Integration of family planning and nutrition programmes in 64 WHO member states of Africa, Eastern Mediterranean and South-East Asia regions: findings from a survey of Ministry of Health officials

TL;DR

This study surveyed health officials in 64 countries to assess the integration of family planning and nutrition programs, finding significant variation and potential for improvement.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the current state and potential for integrating family planning and nutrition services in low- and middle-income countries.

Findings

Most countries in the surveyed regions have national nutrition programs, but integration with family planning varies.

Integration of family planning with breastfeeding counseling and nutritional education during pregnancy is common where programs are integrated.

Health officials in many countries see value in integrating family planning with nutrition services to improve women's health.

Abstract

Family planning (FP) and nutrition services are essential for the health and well-being
of girls and women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), yet evidence on their
existing and potential integration is limited. Also, little is known about relevant
national programmes and the views of health officials.

An on-line survey of national health ministry officials in member states of WHO Regions
for Africa (AFRO), Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO) and South-East Asia (SEARO) was
conducted from 29 August 2023 to 15 December 2023, using a structured questionnaire. It
covered national FP and nutrition programmes and policies, special FP programmes for
vulnerable groups, task sharing in provision of services, and existing or potential for
integration of FP and nutrition services. This was complemented with recent data from
the UN Population Division and Global Health Observatory.

Altogether, 64 (81%) of 79 member states’ health officials responded. All
countries in SEARO, 83% of countries in AFRO and 92% in EMRO reported the existence of a
national nutritional programme. In 40 countries with integrated FP and nutrition
programmes, integration of FP with breastfeeding counselling during the first
2 days after delivery was universal, followed by nutritional information,
education and communication (98%) and nutritional counselling during pregnancy (98%). In
24 countries without an integrated FP and nutrition programme, food and/or cash
assistance for nutrition and weekly iron folic acid supplement for women aged
15–49 years were reported as best suited for integration with FP. Integration
with nutrition service was considered suitable by 58% of respondents.

WHO regions vary widely in policies, programmes, provision and integration of FP and
nutrition services. Officials of several countries recognise the potential values of
integration, indicating the need to comprehensively explore strategies to promote
integration to benefit women in LMICs.