The Care for Life Family Preservation Program: Outcome Evaluation of a Holistic Community Development Program in Mozambique

Objective: In 2016, Mozambique ranked 13th worldwide in infant mortality (67.9 deaths/1,000 live births) and 20th worldwide in maternal mortality (489 deaths/100,000 live births). This study’s objective was to determine whether a comprehensive program, incorporating the International Association for Community Development’s recommended holistic elements was effective in a country such as Mozambique. Method: Over a 5-year period (2012–2017), an independent, randomized between-group outcome study was conducted to determine whether the holistic Care for Life (CFL) Family Preservation Program was effective in reducing infant mortality ratios (IMRs) and maternal mortality ratios (MMRs) in Mozambique. Results: At preintervention assessment, intervention and comparison villages were statistically equivalent in both IMR and MMR. After 5 years, intervention villages were significantly below the comparison villages in both IMR (odds ratio = 2.3) and MMR (odds ratio = 4.6). Conclusion: The use of comparison groups demonstrated the CFL program comprehensive, holistic, and sustainable approach is effective.