Integrated family planning services

PES covers the period 5/10/84-3/31/85; is based on site visits, interviews, and procedural review; and focuses on success of a 5/10/84 reprogramming of the project. Progress since reprogramming has been good and the project purpose is obtainable given further investment in improving FPU efficiency and service delivery. (1) A total of 172,674 oral contraceptives and 335,270 condoms have been distributed over the 11 months, vs. respective targets of 140,000 and 300,000. Clear standards for contraceptive distribution are lacking, however. (2) All 35 planned training courses were conducted, although given the great disparity in the knowledge of contraceptive methodology among personnel at different levels, it is recommended that a separate training department be established within the FPU and course content carefully reviewed to balance theory and practice. (3) An information, education, and communication system has been established, but activities have been limited to serving already identified acceptors. As of 2/85, the FPU was operating under its own organization, but the legalization of the FPU within the MOH had not occurred. Neither this status nor the hesitancy of the MOH to enunciate FP policy prior to the formation of an elected governent has impeded progress; still, the implementation oversight committee should be strengthened, especially in the area of guidance for FP activities. The project has directly benefited some 180,000 women of child-bearing age, most of whom reside in poor rural highland areas. Two lessons were learned. (1) The simplification of the project design in the reprogramming - only requiring the MOH to train its personnel, distribute contraceptives, and keep records - helped the MOH succeed in this project, despite its past difficulties with the implementation process. (2) The shift from short-term TA to a resident advisor was effective and well worth the cost. Action decisions call for (1) continued support for the FPU, using funds from Project 5200288, and (2) presentation by the FPU of budget and implementation plans.