The Mayer Hashi large-scale program to increase use of long-acting reversible contraceptives and permanent methods in Bangladesh: explaining the disappointing results. An outcome and process evaluation

Type Journal Article - Global Health: Science and Practice
Title The Mayer Hashi large-scale program to increase use of long-acting reversible contraceptives and permanent methods in Bangladesh: explaining the disappointing results. An outcome and process evaluation
Author(s)
Volume 4
Issue Supplement 2
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2016
Page numbers S122-S139
URL http://www.ghspjournal.org/content/4/Supplement_2/S122.full
Abstract
Background: Bangladesh has achieved a low total fertility rate of 2.3. Two-thirds of currently married women of reproductive age (CMWRA) want to limit fertility, and many women achieve their desired fertility before age 30. The incidence of unintended pregnancy and pregnancy termination is high, however. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), consisting of the intrauterine device and implant, and permanent methods (PM), including female sterilization and vasectomy, offer several advantages in this situation, but only 8% of CMWRA or 13% of method users use these methods.

Program: The Mayer Hashi (MH) program (2009–2013) aimed to improve access to and the quality of LARC/PM services in 21 of the 64 districts in Bangladesh. It was grounded in the SEED (supply–enabling environment–demand) Programming Model. Supply improvements addressed provider knowledge and skills, system strengthening, and logistics. Creating an enabling environment involved holding workshops with local and community leaders, including religious leaders, to encourage them to help promote demand for LARCs and PMs and overcome cultural barriers. Demand promotion encompassed training of providers in counseling, distribution of behavior change communication materials in the community and in facilities, and community mobilization.

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