New Project Involves Men in Reproductive Health Programs

For further information contact: Daniel Epstein, Tel (202) 974-3459, Fax (202) 974-3143, Office of Public Information

Washington, DC (PAHO), April 11, 2000—Involving men in reproductive health programs, an approach little used previously, will be the focus of a new project in Central America, under an agreement just signed by the Pan American Health Organization and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The $1.2 million project aims to correct the consequences of the omission of men's involvement and participation in reproductive health aspects in Central America, where programs and services for sexual health and family planning have focused on women only. Two demonstration projects will be developed in each of the countries involved: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Panama.

"The objective of the project is to contribute, through increased participation of men in reproductive health programs, to the improvement of the sexual and reproductive health of Central American men and women and further International Conference agreements on reproductive health and rights as well as on gender equity," according to Dr. Irene Klinger, PAHO's Chief of External Relations.

The lack of information for men on reproductive health issues and inequities in gender relations results in low interest levels and absence of knowledge of reproductive health themes. Insufficient communication between men and women on reproductive health aspects inhibits joint decision making, and most men do not easily approach these services, PAHO officials say.

The Cairo and Being World Conference resolutions on reproductive health and rights have been endorsed by the majority of the Central American countries. But more work is needed to put into place an integral focus on sexual and reproductive health in government programs for men and women. PAHO is already cooperating with Central American countries through programs which address intra-family violence, emphasizing gender related aspects.

The four-year project also will serve as a platform to exchange experiences and foster cooperation between the seven Central American countries, focusing on Panamericanism.

PAHO has been in the forefront in many aspects of public health aspects in the Americas, and this new project on men's participation in reproductive health, "is not only innovative, but also serves as a networking initiative among the Central American countries for educational and promotional themes on health in general," Dr. Klinger said.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) which serves as the regional office of WHO for the Americas, works to improve health and raise living standards in all the countries of the Americas.