The Philippines – Overview of Country Activities:
The Institute for Reproductive Health has a long
history of working in the Philippines. It was
a participating site in the multi-country efficacy
trials for both the Standard Days Method (SDM)
and Two Day Method (TDM), the long-term follow
up of SDM users, and SDM operations research studies.
Partners in these efforts included the Department
of Health (DOH) at the central and local government
levels, Fabella Hospital (a large maternity hospital
in Manila), Friendly Care (a fee-for-service NGO),
and KAANIB (an agricultural NGO).
Although the Institute terminated country activities
in 2002, its local office which was incorporated
as a local NGO and registered as
IRH Philippines Foundation (IRH/PHI),
continues to operate. The foundation generates
revenue from training local organizations and
providers in NFP methods.
Many private and public health centers still
offer the SDM to interested clients. The 2004
DHS reports that 10% of currently married women
had heard of the SDM, and 0.3% are reported as
having used it. In addition, the SDM figures in
national norms and protocols. The Department of
the Interior and Local Government issued a memorandum
in October 2003 encouraging local government units
to introduce the SDM into their family planning
programs. Furthermore, the Secretary of the Department
of Health (DOH) announced at the Population Congress
in November 2005 that the SDM is part of the DOH’s
family planning program. Guidelines for its inclusion
in the NFP category have been developed.
Photo Gallery:
Partners:
- The Department of Health
(DOH)
- Fabella Hospital
- Friendly Care
- KAANIB
Country Updates
The Institute recently began discussions with
the Philippines USAID mission to resume SDM activities
in the country under the leadership of the IRH
Philippines Foundation.
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