Men: key partners in reproductive health. A report on the First Conference of French-Speaking African Countries on Mens Participation in Reproductive Health March 30 -April 3 1998 Ouagadougou Burkina Faso.

Although women are the focus of reproductive health services in Africa men play key roles in fertility-related issues in their roles as individuals family members community decision-makers and national leaders. The first conference of French-speaking African countries on mens participation in reproductive health was held in Ouagadougou Burkina Faso in 1998. Its aim was to overcome barriers to mens participation and build on decision-making traditions in the region. Research indicates that IEC campaigns can portray men as responsible partners rather than obstacles in reproductive health encourage men to communicate with their partners and make decisions together improve the image of contraceptives promote sexually responsible behavior on the part of young men and provide information and counseling to help men use services. To be effective advocacy must identify audiences carefully design messages based on audience research and establish networks and coalitions among supporters. Conference participants recommended that national policy makers program managers technical support organizations and international donors should enhance their efforts to promote mens participation in both their own reproductive health and that of their partners. The conference report presents country action plans key recommendations and information on the Mens Reproductive Health and Sports Initiative.