The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #62322

M. E. Khan, PhD¹, Sharif Md. Ismail Hossain, MBBS MPH², and Moshiur Rahman². (1) Bangladesh Country Office, Population Council Asia & Near East Region, House CES (B) 21, Road 118, Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 8802-8821227, mekhan@pcdhaka.org, (2) Popualtion Council, House CES(B) 21, Road #118, Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Population Council in collaboration with the Directorate of Family Planning conducted an operations research to test feasibility of introducing emergency contraception (EC) in the country. The study demonstrated high acceptability of EC. It met a big unmet need of women as unprotected sex was common. It also demonstrated that paramedics and deport holders could be effectively trained to communicate and provide EC services correctly. Women did not misuse ECP and 97 percent who used it succeeded in avoiding unwanted pregnancy. Finally, EC was used five times more if provided prophylactic than on demand. Based on the OR findings Govt of Bangladesh has decided to introduce ECP in the national Family Welfare Program. In the first face, ECP is being introduced in 17 districts covering 52 million people. On the request of government, Population Council is providing TA.

The present paper taking introduction of ECP in Bangladesh as an example, demonstrates how Operations Research could be use to influence policy decisions. The paper is divided into two parts. The first part describes the findings of the Operations Research. The second part documents the strategies developed right in the beginning of the study to enhance utilization of the research findings. It also provides the process involved in helping the government to take evidence based decision on introduction of EC in Bangladesh.

Learning Objectives:

• How to introduce a new contraceptive technology in a developing country.
• We learn strategic planning on how to enhance utilization of research findings

Keywords: Contraception, Decision-Making

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.