Reproductive System & Sexual Disorders: Current Research
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-038X
+44 1300 500008
ISSN: 2161-038X
+44 1300 500008
Prabin Khadka
Family Planning Association of Nepal, Nepal
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Reprod Syst Sex Disord
Background: Although Nepal�s maternal mortality ratio has fallen over the past decade, unsafe abortion remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Safe abortion was legalized in Nepal in 2002; access to safe abortion remains a significant challenge. The government began providing comprehensive abortion care services in March 2004. The global comprehensive abortion care initiative (GCACI) project attempts to scale up and improve access to quality SRH with a special focus on safe abortion services (SAS) in 10 rural districts of Nepal supporting the Family Planning Association of Nepal. Aim: The study aims to assess the impact of GCACI programs in reducing the unsafe abortions in the remote areas of Nepal. Method: In this study, information were collected and analyzed from the 10 family health clinics of the Family Planning Association of Nepal situated in 10 districts of Nepal. The identified data of three years (January 2013-December 2015) service statistics were extracted from the electronic clinical management information system (client based recording system). Results: The service statistic data clearly indicates that there has been an increase in the number of clients mostly for safe abortion services (SAS). Over 21295 clients have accessed the comprehensive abortion care (CAC) services during three year period (January 2013-December 2015). The proportionate ratio of surgical abortion was 46% whereas medical abortion was 54%. There were 498 treated for incomplete abortion. Post abortion contraceptive uptake has tremendously increased by 85% and the long term permanent method has increased to 29%. The community based approaches, awareness programs and mobilization of female community volunteers under this project helped in reaching out considerable numbers of underserved and marginalized people to access the safe abortion services and as a result project has contributed to reduce unsafe abortion incidences in 10 districts of Nepal. Conclusion: The FPAN clinics under GCACI programs have provided quality abortion services to women in need in reducing the unsafe abortion. Findings also suggest that medical abortion is getting popular and the numbers are increasing. The easily available of medical abortion in the unauthorized/unlisted sites leads in incomplete abortions. The grass root community level female health volunteer worker has a significant role in helping the women seeking abortion services. In addition, innovative programs launched by the project such as awareness campaign, community groups engagement, quality counselling with quality services and client management information system plays a significant role in reducing the unsafe abortions in Nepal.
Prabin Khadka has completed his Master’s degree from Tribhuwan University. He is a Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at Family Planning Association of Nepal (FPAN). FPAN is a non-profit organization working on sexual reproductive health and rights including family planning reaching out with poor, marginalized and socially excluded people. As a M&E Officer of FPAN's Abortion Program, he is responsible for monitoring, supervision, data analysis and utilization of data for program management of overall abortion program. He has presented his research work in different international conferences.
Email: fpangcacp@fpan.org.np