III. E.2  State Action Plan Narrative overview

III.E.2.a. State Title V Program Purpose and Design

With the MoHHS’ Mission Statement: “To provide high quality, effective, affordable, and efficient health services to all people of the Marshall Islands, through a primary care program to improve the health statistics and build the capacity of each community, family and the individual to care for their own health.” With this mission statement in mind, each daily task, activity, and plan is in pursuant with the goal to utilize the national facilities, staff, and resources of the RMI.

Within the RMI MCH program, the mission is to promote and improve the health and well-being of women, infants, adolescents, children including children with Special Health Care Needs, and their families through the delivery of quality preventive programs and effective partnerships.  Along with that purpose, the MCH Program envisions   all women, infants, and children, including children with special health care needs, adolescents and their families a healthy and thriving lifestyle. The RMI MCH Program coordinates with other public health programs and stakeholders to implement health promotional and preventive activities for the women and children population.  Title V funds are administered through the MCH National program and Ministry of Finance, Banking and Postal Services. The RMI National MCH workforce is housed at the MoHHS in Majuro and while other MCH workforce is housed at Ebeye, Kwajalein and at the health centers in the neighboring islands. The RMI MCH Program is designed to address the strategies identified within the RMI MCH Title V State Action Plan to provide preventive services to the MCH population. While majority of staff is funded by sources other than Title V, all contribute to the Title V mission and MCH priorities.

The following are the key staff involved in the Title V needs assessment and application processes. 

MCH Program Manager: Mrs. Caroline Johnny Jibas holds an Associate of Science in Nursing. Aside from her experience in the MCH Program, Mrs. Jibas has experience working with the various Public Health Programs. She worked as a Zone nurse, TB, and Leprosy nurse before she was transferred to the MCH program. Mrs. Jibas has been involved in the Needs Assessment Activities for both the Title X Family Planning Program and Title V MCH Program in the RMI. Mrs. Jibas continues to provide guidance and input to all programs and centers in the neighboring islands. The Program Manager position is funded at 1.0 FTE through state MCH funds.

System and Data Manager: Ms. Edlen Anzures holds a Bachelor of Science from Adamson University, Philippines.  She also received a post graduate certificate in Field Epidemiology from Fiji National University (FNU), and she is currently pursuing her master’s degree in epidemiology. She has been involved in the Needs assessment and application process for both Family planning and MCH programs for many years. Ms. Edlen Anzures provides epidemiological support to the Title V MCH Program and assists in reviewing and making recommendations for data collection, quality improvement, and data analysis.

Title X/ MCH Family Planning Program Coordinator: Ms. Ana Valotu, stationed on Ebeye holds a Post-graduate Diploma in Obstetrics and Bachelors in Nursing from College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Fiji National University.   She is also a certified Epidemiology technician and currently pursuing her master’s in epidemiology Aside from her experience in the MCH Program, Ms. Ana has experience working with Family planning program and working with Youth to Youth in Health on youth activities. Ms. Ana has been involved in numerous Needs Assessment Activities for both the Title X Family Planning Program and Title V MCH Program.

Performance based budget coordinator, Ministry of Health and Human Services: Mr. Ilaisa Daukakaka holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration. Mr. Daukakaka assists the MCH program in tracking of the Title V funds. Mr. Daukakaka coordinates monthly budget reconciliation with the program.  He attended the financial forms training offered to RMI MCH program.

Clinicians: Dr. Ivy Clare Lapidez is an OBGYN, providing services to pregnant mothers and women and girls of reproductive age. Dr. Ivy is the clinical advisor for the OBGYNs and the chairperson for the Reproductive maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH) committee.  She has been involved with the needs assessment activities and application process.  Dr. Mary Jane Gancio, a pediatrician and a clinical advisor providing care for newborns and children at the public health clinics and the inpatient wards. She has been involved in application process for numerous years and has been to AMCHP meetings.

MCH Clinic Supervisor:  Mrs. Maypol Briand is the senior and supervisor nurse for the prenatal and gynecological clinic, she holds an AS in degree in nursing and a certificate in Midwifery. The position is funded at 1.0 FTE through Title V funds. She’s also a certified Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) Trainer. She also has experience in Family Planning counselling and services.

MCH Clinic Nurse: MS. Eomra Lokeijak is a Nurse by profession, with an Associate Degree in nursing. Aside from MCH work, Ms. Eomra does clinical work and awareness activities in both MCH and Family Planning services at the MCH clinic. Ms. Eomra is certified in implant insertion and removal and VIA and Pap smear screening.  The position is funded at 1.0 FTE through Title V funds. MCH nurse: Mr. Carlwin Aiseia is a nurse by profession, with an AS degree in Nursing.  He is also a certified trainer on Family Planning and counselling. The position is funded at 1.0 FTE through Title V funds. Children with special health care needs: Ms. Johanna Rilang is a nurse by profession, with an AS degree. She is certified in VIA screening, pap smear, insertion and removal of implants. She has been to MCH/AMCHP conferences. The position is funded at 1.0 FTE through Title V funds. Dental Assistant: Ms. Kim Laidren is a dental assistant providing services and referral of pregnant women to proper treatment and care. The position is funded at 1.0 FTE through Title V funds.