CONTENTS
HIGHLIGHTS
October, 1998 Series J, Number 46 |
Offer men a range of health services. Reproductive health programs around the world have found that men have similar reproductive health concerns and needs. While working with their male clients, such organizations as Marie Stopes International, Profamilia in Colombia, Promçăda Paternidade Responsavel (PRO-PATER) in Brazil, the Family Planning Association of Kenya, and the Young Men's Clinic in New York City have identified reproductive health services needed by male clients (12, 14, 32, 55, 61, 63, 100, 152,241, 242, 271):
More than 15 years of programmatic experience demonstrates the value of offering a range of services. For example, in Brazil PRO-PATER, which was established in 1980 primarily to meet men's reproductive health needs, offers STD services, treatment for sexual and reproductive health problems, no-scalpel vasectomy, and other contraceptive methods. Counselors inform all clients about contraceptive methods, including vasectomy, and help clients to make informed decisions. PRO-PATER also conducts courses on men's reproductive health for nurses, doctors, social workers, and psychologists (63, 134). In Colombia Profamilia's three men's clinics provide a range of services to attract clients (14). Health services include general medical exams, urological services, family planning counseling and contraceptive methods, infertility testing and treatment, STD treatment, HIV testing, sex therapy, and plastic surgery. In addition, the organization offers legal services to men for divorce, separation, and child support. Profamilia also educates men about reproductive health, including gender issues, through brochures and posters (14). Men's rising demand for services and their ability to pay for them has allowed Profamilia to subsidize other family planning services. For example, in 1986 the Bogota's men's clinic covered 70% of its costs from fees charged for services. By 1995 the clinic was self-sufficient and generating a surplus of 21% over costs (14). Operating separate clinics has been an important way to serve men, but it is often an expensive option. Such clinics are not the only way, however. Making family planning programs for women more friendly to men as well can be an affordable approach. Sensitive, knowledgeable staff and a welcoming environment can attract more men to reproductive health services, even when they are offered along with services for women (13). Many family planning clinics already are encouraging men's participation to a degree (59). One simple way is to treat men more cordially. A number of other low-cost activities can make existing services more friendly to men—for example, encouraging women to bring their male partners for counseling and services, establishing evening and weekend hours for men and offering counseling about STD prevention along with family planning counseling. Indicators of men's participation used with other indicators of program output will help providers recognize the importance of serving men well (13). Men: Full partners and advocates for good reproductive health. In the past decade programs have begun to view men from new perspectives. Policy-makers and service providers increasingly recognize that reaching men is a winning strategy, with benefits for both men and women. Now it is time to apply the lessons learned and to make men full partners and advocates for good reproductive health. Men are ready to change their behavior toward family planning and other reproductive health. To help them do so, programs can cooperate, learn from one another, and develop a variety of approaches that reach and serve men. Programs can find new ways to encourage sexual reponsibility, to foster men's support of their partners' contraceptive choices, and to address the reproductive health care of couples. There is still a long way to go, but with new information, new ideas, and new approaches, programs have already made a strong beginning. |