Publications

The Family Planning Effort Index: 1999, 2004, and 2009

John Ross and Ellen Smith of the Health Policy Initiative, Task Order 1
5/1/2010
English
Full Document (pdf 657.5 kb)

National programs to extend family planning to large populations began in the mid-1960s and now exist in most developing countries. They vary greatly in strength and coverage, as well as in the nature of their outreach. Periodic measures of the types and levels of effort were first conducted in 1972, followed by repeats in 1982, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, and as reported here, in 2009. This unique series, termed the Family Planning Effort (FPE) Index, has covered about 90 percent of the developing world each time. The FPE Index is the only consistent assessment of program efforts, for all countries, over time. It has informed policy positions and resource allocation decisions, as well as technical analyses of program impact on contraceptive use and fertility declines.

This most recent application of the FPE Index shows that the average program effort level has again increased, although by a small amount. Average program effort levels remain robust in general, despite concerns about diversion of resources to HIV/AIDS, donor fatigue, and other problems. However, average effort is still only at about half of the maximum, or about two-thirds of the level attained by the strongest countries.

Document Type:	Policy Briefs
No. of Pages:	50
Country:	Global
Keywords:	Finance & Costing, FP/RH, Contraceptive Security, Unmet Need, Strategic Planning

Last Updated 11/29/10

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