Packard Foundation awards $250,000 to PFD Nigeria
This June, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation approved a grant in the amount of $250,000 to PFD. This grant is to improve the health status of women and youth in northern Nigeria through enhanced micro-credit programs. PFD has been implementing a Reproductive Health through Micro-Credit Networks project in Nigeria with funding from a previous Packard Foundation grant. This grant is a vote of confidence from the Packard Foundation in PFD’s work in Nigeria. Learn more.

PFD Nigeria program appraisal very positive
In February, a team of external evaluators conducted an appraisal of PFD’s programs in Nigeria. The team reviewed methods, interventions, program achievements, and impact. The team’s appraisal of the program was very positive. The appraisal documented two key ingredients in the success of PFD’s programs in Nigeria: partners, who apply skills from PFD’s capacity building efforts to the hand on work of service delivery, and diligent PFD field staff, who guide partners along the way. This appraisal proved that PFD truly works at the community level to ensure sustainability of programs through the transfer of skills to local partners. Download the PFD Nigeria program profile.

George Washington University students study Nigeria program
This spring, a team of graduate students from the George Washington University International Development Program assessed the Packard-funded Reproductive Health through Micro-Credit Networks project for their capstone study. This PFD project is unique because it opportunistically disseminates reproductive health information among women who gather for micro-credit meetings. The capstone project concluded that integrated programs, such as the one being implemented by PFD, provide an opportunity to implement synergistic interventions simultaneously. This approach maximizes impact and creates comprehensive solutions to poverty alleviation. PFD is breaking new ground with this exciting approach!

PFD celebrates 15 years of work in Cambodia
This year marks 15 years of PFD’s presence in Cambodia. In the first years, PFD built a strong reputation with an extensive rural water supply and sanitation program. In recent years, PFD Cambodia’s focus has shifted more towards health programming with projects in school health education, malaria, dengue, family nutrition, HIV/AIDS, family planning, child survival, and safe motherhood. Most notable among these is Spien Sokhapheap (Bridges for Health), an integrated primary health care program designed to bridge the gap between the formal public health system and communities through the provision of a comprehensive package of health services. PFD Cambodia recently produced two short films documenting success stories from this program. These films will be launched at a reception to mark 15 years of PFD’s presence in Cambodia. Learn more.

UNFPA and CIDA make awards to PFD Cambodia
This Spring, UNFPA granted an extension award of $45,100 to PFD Cambodia’s Youth Reproductive Health project in Kratie province. This project addresses the needs of young adults through innovative initiatives to improve their reproductive health. In July, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) committed a small grant to PFD Cambodia for the Andong Teuk Water and Sanitation Project in Koh Kong province.

PFD Cambodia hosts first national-level Malaria Control Workshop
In January 2006, PFD Cambodia organized the first national-level Malaria Control Workshop in Phnom Penh, funded by the Global Fund and USAID. More than 90 participants from government agencies and donor and partner organizations attended and shared experiences, lessons learned, presentations, and action plans. This workshop was well received by participants and was featured in the local press. PFD Cambodia has implemented several innovative malaria interventions in Cambodia that have proven to be very successful. To read about these interventions download the Malaria Program Summary.

USAID evaluation team praises Cambodia flagship program
In April, a team from USAID evaluated PFD Cambodia’s flagship program, Spien Sokhpheap (Bridges for Health). During field visits, they talked with beneficiaries, health functionaries, and volunteers, and examined various facilities, materials, and health records. The USAID team was very impressed and praised PFD’s grassroots approach of community and health service linkages and demand creation. USAID also acknowledged PFD as a strong and well-known NGO in Cambodia that has excellent relationships with government partners.