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The future of family planning programs.
John C Caldwell1, James F Phillips, Barkat-e-Khuda
1National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra. jack.caldwell@anu.edu.au
Studies in Family Planning
|April 27, 2002
Summary
National family planning programs accelerated fertility decline globally. As funding shifts and reproductive health gains focus, programs are evolving, with sub-Saharan Africa as a future frontier.
Area of Science:
- Demography
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- National family planning programs initiated post-1950 significantly impacted global fertility rates.
- Programs, originating in Asia and North Africa, are nearing a projected end by 2050.
- The late 20th century marks a crucial evaluation point for these programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate 20th-century family planning programs.
- To assess necessary changes for 21st-century programs.
- To address evolving global population dynamics and program objectives.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of historical family planning program data.
- Review of outcomes from the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development.
- Incorporation of discussions from a January 2000 conference in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Main Results:
- Replacement-level fertility achieved in East and Southeast Asia, leading to program phasing out.
- Slower fertility decline observed in mainland South Asia.
- Diminishing international donor funding impacting program sustainability.
- Shift in focus from demographic targets to reproductive health and women's empowerment.
- Identification of sub-Saharan Africa as a key region requiring new program strategies.
Conclusions:
- Family planning programs require adaptation to changing fertility rates and funding landscapes.
- A paradigm shift towards reproductive health and gender equality is essential.
- Innovative approaches are needed for future family planning initiatives, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.