MSD seeks to improve the quality of life of marginalized populations in developing democracies. MSD increases opportunities for women and children, refugees and displaced populations, in rural and urban areas - through improved quality, access to and delivery of health care services - to participate in and benefit from the transition to democracy.

Psychosocial Assessment, West Bank and Gaza

MSD Awarded USAID contract in the West Bank and Gaza

MSD was selected to conduct a mid-term assessment in West Bank and Gaza (Community Psychosocial Support Program). Launched in May 2001, the CPSP seeks to “assist children and youth in dealing with the current conflict situation, through appropriate psychosocial interventions, with a view to help them become productive adults and citizens of the future.”

The assessment conducted in October 2003, reviewed program appropriatiness, effectiveness, and management. In-house expertise in social work policies and programs, including psychosocial interventions, greately enhanced MSD performance under this contract.

USAID/2003

MSD conducted a Mid-Term Assessment of the $5.2 million funded Community Psychosocial Support Program (in October 2003).  The CPSP seeks to assist children and youth in dealing with the current conflict situation, through appropriate psychosocial inventions, with a view to help them become productive adults and citizens of the future.

Evaluator assessed program appropriateness of implementation and management using an Assessment Review Tool jointly developed with Reda International.  Using a qualitative research design, the Evaluator conducted interviews in Arabic with professionals and beneficiaries of psychosocial support in West Bank and Gaza.

Public Health on the Mexico and U.S. Border
Unsolicited/2000-2002

The greatest impact of Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in international development is found in the health sector. Originally established to respond to emergency relief needs, health sector PVOs and NGOs now bring expanded skills, including the effective delivery of services at the community level, the ability to reach poor and marginal populations, and the ability to promote local level participation.

A recent MSD-sponsored study assessed the ability of community-based health organizations on the U.S.-Mexican border to adequately guide underserved populations through managed health care providorship. Our research revealed (1) a gap between perceptions and actual stewardship caused by the complexity of most consolidated programs, including managed health care, and (2) that advanced service delivery requires more beneficiary resources. For example, mobility and nutrition generally must precede increased access to medical advancements.

The remaining challenge is to treat real problems with interventions that reflect technological advancements, while keeping assistance within the grasp of needy and marginalized groups. MSD seeks to identify and support frameworks for the most vulnerable citizens, in the areas of health and nutrition, in developing democracies and countries in transition.