First implemented in China in 1984, the Integrated RH/FP Program with Health Education and Services (IP) has now spread to all provinces in the country. After the completion of the 7th cycle (2002-2004), JOICFP is focusing on supporting capacity building for self-expansion of the IP.

From 4th to 15th July, 12-member Chinese team comprising representatives of the NPFPC, the China Family Planning Association (CFPA), FPA staff and experts from Jiangsu Province, and representatives of Fujian Province were with JOICFP to learn about Japan's experiences in population, reproductive health and family planning (RH/FP), with a view to IP expansion.

Fujian plans to expand the IP to another 19 counties by itself.

The Chinese team reported the IP had a great effect on improving the lives of ordinary people and could provide a base for building a new rural China including health care and poverty reduction. NGOs, they said, would be needed to take an active role in health services, and fee charging and improvement of technical capacity were important to maintain quality services.

They also mentioned that services needed to expand to address new social issues, such as STIs and HIV/AIDS.

Chinese team leader from NPFPC presents
how activities are changing since 2004

Tokyo

In Tokyo, the visitors listened to a lecture by an IPSS economist on the situation of social security in Japan with regards to the aging society. China is facing a rapidly graying population, and Japan has a lot of experience in this field.

They also received lectures from JOICFP, and JFPA, and visited the Tokyo Health Service Association medical and health facilities.

Field trip

In a field trip to Fukushima, the team met with local government to learn about the overall health care activities from prefectural to village levels, and visited a local NGO, Fukushima Health Service Association, which provides preventive health services on a fee-charging basis in collaboration with local government at all levels, including the business community.

In Ishikawa Town, the team visited a health center to observe vaccinations for infants and guidance on to how to give baby food. In other places, they observed health checks in collaboration with NGOs, and met with volunteer groups who promote healthy behavior and nutrition.

Guidance on how to give baby food at Ishikawa Town

They also visited a nursing home that provides daycare, and short- and long-term care for the elderly handicapped to observe the client-friendly services.

The life of ordinary Japanese farmers; an agricultural cooperative in Sukagawa City that produces cucumbers

The visitors were impressed by how volunteers work with local government, and how eager they are to assist, and in discussions, the team members said that integration and building trust among staff and people were very important in promoting activities effectively.

Based on Japanese experiences in community health and the concepts of the IP, it is expected that the IP will successfully expand in China and positively influence other activities that promote family health in the country.