Project Title	Reconstructing Maternal Care Services: Maternity Waiting Homes in Timor-Leste
Student’s Name	Kayli Wayte
Supervisor(s)	Professor Lesley Barclay (CDU), Professor Paul Kelly (MSHR), Dr Nelson Martins (MSHR)
Degree & University of Enrollment	Doctor of Philosophy; Charles Darwin University
Funding Body (if applicable)	DEST PhD Scholarship
Project Dates	July 2005 - July 2008
Project overview	The maternal health system in Timor-Leste is undergoing rapid development as the government and NGOs target maternal and child health as a major priority. Maternity waiting homes are being piloted throughout the country, as a strategy to promote the use of health facilities for all birthing women in order to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality. This project investigates the emergence of maternity waiting homes in Timor-Leste, from the level of policy analysis through to interactions with the wider health system and the community. The research uses critical medical anthropology to explore the policy and implementation of maternity waiting homes in Same, Manufahi districts and Cailaco, Bobonaro district and incorporates three levels of analysis: §      The individual level of women’s experience. §      The intermediate level of local and national health care systems. §      The macrosocial level of global political systems and influences.
Location of Fieldwork	Fieldwork will be conducted in two rural villages that have recently implemented maternity waiting homes: Same, Manufahi district to the south and Cailaco, Bobonaro district to the west of the capital Dili.
Potential Significance	The literature on maternity waiting homes is sparse and the evidence for their effectiveness in reducing maternal morality and morbidity is lacking in other developing country settings. The findings from this research will be used to provide policy relevant information to the Ministry of Health and will help to feed into plans that are currently under way in other districts in Timor-Leste. Published findings may be relevant to other developing countries considering this strategy.
Key achievements for 2006	Review of the international literature on maternity waiting homes and systematic review of the evidence for their impact on pregnancy outcome. Initial site visits and consultation and planning with the Ministry of Health and relevant NGOs in Timor-Leste.