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The project “A Healthy Start” is initiated
in 2006 by Danish international relief and development organisation
“Mission East ”, Arabkir Medical Centre – Institute
of Child and Adolescent Health and “Bridge of Hope”
NGO. The project is funded by Danish International Development Agency
(DANIDA). The project is implemented in cooperation and support
of Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labour and Social Issues and
Ministry of Education and Science.
The project is directed to early identification and prevention of
childhood disability, improvement of their health and social status
of children with disabilities, change of attitude towards children
with disabilities and their families to enhance their inclusion
in their respective communities and advocacy of disability rights
in Armenia.
The 1st phase of the project was realized in 11 communities of Armavir
Marz together with NGO for protection of rights of children with
disabilities “Nur”. The 2nd phase of the project will
be realized in 20 communities of Tavush and Gegharkunik Marzes during
2008-2010.
The activities of the project are planed to be implemented at 3
levels - community, regional (Marz) and national.
At community level parents groups are formed supporting other families
of children with disabilities, establishing Child and Family mainstream
centers for promotion the inclusion of children with disabilities/
children at risk and their families. The Local Self Governance Bodies
are encouraged to be actively involved in meeting the problems and
needs of persons with disabilities in their communities. Children
with disabilities and developmental delays will be identified, assessed
and their needs will be met by professionally developed rehabilitation
plans.
At the regional (Marz) level Arabkir Medical Centre – Institute
of Child and Adolescent Health with support of Marzpetarans will
establish Child Development Rehabilitation centers with the purpose
for disability prevention, early identification and rehabilitation
treatment of children with special needs. To be successful in identification
of children with health problems the center will conduct training
of medical staff in targeted communities.
At the national level the activities are directed to public awareness
raising, to active involvement of persons with disabilities and
their families in advocacy of disability rights in Armenia, lobbying
for legislative and policy improvements relevant to the trends of
UN convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The improved partnership between civil society and the state institutions
is considered as indicator of success of the project at all as the
project “Health Start” is a replicable example for productive
cooperation between Governmental and Non-Governmental, local and
International organizations, professional institutions from community
up to national levels.
The tangible results of the project enhanced during 2006-2007 in
Armavir Marz are inspiring and encouraging and will be successfully
replicated in Tavush and Gegharkunik Marzes with the perspective
of replication in all remained Marzes of Armenia.
Project parners
“Mission East”- Danish international relief and development
organization
“Arabkir” Joint Medical Center- Institute of child and
adolescent
“Bridge of Hope” NGO
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