Population Council Research that makes a difference

Population Council staff members are members of an expert advisory committee in the effort to revise and update national contraceptive policy in South Africa. Owing to changes in the context, technology, and growth of the HIV and AIDS pandemic, there is need to revise both the National Contraception Policy Guidelines (South Africa Department of Health 2001) and the National Contraception Service Delivery Guidelines (South Africa Department of Health 2003). In addition, efforts to revise contraceptive policy aim to ensure clear links within the Department of Health's strategic framework for sexual and reproductive health and rights implementation, currently being developed.

Revisions to the contraception policy were first recommended at the National Contraceptive and Sexual Assault Policy review meeting in Birchwood in September 2009. The framework for revision includes:

• Reviewing current research, evidence, and international best practices (including the WHO's medical eligibility criteria) to inform the revision and updating of both the policy guidelines and the service delivery guidelines.
• Reviewing current implementation of the policy guidelines and the service delivery guidelines and other related policies and guidelines.
• Developing recommendations for programmatic implementation: considering current evidence on HIV and hormonal contraception, the current method mix (reintroduction of intrauterine contraceptive devices and new methods), and existing knowledge and practice around service delivery issues for HIV and contraceptive service integration.
• Providing recommendations on indicators and surveillance and for the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the policy guidelines and the service delivery guidelines.
• Ensuring that the revised policy works within the paradigm of a human rights framework.
• Developing recommendations to frame the agenda for research in relation to contraception in South Africa post-2010.
  
  

Three expert working groups have been formed to lead the review—one focused on contraception and HIV acquisition and transmission; one to address the current method mix; and the third, convened by the Population Council, on service delivery.

The service delivery group will focus on reviewing evidence on integrated models of HIV and contraception; developing a framework for expanded contraceptive access through addressing missed opportunities; reviewing training tools and job aids; and addressing issues of quality, monitoring and evaluation, and further research.

The Wits Health Institute (WHI) and the expert working groups will assist, support, and make recommendations to the Department of Health for the revision of the policy guidelines and the service delivery guidelines.