Summary of final evaluation of the Population Council activities conducted under cooperative agreement DPE-3005-A-00-3003[-00]

Evaluation covers 1983-88; no methodology is noted. PC has one of the most successful public sector programs in the contraceptive development field. Its research, both basic and applied, has been outstanding, and PC has introduced more new methods to the marketplace than any other program. In addition to NORPLANT and the Copper T380A IUD, which are now in the introduction stage, PC is developing several promising new products, including NORPLANT-2 rods, the levonorgestrel (LNG) IUD, implants using the steroids ST-1435 and 3-Ketodesogestrel, and three different vaginal rings. PC has performed impressively in introducing NORPLANT and the Copper T380A, although progress has been slower for the former due to the absence of U.S. Federal Drug Administration approval. A.I.D. support has been a critical factor in PC's success. PC's FP program, which has been responsive to A.I.D.'s changing priorities over the years, includes operations research, TA, exploration of new programs, and the production of informational/educational materials. Following considerable involvement in Asia and Latin America, PC is now focusing on Africa, an area in which A.I.D. support has again been crucial. The major concern is insufficient PC staffing in certain key areas of the contraceptive development process, including dosage formulation, toxicology, regulatory affairs, and clinical trial monitoring. Some of the delays in registering NORPLANT in the United States can be traced to staffing problems. PC deserves continued and expanded A.I.D. support. Major recommendations are that: (1) A.I.D. gradually increase PC's funding by about 50% over the next few years; (2) PC recruit additional staff to fill key positions; and (3) PC develop a long-range plan specifying its optimal organizational size. Other key recommendations are that: A.I.D. continue its policy of line-item funding for major research areas (e.g., NORPLANT 2), but allow PC discretionary use of 10% of the contraceptive development budget; A.I.D. increase funding for the contraceptive introduction program to permit hiring of additional field staff, particularly for Africa; PC work to expedite each country's registration of NORPLANT; PC seek greater involvement in contraceptive introduction activities by major service delivery programs, donors, and TA agencies; and A.I.D. maintain its ability to tap PC's field experience and expertise by continuing the FP component.