Effective Family Planning Programs.

The World Bank has conducted an assessment of the performance of family planning (FP) programs in developing countries. The first part examines their contributions and costs. It concludes that FP programs have played a key role in a reproductive revolution in these countries. Specifically all developing regions have experienced a transition to lower fertility (e.g. in the last 20 years fertility has fallen 33%) resulting in lower infant child and maternal mortality. One chapter looks at experiences in East Asia South Asia Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa. World Bank staff use research to present a broad summary of what methods and characteristics achieve effective programs. The book addresses other social development interventions that contribute to a lasting reproductive revolution. Despite the positive results of FP programs maternal mortality in developing countries is still much higher (10 times) than it is in developed countries and 25% of married women in developing countries report an unmet need for FP. Government commitment to FP programs needs to be strengthened and donor support should keep up with needs to expand successful FP programs. FP programs can satisfy these needs if they provide quality services including a solid client focus effective promotion and strong encouragement of the private sector to increase their participation. Indeed program quality must be the top priority. Strategic management of FP programs is also crucial. Programs need to integrate and coordinate effective promotion of FP e.g. social marketing with other activities.