Global tool to improve national FP strategies rolled out in four countries

Reality √, an Excel-based planning and advocacy tool, was developed to assist countries to apply demographic data to estimate the inputs required and potential impact of reaching a particular CPR target. The tool is best introduced and used with the User's Guide and Trainer's Guide that RESPOND developed and translated into French this year.

• Senegal: In September 2010, RESPOND trained local staff to use Reality √ as part of a semi-annual Contraceptive Procurement Table meeting. USAID/Senegal, pleased with the initial work, committed $35,000 field support to RESPOND to provide follow-up work next fiscal year.
• Ghana: In November 2010, RESPOND piloted the Reality √ Trainer's Guide during two three-day trainings of Ghana Health Service staff in Ashanti and Eastern Regions through the R3M Project. The R3M Project integrated the work into their own project and collaborated with the AWARE II Project in May of 2011 to conduct an orientation of AWARE II and USAID West Africa Regional Program staff and plan for future opportunities in the sub-region.
• Bangladesh: In May 2011, RESPOND staff conducted training for MOH district planning teams to use the tool to project future contraceptive needs as part of a decentralized planning approach.
• Togo: In June 2011, RESPOND supported training of national and regional family planning professionals from the Ministry of Health and partners, PSI and IPPF.

In the upcoming fiscal year, RESPOND will continue to roll-out the tool and conduct an assessment of the difference the tool has made in country planning and implementation.