The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #71456

Susan Scribner, MPP, Commercial Market Strategies, 1001 G Street, NW, Suite 400W, Washington, DC 20001, 202-220-2150, sscribner@cmsproject.com

In the Philippines, a predominantly Catholic country, the environment for promoting and providing modern methods of family planning has been restrictive for many years. The Catholic Church vehemently opposes what it calls “artificial” methods of contraception and labels several modern methods as abortifacients. Under pressure from the Church, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, a staunch Catholic, has avoided mention of modern methods of family planning and failed to procure contraceptives with resources allocated under the previous administration. Nevertheless, population in the Philippines now exceeds 80 million people and is growing at 2.36 percent annually, one of the highest rates in Asia.

The business community is becoming increasingly alarmed about the government's lack of action to address the population problem. A recent survey of top business leaders found that more than 90 percent are concerned about population growth and consider it detrimental to the economy. Furthermore, 90 percent think the government should promote and provide all methods of contraception. Concern by the business community is beginning to manifest itself as action. Leading business associations in the Philippines are mobilizing to promote awareness of population challenges and solutions among their members and the public, advocate government to more effectively address growing population, and offer family planning information and services to their employees and in the communities where they work. Business associations are collaborating with a variety of organizations to achieve these goals. The Philippines may be the only country in the world where the private sector is a key advocate for family planning.

This presentation will review the business sector initiatives and discuss results and progress to date and lessons learned.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe initiatives undertaken by business associations in collaboration with other partners to promote and provide family planning. Analyze lessons learned from collaborating with the business sector in a difficult environment.

Keywords: International Family Planning, Public/Private Partnerships

Related Web page: www.cmsproject.com

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.