Mozambique
Positioning Family Planning for Birth Spacing among Young Couples
Activity Dates
2003-2004
Activity Summary
With the support of HCP, the Ministry of Health launched the first-ever Family Planning (FP) for Birth Spacing Campaign. The campaign actively promoted male involvement. Dual protection was another key component, with particular emphasis on the needs of adolescents and young adults. A sustained process of consensus building and ownership among central and Zambezia provincial level authorities, IEC networks, NGOs, donors, Cooperative Agencies, and community leaders led to a communication strategy with a shared vision that was a key characteristic of this program’s success. Stakeholders collectively agreed on the key messages, print material, promotional items, and the agenda for the launching event. The objectives of the spacing campaign were
- Increase awareness, knowledge and positive attitudes toward spacing with contraceptive methods among intended groups,
- Increase the support of community leaders and family networks toward spacing, FP methods and FP users, and
- Increase the level of information provision on spacing during clinic visits for RH and maternal health services.
Implementation Process
The MOH designed, implemented and monitored a FP/birth spacing communication campaign that was launched in Zambezia with the participation of high-level MOH, Health Provincial Department and USAID authorities. The purpose was to position FP/birth spacing with modern contraceptive as a healthy choice for the mother and child.
The main pillars of the FP/birth spacing communication strategy were the following:
Strategic Communication Planning: The MOH and the Communication Unit followed a process of strategic planning to design a communication intervention based on formative research and evidence-based information, communication objectives, selected social groups, and a wide range of strategies to reach those priority groups. A highly participatory process in developing the strategy helped to build ownership, commitment and legitimacy at the MOH central and provincial levels.
Community and clinic-centered approach: The Communication Strategy capitalized on a synergistic approach whereby community leaders and social groups were integral parts of promoting FP/spacing through theater dramas, community radio and group discussions. At the same time, qualified providers and local promoters worked to reinforce the FP/spacing messages and to clarify client doubts and concerns.
Participatory development of key communication materials and activities: Key stakeholders participated actively in the FP communication strategy development process, including the development of a logo and slogan, the selection of print material and key messages, the identification of the merchandizing/promotional items, and the organization of the launch event.
Political commitment and strong leadership: An effective participatory approach contributed to building consensus and a shared vision among MOH central and provincial level authorities and a number of local and international stakeholders.
Integrated community-driven and clinic quality information provision was implemented to promote FP/birth spacing. Health promoters, community radio managers, theater groups, NGOs and RESP/SESP / ESP networks and the Health Provincial Director worked in tandem to launch a successful communication plan.
Audiences
Materials and Tools
A comprehensive set of FP and spacing materials intended for clinic counseling and promotion of services was produced and distributed in the target health sites and communities. The set includes
- Two posters promoting the slogan “Wait 3 to 5 Years” and the benefits of spacing
- A poster aimed at men to increase their involvement and support for women using FP
- A dual protection poster aimed at youth
- A spacing and FP brochure for clients
- A complete optimal birth spacing cue-card set for health providers
- A contraceptive method wall chart to assist client’s informed choice
Community Activities
- Community Leaders’ Health Councils interpreted traditional songs with FP/birth spacing messages in Zambezia
- Twenty theater groups composed of community members and NGO and MOH personnel visited communities and health posts. A total of three theater dramas were scripted, pre-tested and revised to adjust messages of FP/birth spacing. The theater groups preformed in 10 districts in Zambezia.
- Radio Mozambique and community radio aired six spots and programs in Portuguese and local languages to promote FP/birth spacing, male involvement, and clinic services in Zambezia.
- A local capacity training in educational theater techniques, enter-education radio programming and pretesting messages skills was developed in Zambezia.
Research and Monitoring
As a preliminary step to the strategic planning process, a rapid qualitative study on FP/birth spacing knowledge, attitudes, perceived benefits and desired practices was conducted.
Two months after the campaign launch, a monitoring study showed that people seemed open to birth spacing and FP if doubts were clarified. It was also clear that people needed more information and better counseling about modern methods and would like these types of communication activities to continue and intensify. They also wanted methods to be provided without interruption at the clinic level.
Partners
Ministry of Health, Zambezia Health Department, World Vision, UNFPA and Advance Africa.
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