Background
The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Handbook is a person-centered, household-based health record that integrates health information, service records, and health education for mothers, newborns, and children across the life cycle. It is widely recognized as an effective and practical tool for strengthening primary health care, improving continuity of care, and empowering families and communities to actively participate in maternal and child health. In line with global commitments to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the MCH Handbook contributes to fulfilling the right of women and children to access quality, essential health services.
The MCH Handbook originated in Japan in 1948 as a response to critical maternal and child health challenges in the mid-20th century. Through continuous refinement and strong policy commitment, it has become an integral part of Japan's national health system and has contributed significantly to improving maternal and child health outcomes. Its success demonstrates that a simple, integrated, family-held record can play a strategic role in strengthening primary health care, improving communication between families and health workers, and promoting equity in access to services.
Based on this experience, the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Handbook has been gradually introduced and adapted in many countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, with support from international partners including WHO, UNICEF, JICA, and other development agencies. To date, more than 30 countries and territories have implemented the MCH Handbook either as national programs or through pilot initiatives. In several countries, including Indonesia, the MCH Handbook has been institutionalized as part of national maternal and child health policies since 2004, reflecting strong country ownership and long-term sustainability.
As implementation has expanded, countries have accumulated a wealth of experience and evidence on the use of the MCH Handbook in various health system contexts. The handbook has been shown to improve maternal knowledge, encourage timely utilization of essential services, and support continuity of care from pregnancy through early childhood. At the system level, this contributes to more integrated and responsive primary health care services, particularly for women, children, and vulnerable populations.
At the same time, countries face new and evolving challenges, including demographic and epidemiological transitions, health emergencies, increasing population mobility, and the rapid digital transformation of health systems. These developments demand adaptive and innovative approaches to maternal and child health interventions. In response, several countries have begun exploring digital Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Handbooks and other innovations, such as specialized versions for premature babies and children with special needs. These initiatives highlight the potential of the MCH Handbook to serve as a flexible platform that can respond to emerging needs while maintaining its core human-centered principles.
The International Conference on MCH Handbooks, held every two years, provides a unique global forum to discuss these developments. The conference brings together policymakers, health professionals, researchers, development partners, and civil society organizations to share experiences, lessons learned, and innovations, while strengthening collaboration between countries and regions. The conference also supports alignment between country practices and global frameworks on Primary Health Care, health system resilience, and a lifecycle approach to maternal, newborn, and child health.
The MCH Handbook originated in Japan in 1948 as a response to critical maternal and child health challenges in the mid-20th century. Through continuous refinement and strong policy commitment, it has become an integral part of Japan's national health system and has contributed significantly to improving maternal and child health outcomes. Its success demonstrates that a simple, integrated, family-held record can play a strategic role in strengthening primary health care, improving communication between families and health workers, and promoting equity in access to services.
Based on this experience, the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Handbook has been gradually introduced and adapted in many countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, with support from international partners including WHO, UNICEF, JICA, and other development agencies. To date, more than 30 countries and territories have implemented the MCH Handbook either as national programs or through pilot initiatives. In several countries, including Indonesia, the MCH Handbook has been institutionalized as part of national maternal and child health policies since 2004, reflecting strong country ownership and long-term sustainability.
As implementation has expanded, countries have accumulated a wealth of experience and evidence on the use of the MCH Handbook in various health system contexts. The handbook has been shown to improve maternal knowledge, encourage timely utilization of essential services, and support continuity of care from pregnancy through early childhood. At the system level, this contributes to more integrated and responsive primary health care services, particularly for women, children, and vulnerable populations.
At the same time, countries face new and evolving challenges, including demographic and epidemiological transitions, health emergencies, increasing population mobility, and the rapid digital transformation of health systems. These developments demand adaptive and innovative approaches to maternal and child health interventions. In response, several countries have begun exploring digital Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Handbooks and other innovations, such as specialized versions for premature babies and children with special needs. These initiatives highlight the potential of the MCH Handbook to serve as a flexible platform that can respond to emerging needs while maintaining its core human-centered principles.
The International Conference on MCH Handbooks, held every two years, provides a unique global forum to discuss these developments. The conference brings together policymakers, health professionals, researchers, development partners, and civil society organizations to share experiences, lessons learned, and innovations, while strengthening collaboration between countries and regions. The conference also supports alignment between country practices and global frameworks on Primary Health Care, health system resilience, and a lifecycle approach to maternal, newborn, and child health.