Men as Partners

Since the introduction of the family planning programme, sterilization accounts for a large proportion of contraceptive prevalence in UP. The traumatic experience of the mid 1970s, has made tubectomy the only accepted limiting method with vasectomy accounting for less than one percent of all sterilizations.
The most important reason for the non- involvement of men is mis-information about vasectomy. Research shows there is a wide spread belief among men and women that vasectomy makes men physically weak, impotent and unable to enjoy sex.
In light of the above, and considering that vasectomy is a relatively simple procedure not requiring hospitalization, SIFPSA decided to reposition vasectomy by promoting non-scalpel vasectomy (NSV) as a simple, safe and cost effective method. The strategy called for developing a network of trained providers in rural areas and promoting NSV as a ‘no incision, no stitch' method through localized communication efforts.

Expanding the Network
SIFPSA has invested considerable effort and resources to develop capacity for providing NSV services in U.P. Since 1995, 75 government doctors have been trained and three of them have been certified as trainers. A workshop of these NSV providers was organized on 30 July, 2003 at Lucknow to identify support required by them and discuss various measures to promote NSV in the state. Mr. J. S. Deepak, Executive Director, SIFPSA reaffirmed that expanding NSV services by training providers and communication efforts to dispel myths associated with vasectomy will continue to be part of the SIFPSA strategy. Dr.R.P.Sharma state coordinator NSV cell, Gwalior shared his experience of providing services and promoting NSV in M.P. Other participants including Dr. Rajneesh Dube, former DM Jhansi, gave valuable inputs on increasing male participation in the family welfare programme.

Private Sector Pitches in
The acceptance of NSV has been low inspite of services being available in many districts in the public sector. With a view to increasing the network of NSV service providers and providing an alternate channel of service delivery, SIFPSA has plans to train private doctors free of cost. About 70 doctors are proposed to be trained in the first phase. An extensive IEC campaign with an emphasis on addressing the misconceptions associated with NSV and promoting trained providers is also planned.
Efforts underway have already started showing results. So far, about 1,000 NSVs have been performed this year in various SIFPSA districts. A notable contribution to this number is from Chandauli where the efforts of NGOs and dairy co-operatives have been laudable. Close interaction of NGO workers with the community, counselling using group meetings and support of religious leaders has made a difference. The active involvement of DM, CMO and Project Manager, DAP has resulted in 300 satisfied NSV acceptors including about 25% from the muslim community.

	EDITORIAL BOARD J. S. Deepak, Executive Director Seema, PC (IEC) Ajay Patel, APC (IEC) Harbhajan Singh, APC (IEC) Production Hindustani Book Depot Contact Address : State Innovations in Family Planning Services Project Agency (SIFPSA) Om Kailash Tower 19-A, Vidhan Sabha Marg, Lucknow-226001 U.P. INDIA Ph.:0522-2237497Fax:0522-2237388 email : sifpsa@satyammail.com Website : www.sifpsa.org.
[ District with Trained NSV Providers ]