Recorded presentation

Carol S. Shepherd, ScD, MS, MS, Margaret Rowan, MBA, CPA, Kathy McClure, MPH, and Karen Hardee, PhD. The POLICY Project, The Futures Group International, 1050 17th Street, NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20036, 202-775-9680, c.shepherd@tfgi.com

In response to the 1994 ICPD, the MOH in Jamaica prepared a Strategic Framework for Reproductive Health 2000-2005. The Framework lists as one of its strategies the integration of FP/MCH and STI/HIV/AIDS services to better meet the reproductive health needs of all Jamaicans. Much has been written about the promises and challenges of integration of RH services, with calls for more applied research on the potential benefits and outcomes of integration. This study is designed to assist the MOH to develop an evidence-based model for FP/MCH and STI/HIV/AIDS integration that is both cost-effective (CE) and feasible within the Jamaican context, and to develop a plan that addresses operational constraints that may impede integration at the parish level. The study was carried out in two sites, one urban and one rural. The study identified 22 potential integration interventions. The interventions were costed and 100 managers, providers and clients were interviewed to identify the operational policy barriers to implementing the integration interventions at the parish level. Based on this information, the MOH will decide which interventions are both CE and feasible for preventing STIs and increasing contraceptive prevalence in Jamaica. A plan will be developed to eliminate the operational policy barriers and to implement the chosen integration interventions. The project will pave the way for scale up of integration activities at the national level. In addition, this knowledge from Jamaica will be useful to donors and country policy makers and managers as they make decisions on integration of FP/MCH and STI/HIV/AIDS services.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this session participatnts will be able to

• Discuss the advantages and disadvantges of different integrations models.
• Identify the operational policy barriers and potential solutions to the integration model chosen in Jamaica
• Understand the potential impact of the integration model chosen on the prevention of STIs.

Keywords: STD Prevention, Public Policy

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.

Recorded presentation