Introduction

Contraceptive Requirements and Logistics Management Needs

Training

Coordination and Collaboration

Monitoring and Evaluation

JOICFP-Executed Projects

Centres of Excellence for South to South Cooperation

Safe Motherhood Projects

HIV/AIDS Prevention Interventions

Implementing the Reproductive Health Approach

UNDAF Assessment

A major interregional project executed by the Japanese Organization for International Cooperation in Family Planning, Inc. (JOICFP), was evaluated in 1998. The project aimed to provide technical and managerial support for integrated reproductive health/family planning projects.

The evaluation focused on the adequacy, appropriateness and timeliness of JOICFP inputs, as well as on the impact and effectiveness of these inputs on country projects. The JOICFP programme, the evaluation found, has expanded its scope from a narrow focus on parasite detection and control to a broader reproductive health approach in line with the ICPD concept. There has also been notable success in supporting and sustaining community mobilization efforts in such areas as refurbishing health facilities and community centres, carrying out vaccination and sanitation campaigns, and implementing income-generation activities. The technical expertise of JOICFP in the area of information, education and communication activities has benefited many developing countries, particularly in terms of using innovative and popular channels for communication. Also successful were the project's training and human resource development activities, which have nurtured capacity-building, particularly in the area of health at the local level. Though JOICFP's advocacy efforts have attracted financial contributions and materials support for national projects from various Japanese sources, sustainability is still a concern. The evaluation suggested a number of ways, including the use of cost-sharing modalities, community-level interventions could be made more sustainable.

Another JOICFP-executed interregional project, "Information Campaigns for International Cooperation in Population and Reproductive Health", was evaluated by an independent consultant in 1998. The consultant focused on two of its publications — JOICFP News and Integration — as well as on the Japanese-language version of UNFPA's State of World Population report and on the JOICFP-sponsored annual Special Symposium and Mass Media Study Tour. The results of the evaluation were largely positive. The production process was found to be generally efficient and timely. Printing and distribution expenses are reasonable, in part because of effective cost-saving measures. Highly valued by readers, the publications are often used in developing reproductive health programmes and IEC training materials. There was room for improvement, however: the evaluation recommended that efforts be made to increase distribution and expand global coverage of the publications; to expand the scope and content of information on the JOICFP Web site; and to explore mechanisms to encourage greater dialogue with readers.