its activities, with 773 new persons with disabilities starting to receive Home-Based Care (HBC) support in the second quarter of FY2023. The project has also conducted need assessments for 355 persons with disabilities in Phu Cat and Tuy Phuoc districts, and four reflection meetings in Tuy Phuoc, Hoai Nhon, and Thang Binh districts. The project has also collaborated with the Vietnam Nurses Association, Binh Dinh Health Department, and local partners to organize an official meeting to discuss the proposed rehab nursing program in Vietnam and prepare for organizing formal training for nurses from health facilities in Binh Dinh provinces and 04 project sites. The project's implementation status is satisfactory, with the project team conducting regular monitoring and evaluation activities to ensure the project's objectives are met. The project has also established a strong partnership with local partners, including the Vietnam Nurses Association and the Binh Dinh Health Department. The project's performance indicators track the progress of the project's objectives, including the number of persons with disabilities receiving care and social assistance services, the number of care mentors trained, and the number of persons with disabilities receiving assistive devices. The project's performance indicators also track the project's sustainability and environmental compliance. The project's lesson learned section highlights the importance of collaboration with local partners and the need for a comprehensive approach to care and social assistance services. The project's planned activities for the next quarter include conducting training for care mentors, assessing the need for ADL devices and home modification for persons with disabilities, and conducting reflection meetings with care mentors, HBC staff, and local partners. The project's geographic coverage includes Binh Dinh, Quang Nam, and Kon Tum provinces in Vietnam. The project's reporting period is from January 1st to March 31st, 2023.