Building blocks of effective RH/FP policies: High-level commitment, evidence-based planning, and multisectoral engagement - The experience in Jordan

As a response to King Abdullah II's call to Jordan's government and citizens to work together to meet the challenges of reducing the total fertility rate, Phase II (2008-2012) of Jordan's Reproductive Health Action Plan (RHAP II) was initiated. RHAP II presents the national policy framework to address reproductive health (RH) and family planning (FP) in the country. The USAID | Health Policy Initiative (HPI), in collaboration with the Higher Population Council (HPC), led a multisectoral, consensus-building process to devise the overall framework and outline key activities, timeframe, and responsibilities. The government launched RHAP II during a high-level conference attended by all stakeholders at the national level. The extensive, participatory process engaged public, private, and voluntary sectors, including the ministries of Health, Finance, Planning, and Education, and private sector and civil society partners (e.g., youth, religious leaders). The design of RHAP II followed an evidenced-based process that considered the assessment of activities, barriers, and lessons learned through RHAP I implementation as well as Jordan's 2007 Population and Family Health Survey results. Importantly, HPI helped prepare the costing system for the first 18-months of RHAP II program implementation. This system enabled stakeholders to estimate and advocate for needed resources, with the funding being approved in July 2008. Required funds were allocated and implementation has started. For the first time ever, RHAP will also have a monitoring and evaluation plan to help track progress in enhancing quality, access, and reach of RH/FP services. Key elements of the strong RH/FP policy response in Jordan include high-level political commitment; institutional capacity building (e.g., HPC and other partners); evidence-based planning; linking planning, advocacy, and resource allocation; enhanced monitoring and evaluation; and early engagement of all concerned organizations throughout the entire process.