Holistic And Integrated Approach to Giving Newborns the Best Start to Life

The eco-bio-psycho-social-spiritual model integrates various dimensions of human experience, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to health. This model is particularly relevant in ensuring newborns have the best start in life, focusing on prenatal, natal, and postnatal periods. The connection between the health of the mother and the baby is critical, as a healthy maternal environment can significantly influence the newborn’s development and well-being.

Speaker: Dr Mercy Wanjala

Mercy Wanjala is a primary care provider, researcher, advocate and leader. She is the Executive Coordinator of the Africa Forum for Primary Health Care. She holds a Masters Degree in Family Medicine from the University of Havana, Cuba. She is a part-time lecturer at Kabarak University Department of Family Medicine and at the University of Health Equity, School of Nursing Leadership focusing on Primary Health Care and Health Systems Leadership. She is passionate about upstream medicine with a focus on social determinants of health, community empowerment, self-care, and strengthening of PHC and Family Medicine in the Africa region.

Objectives:

1. Understand the Components: Define and explain the eco-bio-psycho-social-spiritual model.
2. Mother-Baby Link: Demonstrate the interdependence between the health of the mother and the baby
3. Prenatal Care: Highlight the importance of prenatal care in the health of both mother and baby.
4. Natal Care: Discuss the critical aspects of care during childbirth.
5. Postnatal Care: Emphasize the essential postnatal practices for mother and baby health.