An overall evaluation of the USAID/Bangladesh Family Planning Services Project (388-0050) key issues and future assistance March 1986.

At the request of the USAID mission in Bangladesh the International Science and Technology Institute arranged for an overall evaluation of the Family Planning Services Project (FPSP) No. 388-0050 which has been providing support to the Government of Bangladesh for its national population and family planning effort since 1981. The scope of work for the evaluation was divided into 4 parts: an examination of project accomplishments status of mid-term evaluation recommendations key issues related to past and future assistance and identification of future activities for USAID population assistance to Bangladesh. This work was accomplished through a review of relevant documents analysis of data field visits and interviews with selected individuals. Despite an accelerated increase in the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) over the past 2 years to approximately 19% (modern method) and 25% (all methods) it appears unlikely that the project goal of achieving a modern method CPR of 28% will be achieved. USAID has provided major commodity support and has been generally successful in ensuring that adequate supplies of condoms oral contraceptives and surgical prerequisites needed for the voluntary sterilization program are in-country. Under the social marketing project the number of outlets offering contraceptives has greatly increased. Sales of all methods have increased steadily since 1981. Key programmatic issues examined in detail include: the integration of the governments health and family planning services domiciliary service delivery and the role of temporary services. USAIDs primary focus should continue to be expansion and improvement in the delivery of family planning services while continuing to encourage delivery of related MCH services particularly through the non-governmental organization.