Integrating a holistic FP model into National Strategies in West Africa

USAID, the French Agency for Development (AFD), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Hewlett Foundation convened a regional conference in West Africa on February 8-10, 2011 entitled, Francophone West Africa Conference-Population, Development, and Family Planning: Urgency to Act in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. USAID requested technical assistance from RESPOND to shape the technical content for the agenda; prepare technical guidance for country delegations; and provide logistical support to 20 presenters and facilitators (via a subaward). 

Through its technical assistance and presentations, RESPOND introduced EngenderHealth's holistic supply, enabling environment and demand (SEED) model for FP programming as a guiding principal for the conference. High-level, eight-person delegations from eight Francophone West African countries attended. The conference achieved an extraordinary political support, including a formal endorsement from President Compaoré of Burkina Faso, an AFD pledge of 100 million Euros for FP, and a Call to Action through the Ouagadougou Declaration, and a joint donor Statement of Commitment. Each delegation developed a preliminary action plan for strengthening FP programs and policies within its country and issued a call to action through the Ouagadougou Declaration.  In September 2011 a follow-on conference is planned to involve civil society in the region in action planning. We invite you to read the conference highlights.