A strategy for advancing reproductive health in Myanmar

The implementation of a strategic approach to the introduction of contraceptive services has had a significant impact on the development of the reproductive health programme in Myanmar. At the time of the initial Stage I activity, entitled “An assessment of the contraceptive method mix in Myamnar” (Ministry of Health (MOH) and WHO, 1997), public sector contraceptive service provision was very limited in geographic coverage, and there was no framework for the integration of contraceptive services with other areas of reproductive health. That assessment provided vital information for informing the development of many components of the reproductive health programme in a context where such a programme was in its infancy. Subsequent follow-up activities comprising behavioural and operations research have provided useful tools for improving the quality of care and for moving towards a more comprehensive reproductive health programme.