A report on the Egyptian State Information Services mass media campaign to support population and family planning.

Evaluates the progress to date plans for the immediate future and possible role in a new project of the Egyptian State Information Service (SIS) mass media population campaign. The campaign has been successful in its 1st year in achieving national awareness of Egypts population problem and promoting public recognition of family planning. The 2nd phase will involve the dissemination of information on contraceptive methods sources of inexpensive or free supplies and services and dependability and limitations of methods. The report describes a symposium on the use of family planning methods in Egypt sponsored by the SIS and discusses several aspects of the mass media program focusing on film production. Recommendations for the near future are made in the areas of organization and operations and programming and production. Some alternative media are suggested. A 2nd section of the report examines population and family planning film production discussing film as an IEC vehicle; IEC films in Egypt; SIS film production staffing; training film production staff; and a film production flow chart. Possible roles for the SIS IEC unit in providing training support are briefly outlined. Despite progress to date it is recommended that the SIS assume a stronger role as the chief designer and supplier of materials in print film and electronic and personal contact media. SIS staff who also carry out numberous other information services should be intensively trained in the philosophy program requirements and methods of popularizing family planning.