GC_1000

Project objectives

GC_1000 (H2020 i848147) introduced group care as an innovative model of support for pregnant women in diverse healthcare systems. By training professionals and fostering knowledge exchange, new approaches could be implemented and evaluated. This laid the foundation for sustainable improvements in maternal and child care tailored to local and cultural contexts.

Results and impact

By the end of the project, 219 healthcare professionals had been trained and group sessions were taking place in 32 sites, exceeding initial targets. Many of these sites are still running group care and expanding further. As a result, thousands of women now receive better support during pregnancy and the early months of their child’s life.

TNO’s role

TNO coordinated the project, connecting international partners and ensuring smooth collaboration. Our experience with large-scale research projects, healthcare innovation and knowledge sharing helped align approaches across different countries.

Coordinator Marlies Rijnders: 'TNO has had a major impact in the Netherlands with the implementation and development of group care for the first 1,000 days. With this EU project, we shared all our knowledge and expertise to make this innovative healthcare model sustainable for the entire world. As a result, healthcare for mothers, babies, and families will be improved for generations to come'.

Key challenges included training professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring sustainable scale-up after the project ended. Close cooperation with local partners and strong project management ensured that GC_1000 became a lasting success.