Achieving ICPD+5 Benchmarks in
Reproductive Health Programme
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During the ICPD+5 review process in 1999, five operational benchmarks were established towards the full realisation of the ICPD POA. Each of these measurable indicators relates to a major area of RH: Service, Safe Motherhood, FP, Adolescents and STD/HIV/AIDS, and Gender.

ICOMP began implementing a three-year project on Strengthening NGO Capacity to Achieve ICPD+5 Benchmarks in RH from end of 2001. Supported by UNFPA, ICOMP worked with Child in Need Institute (CINI) in India, Society for Development Through Integrated Approaches (SDIA) in Pakistan and Health
Unlimited (HU) in Lao PDR to implement pilot project at a site each.

Implemented in three phases, this project started with strengthening the capacity of NGOs by initially conducting a strategic assessment through multi-sectoral teams of experts and developing an intervention package. The selected interventions were implemented, and process documentation of experiences and evaluation activities was completed. Later, dissemination included publications,
presentations for purposes of advocacy and further capacity-building training and workshops.

Accomplishments CINI, India: • Strong government-NGO collaboration on delivery of health care services. • Community awareness on the issues of RH and ICPD+5. • Overall improvement in ICPD+5 benchmark indicators. ............................................................................................................. SDIA, Pakistan: • Strengthened further the strong credibility and reliability of SDIA’s clinic and services to it’s urban settlers in Karachi. • Usage of cultural/religious practices (zakat fund)proved to be of a positive reception from the community in achieving ICPD+5. • Made linkages with the government in referring SDIA clinic’s clients to receive appropriate care at government service delivery points (i.e, hospitals, Sindh AIDS Department, etc). • Overall improvement in ICPD+5 benchmark indicators. ............................................................................................................. HU, Laos: • Increased knowledge of HIV/AIDS among adolescents. • Developed and organised training session for youth and women in RH. • Trained and provided delivery kits to traditional birth attendants. • Established stronger linkages with key mass-based organisations. • Identified areas where national RH programme can be strengthened.