From 24th to 27th January 2005, the annual National Review Workshop on BCC Intensive Interventions for CoRH, under the UNFPA Special Program of Assistance "Information and Education for Behavior Change" (MYA/02/P02), was held in Mandalay, Myanmar. The workshop was organized by the Central Health Education Bureau (CHEB), Department of Health Planning, and JOICFP. Around 65 participants attended, mainly Township Health Medical Officers and health personnel, health Health education Education officers Officers and youth representatives.

Twenty out of a total of 100 townships had been selected for intensive BCC interventions in the four-year program, which ends in 2005. The workshop saw presentations and discussions by these 20 townships, sharing their status, challenges and constraints, as well as recommendations for the future, especially with a view to securing sustainability since the future of the program is unclear even after the four year program finishes.

Discussion on how to consolidate linkages
between health services & community activities

The workshop participants also went on a field trip, where they observed Youth Information Corner (YIC) and Community Support Group (CSG) outreach activities, as well as YIC facilities. In addition, focus group discussions were held in a Rural Health Center and a hospital, and all the participants developed a guide for future activities based on the workshop and field trip experiences.

CSG volunteers (right) talking on birth spacing methods
to community pregnant women

Outcomes

The participants determined that political commitment was a major element for sustainability, and that mobilization and motivation of the community was also necessary. Both CSG and YIC members were recognized as being instrumental in building links among health services and the community, especially in areas with ethnic or language barriers, though volunteers needed to be constantly motivated as well since there is a fairly high turnover of YIC members. Both YIC and CSG members were seen to be taking the initiative in promoting health to the community.

YIC members talking on menstruation mechanism
to community people

Regarding the issues of funding and equipment constraints, it was found that community funding of its own projects activities is not common in Myanmar as many people donate to religious activities, such as the renovation of temples, and persuading the community that funding a health program is 'meritorious' can be challenging, but thought achievable with appropriate approaches to the community. Though The townships reported that the YIC volunteers do already receive some support from adults, such as transportation for outreach activities.

The monitoring and supervision of youth activities as well as improvements in their quality were also discussed. Standard methods for reporting and checking were suggested, recognizing that monitoring and supervision were important for sustainability, along with training being provided.

A UNFPA midterm review by consultants in November 2004 recommended expansion of CSGs, and stated that YICs were cost-effective as they built on existing facilities. UNFPA would like to expand the program to other areas and townships, and CHEB is making guidelines on how, for example, to start CSGs and YICs.

Focus group discussion with community people
of Nabet on awareness of CSG and YIC activities