The document discusses the role of Finland's maternity package in promoting public health. It notes that the maternity package was part of overall public health efforts that led to improvements in the health of expecting mothers and babies. However, these gains were also attributable to other factors. In early 1900s Finland, public health faced major challenges like low living standards, hygiene issues, and high infant mortality. The maternity package, along with other welfare and health factors, helped reduce Finland's infant mortality rate significantly between 1900-2015.

1. The role of the Finnish maternity
package in the promotion of public
health
Karoliina Koskenvuo
Head of Research Team, Kela
PhD, Adjunct Professor (Public Health)

2. Maternity package and promotion of public
health
•The maternity package has been a part of overall
public health efforts
•The improvements seen in the health and well-
being of expecting mothers and of babies are
attributable also to other factors

3. Finland in the early 1900s
•Finland was a poor agrarian society
•Social support was available mainly from family, church
and the local poor relief system
•Major public health challenges included the low standard
of living and general hygiene, tuberculosis, epidemics,
and a high rate of infant and child mortality

4. •What can we say about the she significance of
the maternity package for public health,
including the reduction of infant mortality?
•The development of infant mortality rate in the
period 1900-2015 with key factors related to the
welfare and health of mothers and children
(Figure)