New directions in Guatemala

JOICFP News. 1997 Feb:(272):6.

Abstract

PIP: This news brief relates some new directions, since its inception in 1988, which the Family Welfare Association of Guatemala (APROFAM) will be undertaking during 1996-97. In December 1997, APROFAM restructured its program to include reproductive health services with family planning services. The program will target rural Mayan communities. The program will be working toward service sustainability, due to reduced external support. In October 1996 a new board was established that will focus on marketing, IEC, finance and administration, rural development, and clinical services. Meetings between the new board of directors of APROFAM and JOICFP focused on the use of integrated programs as a model for widespread programming among the rural Mayan population. The integrated program that was implemented by JOICFP was successful in reaching Mayan communities of Solola. This population was difficult to reach with conventional family planning approaches. The integrated program was successful in establishing trust with and participation of the rural Mayans. Activities such as parasite control, skills training, and income generation for women were useful in establishing trust and promoting self-reliance. Integrated programs will refocus on family planning and developing self-reliance. The UNFPA will be conducting an annual internal evaluation as a means of sharing information and deepening understanding of project implementation.

MeSH terms

  • Americas
  • Central America
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Demography
  • Developing Countries
  • Ethnicity*
  • Family Planning Services
  • Guatemala
  • Health
  • Health Planning*
  • Health Services*
  • Latin America
  • North America
  • Organization and Administration
  • Population
  • Population Characteristics
  • Reproductive Medicine*