The UNFPA Special Program of Assistance to Myanmar is scheduled to operate from 2002 to 2005, though the start date was set back. JOICFP is participating in the program, executing a component project Information and Education for Behavior Change (MYA/02/P02).

From 25th October to 11th November, two independent consultants, Josephine Sauvarin, Adviser, RH/FP Programs, and Anne Harmer, Consultant, UNFPA, Country Technical Services Team based in Bangkok, conducted a mid-term program assessment with field visits to determine outcomes of the last two years, including the JOICFP-executed component project.

On 12th November, a mid-term review meeting was held in Yangon, Myanmar in which the implementing agencies presented their component activities, and the consultants presented their findings and recommendations. The recommendations are expected to be reflected in the remaining year of implementation and the next program cycle, starting 2006.

Findings and recommendations

Through the JOICFP-executed component project "Information and Education for Behavior Change" (MYA/02/P02), Community Support Groups (CSGs), volunteers who identify those in need at the grassroots level and provide them with information or service referral as necessary, have been established in selected project areas. This system was found to be very effective, with enthusiastic CSGs volunteers requesting more training and materials.

The consultants indicated that this community level intervention, though successful, is difficult to assess, and suggested documenting success stories to provide qualitative support. In addition, they suggested this modality be further strengthened and expanded where possible.

Increasing male involvement

With UNFPA support, JOICFP is implementing a regional project, Increasing Male Involvement for RH through Effective Behavior Change Communication Strategies (RAS/5R/304) from 2004 to 2007. The project is being carried out in Indonesia, Mongolia and Myanmar, and incorporates past successes in JOICFP community-operated reproductive health activities.

A male health volunteer explains
mechanisms of reproductive health to men

The consultants recommended that the next program cycle further utilize men by adopting lessons from this regional pilot project. Although CSGs are comprised of both men and women, their roles seem to be somewhat differentiated. For example, women tend to provide more information on reproductive health, while men deal more with logistic matters, such as transport to medical facilities.

IEC and advocacy

Recommendations were also made for a better range of IEC materials to be produced. Clients need to be able to take information away with them, and health staff need materials that can be used in a variety of ways, such as posters, flipcharts and booklets.

Furthermore, the consultants recommended that advocacy in each component be strengthened and unified so that an integrated approach can be seen to be taken.

UNFPA will begin development of the next cycle from December 2004.