The local government in the Punjab district of Gujranwala’s recently held a Family Health Day in-reach at the Attawa Basic Health Unit (BHU) with the support of The Challenge Initiative (TCI) team in Pakistan.

This facility-based in-reach resulted in a significant hike in the number of family planning clients. Overall, 203 family planning clients attended the in-reach, of which 69 chose intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) as their preferred method. Other clients opted for injectables, or short-term methods such as oral contraceptive pills or condoms.

The Director of the Integrated Reproductive Maternal Newborn, Child Health & Nutrition Program (IRMNCH) in Gujranwala took advantage of TCI coaching on demand generation interventions to activate an exclusive group of Lady Health Workers (LHWs) for the in-reach. LHWs were coached so they were prepared and refreshed to go into the field and mobilize clients by providing information on family planning services and its benefits. The BHU medical officer in-charge said this dedicated family planning marketing and mobilization made all the difference in boosting attendance for this in-reach.

During a follow-up visit at the facility, two women who received IUCDs at the in-reach – Rukhsana and Fozia – said they were satisfied with the services provided. They both said they also appreciated the LHW that came to their community to encourage them to consider family planning and counsel them on the method choices. The knowledge they gained and informed decision they made to choose an IUCD are also helping to break any myths and misconceptions about family planning among their family members, the two women noted.

Below are some photos from the successful Family Health Day: