Artikelen

Family Planning in Pakistan

Auteurs

  • Speckmann,J. D.

Trefwoorden:

Family planning, Pakistan

Samenvatting

The population of Pakistan, which was estimated at 45.5 million in 1901, grew to 126 million in 1968. At the present fertility rate, the projected population for the year 2000 is 470,546,000. Family planning was introduced by the family planning association, founded in 1953. From 1960-65, contraceptives were distributed to 1.2 of the 18 million fertile men and women. The status and financial strength of the movement were greatly increased from 1965-70. Reduction in the birth rate was expected to drop from 50 to 40 per thousand. Experience in other countries has indicated that birth rate reduction is often associated with national economic development, giving little encouragement to the situation in Pakistan. However, effort was expended, especially in the distribution of intrauterine devices (iud). An invaluable link between the program and participants emerged in the village midwife, who had the trust of the local women. Evaluation of program effectiveness is difficult, with current indication being that the projected effect has not been reached. Research is now being conducted in 4 Punjabi villages by 2 social psychologists, 2 sociologists, and 1 anthropologist as part of Dutch foreign aid to the country. The researchers are attempting to determine community reaction to the family planning program, and its effectiveness in lowering the birth rate. 2 tables. P. Tiersma

Biografie auteur

Speckmann,J. D.

Gepubliceerd

1970-05-01

Nummer

Sectie

Artikelen