Private sector subproject : Romania -- final evaluation report : October 1995-September 1997

Specific objectives were to increase the knowledge and use of modern contraceptive methods among those between 15-24 years old, and increase the use of private pharmacies as a source of modern contraceptive methods. The evaluation covers the period 10/95-9/97. PROFIT contracted a Romanian research organization to study private pharmacists" management practices, their knowledge of and attitudes toward family planning, and their level of interest in receiving training and displaying promotional materials. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with a representative sample of 597 pharmacists who managed private pharmacies, and six focus groups with a total of 49 pharmacists were held. Data from these sources served as a baseline to measure the success of the program and to design training and promotional activities with pharmacies. PROFIT also used the quantitative data collected about the pharmacists as part of the 1994 USAID-sponsored assessment. PROFIT contracted a Romanian public relations firm to conduct an information, education, and communication (IEC) campaign targeted to Romania"s urban youth. The firm conducted formative research with target audience members to help design the campaign, which combined interpersonal and mass media communication channels. PROFIT also developed and pretested a training curriculum and materials for pharmacists" training, the first session of which was conducted in Bucharest near the end of the year. In addition, PROFIT developed a pharmacist"s guide that included the major elements of the training curriculum for distribution to all private pharmacists in Romania, along with the marketing guide which pharmacists had requested. The PROFIT Country Representative worked with the National Pharmacists" Association (NPA) as well as university departments of pharmacy throughout the country. Three main conclusions can be drawn from PROFIT"s experience in Romania. (1) The subproject"s success was due in large part to the Country Representative"s experience with USAID, knowledge of the private sector, and commitment to reproductive health issues. (2) PROFIT"s collaboration with the NPA and university departments of pharmacy gave credibility to the program and allowed it to utilize the existing nationwide organizational structure to facilitate implementation of its activities. (3) There was a great demand for information and education about modern contraceptive methods among both pharmacists and young adults. The following lessons were learned. (1) The use of staff with commercial experience can be very useful in commercial sector development projects. (2) Working closely with respected professional organizations and individuals can provide credibility and resources for development activities. (3) The training of trainers (TOT) model, involving the use of local trainers, can provide credibility and resources, and can help provide more opportunities for follow up. (4) Collecting baseline and follow-up data related to training may be difficult if there is significant distrust of government or if appropriate record-keeping systems are not in place. (5) Using in-country research organizations may involve providing extensive technical monitoring and assistance. (6) It is important to communicate with doctors and to solicit their support for activities with other health professionals.