Reproductive Health

Family Planning/Reproductive Health Sevices Being Revitalized

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has experienced serious deterioration in health services over the past decades. The total fertility rate is 6.3, one of the highest in Africa. The maternal mortality rate (MMR) is estimated at 1,100 per 100,000 live births; one of every 29 women dies of causes related to pregnancy and giving birth. Infant mortality in the first year is estimated at 92 per 1,000 and for children under five, it is 148 per 1,000.

Change provides support to social and behavior change communication efforts across health sectors to bring about changes to individual behaviors and social norms for the ultimate goal of improved health for people in the developing world.

The program works in the following health areas:

Increasing uptake of modern contraceptives

C-Change is implementing an integrated behavior change communication (BCC) program to increase young men and women’s uptake of modern contraceptive methods that are available in the private and public sectors. This program is working to counter current misconceptions about family planning methods and improve informed choice for contraceptives.