Volume 7, Number 2
29 January 2007

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FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RESEARCH

Use of IUD and subsequent fertility -- follow-up after participation in a randomized clinical trial
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Contraception. 2007 Feb;Online access January 25, 2007. 75(2):88-92.
Hov GG | Skjeldestada FE | Hilstad T
The aim of this study was to examine time to pregnancy, pregnancy outcome, and the need for infertility workup in a cohort of previous copper IUD users. In the group without IUD complications, 93.6% of the women became pregnant. Time to conception was unaffected by parity order, duration of use, and age at time for removal of the IUD. High levels of women both with and without prior IUD complications became pregnant following the removal of the IUD. There is no evidence that prior use of a copper-containing IUD increases the risk for impaired fertility.

Fourteen-day safety and acceptability study of the universal placebo gel
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Contraception. 2007 Feb;Online access January 26, 2007. 75(2):136-141.
Schwartz JL | Ballagh SA | Kwok C | Mauck CK | Weiner DH | Rencher WF | Callahan MM
This study evaluated the effect of the universal placebo compared to the polystyrene sulfonate placebo on genital irritation. Genital irritation was assessed by signs as seen on pelvic examination and colposcopy and reports of symptoms. Vaginal health was assessed by wet mounts, Gram stains for Nugent score and polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and semiquantitative vaginal cultures. Acceptability was assessed by questionnaires. The universal placebo appeared safe and acceptable and appropriate for use as a placebo gel in HIV prevention trials with microbicide candidates.

Spermicidal activity of extract from Cestrum parqui
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Contraception. 2007 Feb;Online access January 25, 2007. 75(2):152-156.
Souad K | Ali S | Mounir A | Mounir TM
The leaf extract of Cestrum parqui was examined for its effects on sperm motility in vitro. Washed sperm were prepared by discontinuous buoyant density gradient centrifugation and incubated with varying concentrations of extract from C. parqui. Sperm motility and viability were assessed at different intervals ranging from 5 to 240 min. A dose- and time-dependent effect of this extract on sperm motility and viability was observed, and the authors concluded that this natural extract has potential spermicidal effect in vitro.

Optical imaging and analysis of human vaginal coating by drug delivery gels
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Contraception. 2007 Feb;Online access January 26, 2007. 75(2):142-151.
Henderson MH | Couchman GM | Walmer DK | Peters JJ | Owen DH | Brown MA | Lavine ML | Katzab DF
The authors used a new optical imaging technique to compare human intravaginal coating distributions of Conceptrol and Advantage. These gels are surrogates for future microbicidal gels. For each protocol, a 3-mL gel bolus was inserted to the posterior fornix while the woman was in the supine position and the imaging device, sized and shaped like a phallus, took measurements while inserted to provide data that simulate peri-intromission coating. The results were consistent with predictions of mechanistic coating theory.

Acceptance and use of emergency contraception with standardized counseling intervention: results of a randomized controlled trial
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Contraception. 2007 Feb;Online access January 26, 2007. 75(2):119-125.
Petersen R | Albright JB | Garrett JM | Curtis KM
This study evaluated the acceptance, use, and recall of an optional advance prescription for emergency contraception. Intervention participants received contraceptive counseling with optional advance EC prescription. Control women received neither. At 12 months, intervention women were significantly more likely than controls to recall talking about EC (33% vs. 5%) and obtaining a prescription (38% vs. 6%), but there were no differences in the use of EC (6% vs. 6%).

FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NEWS

Netherlands supports reproductive health program in Dhamar Yemen
(News Article; Middle East)
24 Jan 2007
Yemen News Agency
Government members of the Netherlands and Yemen met Wednesday to discuss their bilateral agreement focusing on the assessment of reproductive health programs implemented in Dhamar. The program includes reproductive health services, training and qualifying health cadres, supporting Dhamar's Public Hospital and Productive Health Center. The importance of the program and the role that it is playing in improving and developing health services was praised.

New rules for birth control are examined
(News Article; Global | North America)
23 Jan 2007
Associated Press
The U.S. government is considering raising standards for birth control drugs, saying new pills appear to be less effective at preventing pregnancy than those approved decades ago. The US-based Food and Drug Administration asked a panel of experts whether it should require new contraceptive drugs to meet a standard of effectiveness before approving them for sale.

HIV/AIDS RESEARCH

Prevalence and correlates of risky sexual behaviors among injection drug users in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
AIDS Care. 2007 Jan;Online access January 25, 2007. 19(1):122-129.
Todd CS | Earhart KC | Botros BA | Khakimov MM | Giyasova GM | Bautista CT | Carr JK | Sanchez JL
This paper describes prevalence and correlates of sexual risk behaviors among injection drug users (IDUs) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Of 701 IDUs surveyed, only 20.5% reported consistent condom use. Prior sexually-transmitted infection diagnosis was reported by 36.2% of participants and was associated with a mulititude of correlated high-risk behaviors. Risky sexual behaviors are common and interrelated with risky injection habits among IDUs in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, representing a continued threat of infection with HIV and other blood-borne agents.

AIDS, mobility and commercial sex in Ethiopia: Implications for policy
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
AIDS Care. 2007 Jan;Online access January 25, 2007. 19(1):79-86.
Van Blerk L
This paper, based on multi-method qualitative research with 60 young sex workers in two Ethiopian towns, reveals that sex workers are highly mobile, but have little free time to access health care. This paper urges policymakers to take account of this mobility in three ways: (1) by exploring ways for girls to access information and maintain contact with support structures while moving; (2) by building the capacity of sex workers to take greater control over decision-making in their day-to-day lives; and (3) by developing outreach strategies.

Promises and challenges of faith-based AIDS care and support in Mozambique
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
American Journal of Public Health. 2007 Feb;97(2):362-366.
Agadjanian V | Sen S
This study examined the role of religious organizations in the provision of HIV/AIDS-related assistance in Africa. The analysis revealed little involvement of religious organizations in provision of assistance. Most assistance was decentralized and consisted of psychological support and some personal care and household help. Material or financial help was rare. Policy efforts to involve religious organizations in provision of HIV/AIDS-related assistance should take into account that organization’s resources, goals, and social characteristics.

Community attitudes towards individuals living with HIV in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
AIDS Care . 2007 Jan;Online access January 26, 2007. 19(1):92-101.
Ndinda C | Chimbwete C | McGrath N | Pool R
This paper examines community attitudes towards individuals living with HIV in KwaZulu-Natal. Eleven focus groups were conducted. Generally participants expressed positive attitudes to the treatment of AIDS patients. However, they reported more negative attitudes to those living with HIV by the general community. Discrimination included physical isolation and symbolism. Gender differences were found in the attitudes towards people living with HIV; compassion and hopelessness seem to be more common among women than men.

HIV/AIDS NEWS

South Africa: New study points to earlier start for ARVs
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
23 Jan 2007
Health-e
A new study of 655 HIV/AIDS patients shows better results for those who begin antriretroviral therapy earlier. Patients who started therapy when their CD4 count reached 350 had significantly stronger immune systems six years later than those who started when their CD4 count reached 200.

Zimbabwe: HIV-AIDS Activists Urge Health System Overhaul To Deliver ARVs
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
22 Jan 2007
Voice of America News
AIDS activists hailed a pledge from the government of Zimbabwe to make life-saving antiretroviral drugs available to 160,000 people by year's end [2007], but emphasize that the capital must simultaneously address a wider crisis in the healthcare system. The government estimates that 300,000 people out of more than a million infected with HIV urgently need antiretroviral treatment. Some say the figure is closer to 500,000. More than tripling the number on ARV therapy drives a need to expand and improve the clinical framework within which ARVs are administered.

Caribbean officials say fight against HIV/AIDS undermined by ignorance
(News Article; Central America and the Caribbean)
21 Jan 2007
Associated Press
Widespread ignorance about HIV/AIDS is undermining efforts to fight the spread of the virus in the Caribbean, which has the second highest rate of infection after sub-Saharan Africa. Discrimination by employers and others is so pervasive that infected people often delay seeking treatment for the virus, still largely perceived as a "gay disease" by many in the region. Officials stated that this issue has become a political challenge because many in the Caribbean are still wary of homosexuality.

MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH

Induction of labor with misoprostol or oxytocin in Tanzania
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics. 2007 Jan;Online access January 26, 2007. 96(1):30-31.
Kidantoa HL | Kagutaa MM | van Roosmalen J
The aim of this study was to compare the safety, efficacy, and cost effectiveness of vaginal misoprostol and intravenous oxytocin in induction of labor. The distributions of maternal age and gestational age were similar in both groups. The most frequent indications for induction in both groups were pregnancy induced hypertension (32% versus 30%) and post-term pregnancy (28% versus 25%). More women were nulliparous in the oxytocin group. Vaginal delivery in the misoprostol group was 90% as compared to 68% in the oxytocin group. The study suggests that misoprostol at a dose of 25 micrograms is effective, safe, and cheaper than oxytocin for induction of labor.

Reducing the burden of malaria in pregnancy by preventive strategies
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
The Lancet Infectious Diseases. Online access January 24, 2007. 7(2):126-135.
Menéndez C | D'Alessandro U | O ter Kuile F
In Africa, important progress has been made in the past decade with the introduction of a preventive strategy for malaria in pregnancy consisting of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy and insecticide-treated nets, yet their coverage is still low and malaria continues to harm pregnant women and their newborn babies. To achieve improvements, multicentre and multidisciplinary approaches are required across the range of malaria transmission settings that include assessment of immunological effect of successful preventions, acceptability of different preventive approaches, and their cost-effectiveness.

Cesarean section on request in a developing country
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics. 2007 Jan;Online access January 25, 2007. 96(1):54-56.
Chigbu CO | Ezeomea IV | Iloabachie GC
This study assessed the prevalence of cesarean sections (CSs) and women's reasons for requesting the procedure in a developing country. Pregnant women scheduled for elective CSs were interviewed to determine whether the procedure was requested by them or suggested by a physician. The prevalence of CS on request was 4.4%; previous infertility and advanced maternal age at first pregnancy were the most common reasons for requesting a CS. Women in less developed countries view CS as the surest way toward a live birth in a higher risk setting.

Clusters of eclampsia in a Nigerian teaching hospital
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics. 2007 Jan;Online access January 26, 2007. 96(1):62-66.
Ekelea BA | Bellob SO | Adamua AN
This study examined the pattern of eclampsia between 1995 and 2004 at a teaching hospital in northwestern Nigeria. A retrospective cohort of all deliveries and eclamptics seen from January 1995 to December 2004 was used to determine that 657 (4.29%) births during the period had eclampsia. The yearly incidence of eclampsia at the beginning of the study period was 0.39% and increased to 7.0% in 2004. The authors concluded that incidence of eclampsia in this population is unusually high and is increasing.

MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH NEWS

Free maternal healthcare scheme launched in North India
(News Article; Asia)
24 Jan 2007
The Hindu
A scheme was launched that will provide free maternal healthcare benefits to an estimated 8,000 of India's poorest women. Under the pilot project, launched in seven blocks of Agra, rural women could use healthcare services by simply showing a gift voucher at private, accredited nursing homes. The women could then use free services in family planning and reproductive healthcare, such as antenatal care, institutional deliveries, post-pregnancy care, and sterilisations.

Breastfeeding reducing neonatal mortality
(News Article; Asia)
24 Jan 2007
The New Nation
At a scientific seminar in Bangladesh on 'Breastfeeding: Vital Role of Doctors and Nurses,' it was revealed that initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth reduces neonatal mortality by 31 percent. Breastfeeding reduces deaths of infants less than five years by 13 percent, while complementary feeding reduces deaths by six percent.

Nigeria: President Obasanjo pledges more attention to child and maternal mortality
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
23 Jan 2007
Nigeria First
President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria has said that more attention will be paid to infant and maternal mortality in order to raise the country's life expectancy. He emphasized that Nigeria was going to have a forum to look at infant and maternal mortality, particularly child nutrition, as well as the achievements of the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals.

MEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH

A prospective evaluation of the impact of scheduled follow-up appointments with compliance rates after vasectomy
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
BJU International OnLine early articles. 2007 Jan;
Dhar NB | Jones JS | Bhatt A | Babineau D
A study was done to prospectively determine the impact of scheduled follow-up appointments with compliance rates after vasectomy. During a study period of 18 months, 228 consecutive men had a vasectomy, 114 were instructed to bring a semen sample to the office, and 114 were given a follow-up appointment to submit samples. Compliance rates for the appointment and no-appointment group were compared. Findings show that scheduling an appointment after vasectomy provides a statistically and clinically significant improvement in compliance.

Risk of second primary cancer in men with breast cancer
(Research Article; Global)
Breast Cancer Research. 2007 Jan 25;Online access January 25, 2007. 9(R10)
Satram-Hoang S | Ziogas A | Anton-Culver H
Data obtained from the California Cancer Registry between 1988-2003 included 1,926 men diagnosed with a first primary breast cancer. Risk of second primary cancers after the occurrence of a first primary breast cancer was determined and men with first incidence of breast cancer had a significantly higher risk of second cancer. Male breast cancer patients should be monitored carefully for the occurrence of second primary cancers especially a second primary breast cancer.

MEN'S HEALTH NEWS

Circumcision trials halted
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
The Lancet Infectious Diseases. 2007 Feb;Online Access January 22, 2007 7(2):86-87.
Wakabi W
The US National Institutes of Health's data safety and monitoring board has halted clinical trials in Kenya and Uganda after data showed that the rate of HIV infection for circumcised heterosexual men declined by half. The board said circumcision was working so well that continuing the trials would be unethical. Researchers from universities in the USA, Canada, Uganda, and Kenya were involved in the study.

Small wonders: Understanding the way of the warrior sperm
(Interview; Global)
23 Jan 2007
New York Times
Dr. Clapham’s laboratory, tucked into the pediatric cardiology department at Boston’s Children’s Hospital, studies heart cells and neurons, but the most noteworthy topic there really is sperm: how they swim, how they function. The Clapham lab is one of the few venues in the world where researchers are looking into new ideas for male contraception.

POPULATION RESEARCH

Advantages and challenges of using census and multiplier methods to estimate the number of female sex workers in a Chinese city
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
AIDS Care. 2007 Jan;Online access January 25, 2007. 19(1):17-19.
Zhang D Wang L | Lv F | Su W | Liu Y | Shen R | Bi P
This study compared two methods (census data and multiplier methods) to estimate the size of the population of female sex workers (FSWs) in a small city in western China. It found about 1,500 FSWs within the urban area using the census method, which was significantly lower than that estimated by the multiplier method (2,500). The census method is less time and resource consuming in smaller regions and has a tendency to underestimate. Using existing information, the multiplier method could be used to produce estimates for a large geographic area.

POPULATION NEWS

China sticking to one-child policy despite gender gap
(News Article; Asia)
24 Jan 2007
Associated Press
China will not loosen its one-child policy, despite a top family planning official’s recent acknowledgment that the policy was partly to blame for a worsening problem of too many boy babies and not enough girls in the world’s most populous nation. The Minister of the National Population and Family Planning Commission said the government is committed to solving the gender imbalance within 10 to 15 years with education campaigns, punishments for sex-selective abortions and rewards, such as retirement pensions, for parents who have girls.

Republic of Korea: Fertility Rate Goes Up
(News Article; Asia)
25 Jan 2007
The Korea Times
South Korea's fertility rate increased last year for the first time in 10 years. The increase, though meager, was particularly impressive as it came after the national fertility rate fell to a record low of 1.08 in the previous year. That rate was down from the previous lowest of 1.16 in 2004. According to statistics, the number of new babies last year was 411,606, up 7,218 from 404,388 in 2005.

Improvement of Russia's demographic situation is a priority
(News Article; Asia)
24 Jan 2007
ITAR-TASS
Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said an improvement in the country's demographic situation remains one of the priorities. He emphasized that the government is pursuing an integral policy aimed at increasing the birth rate, decreasing the mortality rate from controllable causes, and also regulating migration issues.

Pakistan: Population growth rate drops to 1.8%
(News Article; Asia)
25 Jan 20007
Daily Times
Pakistan’s Population Ministry announced that the country's growth rate has dropped from 2.1 percent to 1.8 percent per year. Ministry officials stated that they plan to bring the rate down to 1.3 percent by 2020. The Population Ministry credited the media for adopting an active awareness program about the implications of over-population to the socioeconomic development of the country.

WOMEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH

Uterine-artery embolization versus surgery for symptomatic uterine fibroids
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
New England Journal of Medicine. 25 Jan 2007;356(4):360-370.
The Rest Investigators
Uterine fibroids are the most common type of tumor in the female reproductive system. The presence of these tumors may cause menstrual disorder and can be associated with subfertility, miscarriage, and pressure effects. Uterine-artery embolization was introduced in 1995 as an alternative technique for treating fibroids. This study compared uterine-artery embolization and surgery to assess quality of life and other outcomes at 1 year of follow-up.

Interplay between the levels of estrogen and estrogen receptor controls the level of the granzyme inhibitor, proteinase inhibitor 9 and susceptibility to immune surveillance by natural killer cells
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Oncogene. 2007 Jan;
Jiang X | Ellison SJ | Alarid ET | Shapiro DJ
This study describes a different action of estrogens likely to contribute to tumor development-blocking immunosurveillance. In breast cancer cells, increasing concentrations of estrogen induce increasing levels of the granzyme B inhibitor, SerpinB9/proteinase inhibitor 9 (PI-9) and progressively block cell death induced by NK92 natural killer (NK) cells. Elevated concentrations of estrogen and ER may provide a dual selective advantage to breast cancer cells by controlling PI-9 levels and thereby blocking immunosurveillance.

WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS

India: Menopause at 30 for millions in poverty
(News Article; Asia)
23 Jan 2007
Page J, The Times-UK
Millions of women in India are going through menopause as young as age 30 because of chronic malnutrition and poverty, according to a study by a prominent Indian think-tank. The research suggests that almost one in five women in the country have gone through menopause by the age of 41. Malnutrition is believed to be a contributory factor, particularly in rural areas, although the study did not address the causes.

Female genital mutilation persists in Egypt despite renewed opposition
(News Article; North Africa)
25 Jan 2007
McClatchy-Tribune
The practice of female genital mutilation is nearly universal in Egypt. A government survey released last year found that 96 percent of Egyptian women who have been married have undergone some sort of genital mutilation and that nearly 70 percent of schoolgirls expected to be cut by the time they turn 18. Those numbers encompass women across Egypt, from illiterate villagers to urban Cairenes and across religious lines.

YOUTH HEALTH RESEARCH

Resource needs to support orphans and vulnerable children in sub-Saharan Africa
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Health Policy and Planning. 2007 Jan;Online access January 26, 2007 2(1):22-27.
Stover J | Lori Bollinger L | Walker N | Monasch R
In sub-Saharan Africa, 43 million children under the age of 18 have lost one or both parents to AIDS, conflict or other causes. This paper estimates the funding required for necessary support to those orphans most in need. It estimates that US$1–4 billion will be required annually by 2010, depending on whether support is provided to all orphans living below the poverty line or just those in most need. This is at least four times the level of current funding and should be a priority topic for donor and national government resource allocation decisions this year.

Chlamydia on children and flies after mass antibiotic treatment for trachoma
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2007 Jan;Online access January 25, 2007. 76(1):129-131.
Lee S | Alemayehu W | Melese M | Lakew T | Lee D | Yi E | et al
This study examined the relationship between treating children with antibiotics and the carriage of chlamydia by flies. Tests were performed to detect chlamydial DNA on the flies and swabs were taken to test for chlamydial prevalence in the children. Chlamydia was found on 23% of the flies in the untreated villages but only 0.3% in treated villages. The authors conclude that treating children with antibiotics may drastically reduce the role of flies as a vector in chlamydial transmission.

Stigma and social barriers to medication adherence with urban youth living with HIV
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
AIDS Care. 2007 Jan;Online access January 26, 2007. 19(1):28-33.
Rao D | Kekwaletswe TC | Hosek S | Martinez J | Rodriguez F
This investigation identified reasons youth have trouble adhering to highly active anti-retroviral therapy and examined the experiences and attitudes of youth towards medications. Participants described the challenges of managing HIV stigma and efforts to hide their status. 50 percent of respondents indicated that they skipped doses because they feared others would discover their status. These results suggest that HIV stigma impacts treatment for youth on several levels.

Latino teens talk about help seeking and help giving in relation to dating violence
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Violence Against Women. 2007 Feb;13(2):172-189.
Ocampo BW | Jaycox LH
A study was conducted to examine attitudes about help seeking and help giving related to dating violence among Latino ninth graders in Los Angeles. The results show that Latino teens are more likely to seek help for a dating violence situation from informal sources of support than from formal sources. Students are most likely to turn to other teens for help and do not confide or trust the adults in their social network. Teens are reluctant to intervene in dating violence situations.

YOUTH HEALTH NEWS

UNICEF launches ‘Media Magic Make a Difference!’ for children video contest
(News Article; Global)
24 Jan 2007
UN News Center
The United Nations Children’s Fund has called on young people under 25 to submit a one-minute video highlighting issues such as promoting healthy lives; providing quality education; protecting children against abuse, exploitation and violence; and combating HIV/AIDS for its 'Media Magic Make a Difference!' video contest. UNICEF has called the contest’s theme, A World Fit for Children. UNICEF is asking youth video makers to look at the priorities of the agenda and to demonstrate how one or more of the goals have affected their lives.

Young women complacent over HIV
(News Article; Global)
24 Jan 2007
BBC News
A poll commissioned by The Body Shop and MTV found that 92% of young women surveyed do not think a condom is an essential handbag item on a night out. Two-thirds of the 1,064 women aged 16 to 30 surveyed thought it would spoil their chances of having sex. The survey forms part of the global Spray to Change Attitudes campaign, launched to raise funds for the Staying Alive Foundation, which aims to prevent the spread of HIV among young people.

SPECIAL REPORTS/PROFILES/RESOURCES

New IUD Toolkit Launched To Provide Up-to-Date Free Resources to Health Care Programs
(Tool)
Salem R
The IUD Subcommittee of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Maximizing Access & Quality (MAQ) Initiative announces the launch of the IUD Toolkit, an online resource providing comprehensive and evidence-based information about intrauterine devices (IUDs) to help improve access to and quality of services. Policy makers, program managers, providers, and others interested in adding or improving existing IUD services in their family planning programs can now point their web browsers to http://www.iudtoolkit.org to access free and downloadable full-text resources on the IUD. Many of the full-text resources are available within the IUD Toolkit website in French and Spanish. In 2007 individuals or programs with limited or no access to the Internet will also be to request, free of cost, a CD-ROM version of the IUD Toolkit in English (with French and Spanish full-text resources included when available). Please send requests to info@iudtoolkit.org.

Expanding access to IUDs with high quality services helps fulfill women’s right to contraceptive choice and contributes to sustainable family planning programs. Because it is a long-term, reversible method, the IUD could meet the contraceptive needs of many women. In fact, in 2003 the World Health Organization issued new guidance that now allows many women with sexually transmitted infections and HIV-related conditions to have IUDs inserted.

What is in the IUD Toolkit?

The IUD Toolkit is a tailored resource composed of documents, presentations, case studies, and tools compiled and reviewed by reproductive health and family planning experts from 13 leading international reproductive health organizations, in addition to the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization.

The IUD Toolkit is organized by relevant programmatic categories:

· Essential knowledge and information on the IUD

· Policies and guidelines (latest international family planning guidelines, plus sample national guidelines)

· Service delivery

· Training

· Logistics

· Marketing and communication

· Country experiences

· Tools, job aids, and other resources

The MAQ IUD Subcommittee welcomes electronic submissions of materials from programs at the country level. Health care professionals can submit up-to-date policies, guidelines, curricula, advocacy pieces, or related materials on the IUD for consideration to the MAQ IUD Subcommittee at info@iudtoolkit.org.

How can programs use the IUD Toolkit?

The IUD Toolkit should prove useful when working with Ministries of Health, nongovernmental organizations, policy makers, providers, clients, communities, and other partners to increase accurate understanding of the IUD and initiate or improve programs offering this method. This IUD Toolkit ensures that countries have appropriate evidence-based policies, guidelines, and standards to foster greater access to, quality, and use of the IUD.

For additional information, comments, or feedback, contact the MAQ IUD Subcommittee at info@iudtoolkit.org.

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Volume 7, Number 229 January 2007