AID grant to International Planned Parenthood Federation for Belize family life education

BFLA will establish family planning (FP) centers, implement an information/education/communication (IEC) program, and develop its resource base. BFLA will found two FP centers, one in Dangriga and the other at a site to be determined. Using a fee-for-service system, each center will provide counseling and clinical services in a variety of FP methods, including natural FP. Staff will include: a nurse to serve as program coordinator and head the clinical and counseling/education program; local volunteers to assist in extension work (especially counseling); and a part-time medical advisor. IPPF will supply TA, staff training, and commodity support for the centers, and will develop special training workshops for government nurses and physicians and for volunteers. IEC activities under the grant will include: (1) training of BFLA staff, volunteers, and government personnel in FP, counseling, and health education; (2) community meetings for FP lectures/discussions (utilizing audiovisual materials); and (3) a promotional campaign (using posters, brochures, and mass media). As a first step in strengthening its own resources, BFLA will hold a series of one-day seminars for government and community leaders, which will outline the role of BFLA and stimulate discussions about the importance of FP for maternal and child health. BFLA will also disseminate press releases on its work. Additionally, IPPF will assist BFLA in developing a modest fundraising program. Before the start of the project, BFLA will undertake baseline surveys to assess the need for family life education and services, attitudes towards FP among males, and the role that traditional birth attendants could play in promoting family spacing and reproductive health.