Making the population programme a peoples programme.
Patel Vm · Journal of Family Welfare · 1988
This paper presents a conceptual model for information education and communication (IEC) programs based on the activities and experiments carried out in Gujarat state in India. Indias policy regarding family planning states that people must be involved not only in planning but also in implementation. Gujarat is one of the more prosperous states in India. In 1981 couple protection rates were 34.6% in Gujarat and 22.7% in India as a whole. By March 1986 it was 51.3% and 35% respectively. Gujarats IEC activities can be broadly classified as follows: 1) Mass media activities to create awareness 2) inter-personal activities through the extension network 3) population education in schools colleges and for out-of-school youth and 4) group communication to mobilize public opinion and resources. Only in the last do Gujarats IEC efforts differ significantly from other states. Since the active involvement of opinion leaders (e.g. village chiefs traditional birth attendants private medical practitioners representatives of womens and youth organizations) is essential for popularizing the family welfare program they are systematically identified trained and followed up. Training takes place in 1 day camps; as a follow-up IEC and service programs are organized by opinion leaders with the help of the people. Mini orientation camps are also organized for such change agents as traditional birth attendants and health practitioners primary school teachers and village health volunteers. To remove misconceptions and fears about family planning methods and to involve them actively in the family welfare program group meetings are also held for other members of the community. Village health committees have been formed in almost all villages in the state. Cultural programs are performed by local artists on family planning themes. Traditional public participation programs are also regularly organized to remind the public and draw attention to the family welfare program. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been encouraged to increase their participation in the birth control program; 76.4% of the states urban family welfare centers are now run by NGOs. In addition to governmental funding Gujarat has been successful in raising money from industrial sector NGOs. Finally a variety of awards are available of awards are available each year for individuals institutions and communities to recognize their contributions to the family welfare program. In conclusion it is felt that a program will only be successful when it attracts peoples participation and truly becomes the peoples program.