The Connect4FP project was implemented in Tehsil Jalalpur Pirwala Multan to achieve an overall goal to ‘reduce unintended pregnancies among married couples.’ The geographic scope of project were nine rural union councils. The project was conceived based on an empirical research, highlighting a strong association between improvement of birth spacing and male engagement including digital solution. The project objectives were to improve use of modern contraception through increase in knowledge and demand; access and availability of FP services and improve supply-chain capacity among providers, pharmacies and distributors and promote better delivery of affordable commodities. VIAMO served as technical partner and developed a management platform that strengthens linkages among stakeholders (service providers and clients). The platform sent SMS, Robo calls in local language for raising awareness among target population pertaining to Family Planning Services.

The International Rescue Committee Pakistan through an academic partnership with Health Services Academy Islamabad, engaged with faculty and students to study different components of this innovative business model of Connect4FP project. The faculty and student conducted five research studies on components such as mHealth (use of mobile and wireless technologies to support the achievement of health objectives), Family planning champions’ capacity building program, role of general practitioners and private sector in improving FP services, how supervision by social mobilization team played its role for guidance and feedback to FP champions.

Publications & Resources:

  1. Impact of training on knowledge of FP Champions; Pre and Post-Test Comparison.
  2. Role of Private GPs in uptake of FP services; quantitative analysis
  3. mHealth for family planning advice: A quantitative assessment
  4. Supportive supervision of Social Mobilizers on FP Champion; what does data say?
  5. Perception of key project officials about enablers and barriers of FP services.