Latest issue of "Network" on the Web
------------------------------------
Greetings and apologies for any cross-postings!
Family Health International's (FHI) latest issue of Network, its
quarterly health bulletin, is now online. Here is a brief summary of
the articles it contains, followed by links to the issue on the Web.
NETWORK: Community-based Distribution, Vol. 19, No. 3, Spring 1999
Community-based distribution programs take contraceptive methods to
people where they live, rather than requiring people to visit clinics
or other locations for services. Articles examine recent research in-
volving programmatic issues and profile services, highlighting Peru,
Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.
Community-based Distribution Serves Unmet Needs
By reaching into rural communities and isolated neighborhoods, commu-
nity-based distribution programs can serve unmet needs for contracep-
tion. In general, these programs take contraceptive methods to people
where they live, rather than requiring people to visit clinics or
other locations for services.
Ways to Expand Contraceptive Choices
Barrier methods and oral contraceptives are available through many
programs offering community-based family planning. With proper train-
ing, community workers can give injectable contraceptives. Mobile
teams of medical professionals can provide other methods, such as
sterilization or intrauterine devices.
Motivating Community-based Workers
In some programs offering community-based family planning, workers
are paid; in others, they are volunteers. Some workers live in the
village they serve, others do not. Recent research examines how these
and other factors influence job performance.
Comparing CBD Program Costs
While community-based distribution of family planning services can be
cost-effective, some studies have found other delivery approaches are
less expensive.
Offering CBD and Other Services
Community-based family planning services can be combined with other
health services, including disease prevention, prenatal and antenatal
care and oral rehydration therapy.
Four CBD Programs
"CARE Project Enlists Community Support" describes a rural community-
based distribution effort in Peru, while a project serving urban cli-
ents in Peru is profiled in "City Life Isolates Many Clients." One of
the world's oldest and largest programs considers a new strategy in
"Bangladesh Refines a Successful Program." In "Zimbabwe's 'Clinics
under Trees' Increase Access," one of Africa's most successful commu-
nity-based programs is featured.
Gender Norms Affect Community Distribution
Community-based services that bring contraceptive services into homes
can help women obtain control over their fertility and thereby en-
hance their autonomy and self-esteem. However, programs that exclude
men can perpetuate the notion that family planning is solely a
woman's responsibility. These and other gender issues involving com-
munity-based distribution are examined.
Read the full text of Network 19-3 on FHI's Web site at:
English: http://www.fhi.org/en/fp/fppubs/network/v19-3/index.html
French: http://www.fhi.org/fr/networkf/fv19-3/index.html
Spanish: http://www.fhi.org/sp/networks/sv19-3/index.html
Many other FHI publications are also available in full-text versions
in English, Spanish and French on our Web site:
http://www.fhi.org
FHI is committed to helping women and men have access to safe, effec-
tive, acceptable and affordable family planning methods to ensure
that they achieve their desired number and spacing of children; pre-
venting the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted dis-
eases (STDs); and improving the health of women and children.
David Hock
Senior Information Projects Coordinator
Family Health International
mailto:dhock@fhi.org
--
Send mail for the `AFRO-NETS' conference to `afro-nets@usa.healthnet.org'.
Mail administrative requests to `majordomo@usa.healthnet.org'.
For additional assistance, send mail to: `owner-afro-nets@usa.healthnet.org'.