Meeting mens reproductive health needs. PRO-PATER in Brazil.

In Brazil PRO-PATER (Promocao da Paternidade Responsavel-Utilidade Publica Est) opened its first clinic in 1981 to respond to the reproductive health needs of men. PRO-PATER offers counseling treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and other reproductive health problems including infertility and vasectomy. Because some Brazilian groups are resistant to the idea of vasectomy for various reasons PRO-PATER adopted a service provision strategy that assures the provision of quality services (using the no-scalpel approach) by well-trained staff informed consent a user fee based on the clients economic situation the development of appropriate IEC information education and communication materials and training for health care providers. In addition influential professionals and journalists are invited to visit the clinic and learn about the program firsthand. Male clients participate in a carefully crafted counseling program before they undergo vasectomy. Clients may reject the procedure without jeopardizing their relationship with PRO-PATER. PRO-PATER is also engaged in reproductive health education activities for professionals and at the invitation of private companies for male employees. Research activities provide information vital to the success of PRO-PATERs approach. When funds were available PRO-PATER marketed its services through media campaigns involving weekly magazines television and radio. This approach was highly successful. Another approach being explored is to market PRO-PATER services to local companies that would agree to provide vasectomy services for their employees. The specialized nature of services offered by PRO-PATER has impeded the success of this approach. PRO-PATER maintains a trained motivated staff that is involved in decision making and problem solving. Client records are meticulously kept and the logistic system assures that all departments have necessary supplies. Since its inception PRO-PATER has directly served 51000 clients and performed 38717 vasectomies. Plans are underway to reach a larger population.