UNFPA’s country programme reinforces government priorities: it will improve the quality and coverage of reproductive health and family planning services; upgrade the skills of midwives, health motivators and village health care providers; empower women through education and income-generating programmes; and improve the IEC capabilities of the central government and the states. In agreed areas, UNFPA will work directly with state and district governments. There will also be attention to issues such as environment and population and to improvement in the national capacity for planning and implementation.

Because of India’s vast size, each part of the United Nations works in selected states or parts of states, covering between them most of the priority areas. UNFPA concentrates on 40 districts in six states—Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. In these districts, UNFPA works on improving reproductive health services; supports advocacy for women’s empowerment; fosters local community involvement in the design and implementation of reproductive health programmes; strengthens the management capacity of local government; and helps establish IEC bureaus in selected states.

Reproductive health accounts for half of UNFPA programme funds. Another 10 per cent is reserved to support activities by local NGOs. "Devolving power to the grass-roots is complex and difficult," observes Wasim, "and working with capable NGOs is a key part of it."

top