The Territory Labor Government has delivered on an important election commitment with the awarding of a tender to evaluate a program which ensures children are born healthy, remain healthy and thrive.

The Menzies School of Health Research won the tender to evaluate the Maternal Early Childhood Sustained Home-Visiting (MECSH) program.

The Territory Government has committed $1.88 million over 5 years for evaluation, which will focus on the short, medium and long-term outcomes of the program as well as its implementation in remote parts of the Territory.

MECSH is a commitment under the Territory Labor Government’s 10 year early childhood development plan, Starting Early for a Better Future 2018-2028.

The program is a sustained nurse home visiting program specifically targeted to improve outcomes for children and their families by building parents’ capacity to provide safe, responsive care in a home environment that supports children’s learning.

Available across the Territory, MECSH is currently implemented by Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation in the Barkly region; Katherine West Health Aboriginal Corporation and Sunrise Health Aboriginal Corporation in the Big Rivers region; and Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation in the East Arnhem region.

Quotes from the Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:

“The Territory Labor Government knows when you invest in children you invest in the future of the Territory.

“Our priority is to make sure all Territory children, no matter where they live are given the best start in life.

“The evaluation work Menzies will conduct is very important to determine what is working well and what may need improving.

“I look forward to seeing the evaluation report.”

Media Contact: Cameron Angus 0404 021 192