The Child Health and Development Passport (CHDP) is on schedule to be implemented on September 1, 2010. On that date and onwards new born babies will receive this comprehensive document, designed to track their growth and development up to 17 years of age. It will also replace the immunization card for this group as the passport will contain immunization records.

Minister of Health, Hon. Rudyard who is slated to hand over the first copy of the passport to a new born at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital on September 1, says he is excited about the gains in child health and development that are expected to be achieved as a result of the use of this document.

“In the first year of distribution, we expect that approximately forty five thousand (45,000) children will receive the CHDP. I am confident that as long as the document is used as it should be, the result will be healthier and more adjusted children.  We also expect that this approach will assist in improving Jamaica’s infant and child mortality rates as keeping track of children’s health and development status will aid us in deciding quickly whether interventions are needed to put them back on track,” said Minister Spencer.

The Child Health and Development Passport was developed in response to the need to further improve the health of children and meet the country’s obligations under the Millennium Development Goals which require a reduction in the infant mortality and child mortality rates by two thirds by 2015.

Information such as medical history, nutrition guidelines, growth charts and educational and developmental tips for parents is included in the document.

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Contact: MOH, Public Relations Unit Tel: 967-1561