The School and University of Health Sciences hosted the official launch of the Project “Innovation Mobile Technology for Maternal and Child Health Care in Cambodia (i-MoMCARE): A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial” on March 31, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This research initiative, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of a mobile technology solution for maternal and child healthcare services in rural Cambodia.
The i-MoMCARE project is a collaborative effort between the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, the University of Health Sciences, and the National Maternal and Child Health Center. Its goal is to provide digital tools to empower Village Health Support Groups and health center staff, improving the delivery of essential health services.
The launch event was well attended, with remarks from A/Professor Alex R. Cook, Vice-Dean of Research at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, NUS, and Dr. Kim Rattana, Director of the National Maternal and Child Health Center. The opening speech by H.E Prof. Saphonn Vonthanak, Advisor to the Ministry of Health, Cambodia, Rector of University of Health Sciences, further highlighted the significance of the project’s mission.
Dr. Yi Siyan, UHS-SPH Integrated Research Programme Leader, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, NUS, and Principal Investigator of the i-MoMCARE Project, presented the study protocol and provided an overview of the project’s research goals. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in meaningful discussions about the project during the Q&A session.
The i-MoMCARE mobile technology has the potential to improve the quality and accessibility of maternal and child health care in rural Cambodia, which could lead to significant improvements in health outcomes and quality of life for these communities. The project is set to begin its pilot phase in the coming months.