Malawi Guidelines for Family Planning Communication

"Communication is a critical element of a family planning [FP] programme. It is essential to overcome myths and misconceptions about modern FP methods and have open discussion and dialogue in the community about the role of FP in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our mothers and children." - Hon. Professor David Kapererera Mphande, Member of Parliament, Minister of Health - (From the Foreword)

Published by the Ministry of Health, Health Education Unit, the Malawi Guidelines for Family Planning Communication provides the framework for implementation of family planning (FP) communication programmes in Malawi and supports the aim of Malawi National Reproductive Health Strategy to promote through informed choice, safer reproductive health practices by men, women, and young people, including increased use of high-quality, accessible reproductive health services. It also addresses what is perceived to be an imperative need to strengthen the integration of FP and HIV services in order to prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV and to address the FP needs of people living with HIV (PLHIV).

The purpose of the Guidelines is to create partnerships between governmental and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) at the central, district, and community levels to maximise effective implementation of FP communication programming. This is reflected in the statement, within the Introduction, that "[a] coordinated and concerted effort is needed to effectively use all resources for social and behaviour change communication (SBCC) at scale and have an impact on social norms and behaviours related to FP."

To that end, each section of the guidelines contains a series of questions to guide the development of district and community plans. Annex B contains a simple facilitator’s guide, which can be used to support further investigations and ensure that strategic planning is based on local needs at the district level and includes the participation of other key stakeholders.

The Guidelines were developed in an interactive, participatory process by the Task Force on Family Planning Communication under the leadership of the Health Education Unit and with technical support from C-Change, with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The guidelines are being rolled out to the zonal and districts levels across Malawi.