Regional family planning project

The project will be implemented in two phases: institutional strengthening of SPAFH, to be implemented by the Pathfinder Fund, followed by national-level activities, to be implemented primarily by SPAFH. Phase I will focus on establishing SPAFH as a regional support organization for FP programs. To this end, SPAFH will be formally established in Tonga or another South Pacific country and registered with A.I.D. as an indigenous PVO, and will receive TA and training in management systems; information, education, and communication (IEC); financial systems; and commodity logistics. All professional staff will receive U.S. training, and SPAFH staff will also participate in national workshops and short-term training programs in the region. The project will help SPAFH locate non-A.I.D. funding sources and will equip SPAFH headquarters with personal computers, printers, and office furniture. National-level activities during Phase I will include short-term training of trainers for five persons from national organizations, along with workshops and short-term programs for national organization participants. Matching grants for local FP activities by governments and private organizations are also planned. Phase II will shift efforts away from SPAFH strengthening to national FP activities, with SPAFH providing TA, training, funds, and other support services. Priority activities will involve development of national population policies and improvements in IEC in the delivery of contraceptive services. Priority countries are Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Kiribati, with somewhat less attention to be given to Fiji, Tonga, Western Samoa, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, and Niue. Amendment of 8/18/93 authorizes Phase II in accordance with findings of a 12/92 mid-term evaluation. This phase will include: (1) continuing institutional development of SPAFH by Pathfinder, leading to economic and operational independence and registration with A.I.D.; (2) SPAFH assistance to individual countries; and (3) complementary activities, managed by RDO/SP and implemented by various U.S. organizations, to promote voluntary surgical contraception and to introduce contraceptive implants. (PD-ABH-351)