Action Plan Guidelines

Dr.Hirofumi Ando
President of AUICK

One of the major objectives of the workshop was for participants to develop an action plan for improving reproductive health services and HIV prevention strategies in their respective cities based on measures learned at this workshop and the ICAAP. Dr. Ando presented a proposed set of guidelines for the action plan. He noted, however, that these guidelines were to be used flexibly, as each city had different conditions and varying levels of reproductive health programs in place.

Step 1. Clearly define the target population, which may be a certain age group, in or out of school youths, one or more specific socio-economic groups or a combination of the above. Selection of the target population should take into account population projections and other dynamics based on the City Reports. A five to 10-year span is recommended.

Step 2. Identify the problems and constrains of current programs. These may include financial and personnel resources, administrative procedures and political commitment among other items.

Step 3. Propose a set of measures to be implemented in order to help provide better adolescent reproductive health service. The measures can be classified first in broad terms such as (1) reproductive health services, (2) information, education and communication activities and (3) other support activities. More specific measures may include the following: IEC activities to increase awareness and knowledge, advocacy activities to secure commitment from political and community leaders, mobilization of mass media, increasing coordination of concerned departments or agencies, increasing participation of NGOs and the private sector, involvement of academic and research institutions, and increasing support from external aid organizations.

Step 4. Identify the organizations and individuals who would be implementing the proposed measures. It may also be necessary to describe how to mobilize them.

Step 5. Propose a time frame required for each step of the action plan to be implemented and the results achieved. Use of a flow chart is recommended to make the schedule easy to visualize.

Dr. Ando also reminded the participants to consider the following points raised in the preceding presentations when formulating their action plans: (1) their own political commitment, (2) their visionary input, (3) their courage to bring about change, (4) their willingness to apply something new and (5) the need to carry out sustainable actions. These points are particularly relevant considering the constraints and opposition that participants may face in carrying out their initiatives.

Dr. Ando presented the adoption of peer counseling as a model action plan and suggested the following steps: (1) sending the suggestion to the supervisor for approval and consulting with colleagues for support including budgetary requirements (1st month), (2) recruiting counseling trainers and contacting academic institutions and NGOs (schedule: 2nd month), (3) contacting the concerned agencies/ministries for support and participation (schedule: 3rd-4th months), (4) developing training materials and program with technical support (schedule: 3rd-4th months), (5) training of youth counselors (schedule: 5th-6th months), (6) provision of peer counseling (schedule: 7th month and beyond) and (7) monitoring of peer counseling (7th month and beyond).

Finally, Dr. Ando urged the participants to make committed efforts to facilitate the provision of quality reproductive health services and information for the young people in their respective cities, respecting their reproductive health and human rights.

Questions and Answers

Q: How can we implement a plan when we do not have the authority or control to do so?

A: Your action plan should be designed to be implemental within your organizational or administrative environment confinements. Even with limited authority you should be able to find a way to make improvements where you can, such as by bringing in innovation and partners to improve information and services.

Comment: Dr. Haryono pointed out that one of the objectives of this workshop is for participants to find a new approach or strategy that they were unaware of or had never considered. Furthermore, they should keep in mind that these are long-term programs, and it is very important to meet and talk to people through networking, community work and fieldwork.

Comment: An observer from Pakistan mentioned that it is important to find mechanisms to overcome conservative opposition. In Pakistan, for example, religious leaders have been brought into the programs and are cooperating as participants.

Comment: Dr. Haryono suggested that in face of religious opposition, it may be beneficial to try an indirect approach. For example, first try to include religious leaders in a ceremony or other initial aspect of a program. Aim for gradual involvement. Avoid confrontation. Get their support for the goals of a plan, not the details.