Improving FP education in Tunisia.

Abstract

JOICFP contributed expertise to a Japanese Evaluation Team of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which was in Tunisia during September 16-30 to evaluate the implementation and achievements of the Project for the Promotion of Family Planning Education. The project, which is geared to promoting family planning (FP) education, was initiated in Tunisia in early 1993 by the National Office for Family and Population of Tunisia with technical cooperation from JICA. The team was headed by Dr. Takefumi Fukuhara, managing director, Medical Cooperation Department, JICA, and included five members from Japan. Ryoichi Suzuki, director, Information Division, JOICFP, contributed expertise on reproductive health as a resource person. During its stay, the team held discussions, exchanged views, and visited the field for firsthand observation. To promote FP education, the project has focused on such areas as improving the quality and quantity of video materials through the Audio Visual Center completed in Tunisia in 1995. The project has also emphasized the training of staff and implemented activities in two pilot areas. In summing up the achievements of the project, the team noted that the CPR in the remote pilot areas of Tataouine and Kasserine had increased from 33.7% and 35.8% in 1994 to reach 38% and 39.1% in 1996. Based on such achievements, the Japanese team and Tunisian side agreed to have further discussions for future collaboration in coordination with international agencies and donors such as UNFPA and the EU.