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Parenthood Association of Sierra Leone
Objective
To involve men in RH/FP specifically
to
- sensitize them,
- encourage men to assume
responsibility for FP and
- sexual behavior and
encourage men to support women's contraceptive use.
Background
PPASL has been providing FP
services since 1959, traditionally for women. However, these efforts yielded
only limited results without the support of husbands/partners especially
with the shift of focus to SRH. The male involvement initiated in 1993
by PPASL aims to increase men's commitment and joint responsibility in
all areas of SRH.
Scope
Started in 1993 initially
a three year pilot project in Sierra Leone, the programme has been expanded
to a new area in BO in the south-south eastern region to reach police
men in the area. Plans are also underway to replicate the project in
the north eastern region and December 1st of each year has been earmarked
by Men and Condom Day.
Main activities
PPASL formed men's club to
carry out motivational activities to sensitize the public and get more
men involved in family planning. As the target grouped in most project
areas are Muslim, seminars for Muslims leaders are organized to educate
them in the need for FP and the Koran's stance on the subject. PPASL
also organised an all male clinic operating in the evening hours which
provided condoms, counseling and treatment for men's RH problem.
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Evaluation findings
The evaluation report done
in 1995 revealed that, among other things, knowledge about STDs/HIV/AIDS
was very high. Condoms was also increased substantially. There was better
support for their wives/partners using contraceptives.
Management Features
Strategy
Both IEC and clinical strategies
are being used to promote the male project. IEC messages emphasised
the used for family planning in relation to socio-economic improvement
and the clinic promote the use of condom as a men of prevention against
STDs.
Mobilizing resources
The budget for this male
project is from PPASL. Bicycles for field motivators' use were donated
by JOICFP.
Capacity building
Male motivators and community
based distributors were trained to deliver information and services
in the project areas. Volunteers are mobilized to assist in giving talks
at seminars and group gatherings and helped in the distribution of condoms.
Managerial Leadership
PPASL initiated the male
projects at the same time when FP programmes although in existence since
the 50s, yielded only limited results without the support of men who
are husbands/partners. The ignorance of men on FP was a big constraint
on the success of FP efforts when women were then the only targets of
FP.
PPASL conducted a baseline
survey regarding the current level of male involvement and based on
the findings, design strategies and activities for the successful implementations
of the project.
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