Project assistance completion report : private sector promotion of family planning -- operational program grant 532-0122-G-SS-5170-00

The objectives of all components were achieved and the project can be seen as highly successful. The information, education, and communication (IEC) component produced two developmental dramas, "Naseberry Street," a radio program in soap opera style, and "Pepper," a traveling theater production. Both dramas produced clear and well-received messages about child spacing, pregnancy prevention, family size, the value of contraceptives, and responsible parenthood. However, while "Naseberry Street" was enormously popular early on, as time progressed listenership declined and the program became primarily an entertainment vehicle with little or no FP information; the show was canceled in 4/89. Additional activities under this component included the development of educational materials, including a video, brochures, posters, and booklets, and a mass media campaign utilizing print and electronic media and public relations activities. The component to promote employer-based provision of FP services has demonstrated a steady increase in the number of contraceptive acceptors at the workplace. The program was especially valuable in reaching men. Male participants developed positive attitudes toward contraceptives and began adapting to condom use. On the negative side, the program was constrained by inadequate educational and motivational sessions, dissatisfaction with the brands of condoms and pills distributed, reluctance of some companies to allow time for public education services, and low recruitment levels (15-20% of staff). In addition, some workers were uncertain of the confidentiality of the FP services and some feared contraceptive side effects. The vasectomy promotion component progressed very slowly, with only 9 participants. Due to cultural taboos, none of these men would admit having undergone the procedure. At the same time, such feelings of shame have not been documented among men who have undergone the procedure at the Lenworth Jacobs Clinic. This suggests that better coordination between the project's male FP counselor and the Lenworth Jacobs Clinic staff could have increased the success of this component. JFPA made slow progress in fundraising, but strategies are now in place for soliciting funds from companies and individuals. In a related area, there is a welcome trend toward establishing steering committees to provide expert guidance to JFPA.