Govt eager to identify effect family planning mix

Government says it is eager to identify the most cost efficient and cost effective mix of family planning and HIV service linkage and integration strategies suitable for large scale implementation.

In a speech read on her behalf her deputy Dr. Kebby Musokotwane at the results dissemination for randomized evaluation of HIV/Family Planning services model study in Lusaka today, Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health Director, Dr. Caroline Phiri says government has committed to increasing the contraceptive prevalence rate from the current 32.9% to 58% by 2020.

Dr. Phiri says government also aims to achieve 50% of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) by 2020 with priority targets being HIV uninfected boys and men aged 13-29.

She adds that VMMC will also target at least 80% of neonates.

She further states that there is a consensus among policy makers as well as cooperating partners within the country that better linkages between family planning and HIV services are essential to attain synergistic health impact and greater net cost savings for the health sector.

Dr. Phiri further states that government will continue to provide a conducive environment for organizations to be a part of national collaborative effort in contributing to existing base for best practices in family planning, HIV and Voluntary medical male circumcision.

The study has shown that women seeking family planning services have an interest in knowing and willingness to determine their HIV status.

The study has also revealed that providing an escort to addition services had a significant impact on linking men to voluntary medical male circumcision services.