Involving men in reproductive health advocacy in the United Republic of Tanzania.

Abstract

This paper focuses on the involvement of men in reproductive health programs in the United Republic of Tanzania through an advocacy/IEC (information education and communication) project. This project was funded by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) together with the Organization of Tanzanian Trade Unions (OTTU). Its goal was to gather support and build partnerships and coalitions with groups that had been unresponsive to reproductive health issues involving men. The project s five strategies are 1) gaining management consent 2) interpersonal communication and education 3) peer education 4) work-based services and 5) collection of data using a baseline survey. The baseline survey was conducted in 1994 in order to assess the knowledge attitudes and practices associated with reproductive health family planning and family welfare issues among male wage earners (factory and plantation workers) in Tanzania. Results revealed a high awareness rating (about 90%) of family planning and of knowledge of modern methods. 94.3% of the respondents stated that they would allow the use of contraception if their wives health was in danger. In relation to condom usage 85% reported STD prevention as the primary reason for its use. Furthermore 99% responded that peer education had been useful to them and their families. It may be concluded that this project not only strengthened communication about reproductive health matters between spouses but also promoted active male participation in reproductive issues.