Integration of reproductive health programs: Getting more for less

Maternal and Child Health (MCH), Family Planning (FP), and Reproductive Health (RH) service provision in Egypt generally consist of vertical programs catering to the unique goals of MCH, FP, and RH separately. Each has its own national training curricula, staffing patterns, information systems, supervisory tools, and top-down management approach. International best practices indicate that client needs are better fulfilled by providing an integrated package of MCH/FP/RH services through one or a few providers, at one service delivery point. The USAID-funded Takamol Project implements an integrated RH model which strengthens the capacity of primary health care facilities to provide improved, integrated care for communities through renovation and equipping, and the provision of training, outreach, community participation, and capacity building. Takamol helped to develop integrated workplans with the two separate sectors within the Ministry of Health and Population responsible for MCH/FP/RH service provision, thus avoiding overlap of activities and gaps. Takamol integrated MOHP district plans and the workplans of other government entities involved in MCH/FP/RH such as the national and regional population councils. Takamol initiated the formation of a steering committee, the MOHP's national decision-making platform. In addition, all project-related training curricula were reviewed to integrate MCH, FP, and RH information. An integrated supervision program is implemented to provide support for integrated clinical services and measure and promote the quality of integrated care. This presentation will explain these and other examples of Takamol's efforts to integrate RH programs and services, with quantitative data showing increased provision and client usage of integrated services.