The management of family planning programs: Profamilia's experience
Roper, L.E.
Studies in Family Planning 18(6 (I)): 338-351
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0039-3665 DOI: 10.2307/1966600Document Number: 362634
Many factors contribute to successful family planning programmes, including effective management and development of personnel. The Asociacion Probienstar de la Familia Colombiana (Profamilia), based in Colombia, provides an example of a strong managerial system and its contribution to effective performance. The article examines the ways in which the Profamilia leadership has used moral, task, and material incentives, and information and communication to develop a committed staff and an organization that is innovative, flexible and responsive to the needs of women and families in both urban and, increasingly, rural communities. Initially based in major metropolitan area clinics, Profamilia's activities were extended in 1971 in order to reach women outside urban areas, with the establishment of a rural community-based distribution (CBD) programme. Following a discussion of the development of Profamilia and its performance between 1965-85, the article examines the circumstances favourable to Profamilia's programme and aspects of organization and management.