EngenderHealth has introduced a counseling component into Ghana's health care system, and works to integrate counseling into all aspects of health service delivery. For example, nurses in prenatal and postnatal wards now receive training in family planning counseling, and nurses in prenatal outpatient departments are trained in health education and referral services. The results of our training-based approach are impressive. Over 154 hospital and clinic sites now provide long-term and permanent family planning methods. They also provide the information and counseling services needed to get the word out to the community so that these services will continue to be used.
Feedback is immediate and problems are corrected.
This open exchange of information is critical to changing traditional beliefs and perceptions among men. EngenderHealth continues to expand its program. Plans are underway to add training in the use of IUDs and other temporary contraceptive methods, to further our goal of providing a full complement of family planning services. In addition, we plan to train 650 additional nurses to provide family planning counseling to clients.