Nicaragua– Overview of Country Activities:

At the request of the local USAID Mission, the Institute began working in Nicaragua to provide training on the Standard Days Method (SDM) to the NICASALUD network of NGOs, Catholic community groups and Ministry of Health (MOH) providers. The success of this effort led to requests for additional training in early 2004 and the purchase of training materials and CycleBeads by the Mission and UNFPA. As interest increased, the Institute opened a country office in FY ’05. Over the last year, the country representative responded to requests for support and training from both the public and private sectors. To date, over 400 providers have been trained from MOH clinics in 11 of Nicaragua’s 17 departments as well as staff from 21 NGOs.

Due to the MOH’s interest in integrating the SDM into its family planning services, the method was included in its family planning norms. It has also sought Institute support and technical assistance for a study to document the process of integration in select sites. The study explores provider attitudes towards the method and the ability of clients to use it correctly. Study results are expected by FY 2006.

Photo Gallery:

Partners:

Family Health International
The Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs
Nicaraguan Ministry of Health
NICASALUD network of NGOs
USAID Mission

Country Updates:

The Institute also participated in the launch of WHO’s Decision Making Tool (DMT), developed as a strategy to improve family planning counseling in the country. Institute participation was based on research findings showing that the use of the DMT, which includes the Standard Days Method, improved quality of counseling. Other study collaborators included the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health, the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs and Family Health International. The DMT will be available to Ministries of Health worldwide through the World Health Organization and will serve as a counseling model for the Central American Region.