PATH has been making strides in improving perinatal mental health (PMH) in Myanmar. Their journey started with a pilot program and has now evolved into a comprehensive initiative.
At first, the pilot project used the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to screen women for PMH issues. This scale was translated into Burmese, making it accessible to more people. The pilot showed promise in urban areas, but PATH took it a step further by testing it in the rural Magway region, an area affected by conflict. This was crucial to see if the approach could work in different settings.
Training is a key part of PATH’s strategy. They held training-of-trainers (TOT) sessions, helping healthcare providers and partner organizations learn essential skills. These sessions taught many topics, from understanding common mental health problems during pregnancy and after childbirth to effective management and referral processes.
Participants also learned practical skills, such as self-care and stress management techniques. Role-plays and real-life scenarios helped them put their learning into practice. They discussed various educational tools, weighing their pros and cons based on factors like reach and cost.
The results of this training have been impressive. Between November 2023 and August 2025, the initiative successfully incorporated PMH services into local health care, helping 1,423 women in their communities. Among these, 81 women with more severe conditions received referrals to specialists. This shows how effective the program has been in linking community health workers to higher-level care.
Looking ahead, PATH plans to innovate further. They’re developing digital learning platforms to make training more accessible, especially for those in remote areas with limited internet. Collaborating with organizations like UNICEF will help ensure that PMH services are integrated across various health programs.
Interestingly, recent studies have shown that maternal mental health is a growing concern worldwide. According to a 2022 report from the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 13% of women experience mental health disorders during pregnancy or in the year following childbirth. This underscores the significance of initiatives like PATH’s, which address these pressing needs.
With a commitment to sustained change, PATH’s work not only fills a crucial gap but also paves the way for holistic healthcare that benefits mothers and their families.
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