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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Mireille (Mickey) Aramati, MPH¹, Nicolas De Metz², Sarah Arnett³, and Carol Shepherd, ScD, MS³. (1) Global Health Consultant, 15 Morningside Ave., Natick, MA 01760, 508-655-5422, maramati@comcast.net, (2) Consultant, 18, Montee du Lieutenant Allouche, Lyon, 69001, France, (3) Futures Group International, Constella Group, 1 Thomas Circle, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20005

In June 2003, SPARHCS – the Strategic Pathway to Achieving Reproductive Health Commodity Security – assessment was conducted in Madagascar. SPARHCS provides a framework and diagnostic guide to help countries develop a strategic commitment and a funded Reproductive Health Commodity Security (RHCS) action plan using consensus-based priorities as determined by a multi-sectoral group. The purpose of the assessment was to identify critical strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities; analyze historical trends and future projections; identify immediate follow-up actions; assist the government of Madagascar (GOM) and its national and international partners to produce a one-year immediate plan of action; and present findings to key stakeholders and facilitate discussions on a long-term RHCS strategic plan

Following the SPARHCS assessment, technical assistance was provided to the government of Madagascar (GOM) to implement a strategic plan for RHCS. After two years, Madagascar has made great strides in engaging high level government officials, garnering support for RHCS, and moving the country closer to the goal of RHCS — when every person is able to choose, obtain, and use contraceptives and other essential reproductive health supplies whenever she or he wants and/or needs them.

Based on in-depth interviews with senior stakeholders in the public sector, donor/partners, and nongovernmental organizations, this report systematically documents the SPARHCS process and successful results in repositioning FP in Madagascar. These findings are very important to the larger goal of repositioning family planning in developing countries. In addition, the report illustrates the usefulness of the SPARHCS approach and its applicability to other developing country settings.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the role that the SPARHCS process can play in repositioning family planning and advocating for broader contraceptive security

Keywords: Family Planning, Reproductive Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation