title: Family Planning Policy Environment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Levers of Positive Change and Prospects for Sustainability.
abstract: Building on expressed support from the Prime Minister to the Ministries of Health and Planning, the country's new family planning commitment grew out of: (1) recognition of the impact of family planning on maternal mortality and economic development; (2) knowledge sharing of best practices from other African countries; (3) participatory development of a national strategic plan; (4) strong collaboration between stakeholders; (5) effective advocacy by champions including country and international experts; and (6) increased donor support. The question becomes: Will the favorable policy environment translate into effective local programming?
authors.affiliation: United States Agency for International Development/Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa, DRC.
authors.forename: Thibaut
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mukaba
authors.affiliation: Tulane International LLC, Kinshasa, DRC.
authors.forename: Arsene
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Binanga
authors.affiliation: Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Department of Global Health Systems and Development, New Orleans, LA, USA.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fohl
authors.affiliation: Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Department of Global Health Systems and Development, New Orleans, LA, USA.
authors.forename: Jane T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Bertrand
mesh_terms: D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D015023:Democratic Republic of the Congo; D003710:Demography; D003906:Developing Countries; D057217:Economic Development; D004777:Environment; D016656:Family Planning Policy; D005193:Family Planning Services; D006292:Health Priorities; D006801:Humans; D019359:Knowledge; D063130:Maternal Death / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008428:Maternal Mortality; D011050:Policy Making