Strengthening Male Participation in Reproductive Health, North West North East of Namibia
Project / Program Summary

1. Objectives
   By the year 2000:
   
   1. To have contributed to the decrease in overall growth rate of the population from the current 3.2% per annum to 3.0% by year 2000;
   2. To have contributed to the decrease in total fertility rate from the current level of 6.7 in the northwest health region to 6.0 by the year 2000;
   3. To have contributed to the decrease in the incidence of sexually transmitted infections to include HIV by 5% in the northwest health region by year 2000;
   4. To have contributed to the increase in contraceptive prevalence rate in the northwest health region from an estimated 34% in 1996 to 40% by year 2000;
   5. To have increased individual male-female communication around specific reproductive health issues relating to contraceptive use, sexually transmitted infections, conflict, and gender roles and responsibilities within the family.
2. Activities / contents
   • MOH will undertake a male involvement programme within its four regions in the Northern part of Namibia where 75% of the Namibian population lives: Ohangwena, Oshana, Oshikoto and Omusati
   • Draw local male clergy and lay leaders to work with church youth groups preaching to their congregations and providing pre-marital and family counselling
   • Pilot the use of local drinking establishments to initiate and promote condom distribution in non-medical settings
   • Complementary mass media campaign using local radio and television to identify male related issues, inform men, legitimize discussions and promote improved communication in reproductive and sex related health
   • Produce a Namibian Male Involvement Trainers Manual, educational booklets, message cards
   • Creation of Felt Board educational tool around male involvement themes
   • Address men's personal reproductive and sex related health concerns to dispel destructive myths
3. Expected outcome
   • Innovative approaches to reach men and effect attitudinal and behaviour change in the field of reproductive health, in their multiple roles as sexual partners, fathers, husbands, family and household members, community leaders and gatekeepers to health information and services
   • Improved communication between men and women on issues of sexuality and reproductive health
   • Understanding by men of the joint responsibilities of men and women in public and private life.
   • Decrease in sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS
   • Increase in contraceptive prevalence rate in Namibia
4. Features in line with the Agenda for Action
   The project addresses population Health/Reproductive health, Gender issues as well as Capacity building.

UNFPA Field Office, Namibia.