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Integration of family planning and maternal and child health in rural West Africa

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2008

Alfred K. Neumann
Affiliation:
University of California, Los Angeles, USA
Samuel Ofosu-Amaah
Affiliation:
University of Ghana Medical School, Accra
Daniel A. Ampofo
Affiliation:
University of Ghana Medical School, Accra
David D. Nicholas
Affiliation:
University of California, Los Angeles, USA
Rexford O. Asante
Affiliation:
Ministry of Health, Accra, Ghana

Summary

There is controversy extending beyond that of whether family planning or population control measures should be promoted among various populations. Even when the decision has been made to provide family planning advice, information and service, debate often arises as to the best method of administering a family planning programme—whether to integrate it with maternal and child health (MCH) services, offer it post-partum, or provide it independently of all other health activities.

The Danfa Comprehensive Rural Health and Family Planning Project, Ghana, is investigating the general problem of health service delivery, including family planning, and is doing so with a firm commitment to efficient management, staff training and supervisory maintenance. An established research design and ongoing evaluation efforts, including cost and functional analyses, are an integral part of the project. While it is believed that the integrated MCH/Family Planning approach will yield optimal results in family planning acceptance (as well as reduction in morbidity and mortality), other alternatives of health care and family planning service delivery are being evaluated.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1976

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