Mona Lisa Africa
Cameroon
FEEDBACK
For the period July 2008 to February 2009
Activities generated since the first batch of 1 000 copper intra-uterine devices (IUD's) was sent off in July 2008
A general awareness campaign for the public plus an individual counseling programme on the availability of free IUD insertion were launched in collaboration with the 7 women's associations (AFAM, ESAFE, CDQH, Espoir 2000, Gic Avenir Femme, Mognant A Mot, Ocalpas). There were 152 opportunities to create awareness and to educate a total of 6136 young girls and women in neighbourhoods and villages.
The Mona Lisa IUD's have been delivered to 9 family planning centres in the city of Maroua:
- Regional hospital of Maroua
- Medical-Social Centre of the National Social Security Fund
- CMAO hospital of Meskine*
- MPC of Founangué
- Health centres in Djarengol-Kodek* Doualaré, Domayo, Dougoï, Meskine.
* Healthcare workers have been trained on a denominational basis although for religious considerations they could not actually have the IUD's.
On-site practical training on the insertion of the Mona Lisa IUD was organized for the healthcare workers:
- 7 practical training sessions were presented in 6 of 9 centres
- 8 healthcare workers were trained on the insertion of IUD's
- 23 Mona Lisa IUD's were used during the training.
Follow-up of the healthcare workers after the training:
- Around 69 Mona Lisa IUD's were inserted by 30 January 2009.
Mona Lisa Programme in the Cameroon – Improvements necessary
Re-enforcement of the counseling technique on the method of choice planned for the healthcare workers. The problem is that the prejudices of some healthcare workers who are ignorant to contraceptive methods contribute to de-motivate clients.
Provision of all medical disposables necessary to ensure a totally free Mona Lisa IUD's project to women (gloves, compresses, antiseptics, antiseptics).
Understanding that the number of small IUD installation kits is inadequate if one receives more than 2 clients at the same time and especially when thinking of an expansion of supplies to healthcare districts other than Maroua (each currently functional centre of Maroua received these small kits for the Passage project).
Consideration of the continued need for funding for education and training as well as for the monitoring of healthcare workers from districts other than Maroua who are interested in the program Mona Lisa.
Population receptivity to the IUD
To start with, we are dealing with distrust amongst men (mostly Muslims) who fear losing control of the fertility of their wives.
The women again, are rather in favour of family planning (especially the Christians), and usually voluntarily take part in the programme, with the aid of their women's associations.
Up to date we are aware of only one case that withdrew because of her partner's opposition to the IUD, after he had been informed.