Govt launches US-designed family planning program.

Byline: Jerry E. Esplanada

THE GOVERNMENT has started implementing a new family planning marketing strategy designed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The May Plano Ako program, conceptualized by the USAIDs Health Promotion and Communication Project, or HealthPRO, is in line with the countrys Millennium Development Goals, or MDGs, especially those on population control and reproductive health.

May Plano Ako targets not only women but also men and young people on the importance of family planning and contraceptive use, according to a top official of the Department of Health (DOH).

Unlike previous family planning initiatives of the DOH, which were sporadic and small-scale, the new program will be unified, national and comprehensive, according to USAID and DOH program materials furnished the Inquirer.

The US Embassy in Manila has acknowledged Washingtons active role in the Philippine governments family planning initiatives.

In a text message, Wossie Mazengia, the US Embassy deputy spokesperson, told the Inquirer that the USAID continues to work in partnership with the DOH, …