Tunisia’s experience in family planning

The history of family planning activity in Tunisia from 1962 to 1968 may be divided into 3 periods and the family planning machinery constructed over the past 4 years has great potential.

Abstract

The history of family planning activity in Tunisia from 1962 to 1968 may be divided into 3 periods. The experimental program during June 1964-May 1966 was undertaken by the Ministry of Health with a supporting Ford Foundation grant and technical assistance from the Population Council. Family planning centers offered IUDs condoms and vaginal creams for no charge. Tubal ligations and social abortions were done in government hospitals. 18523 women received an IUD. The period of the national program was from June 1966 to December 1967. In August 1966 President Bourguiba made a pronatalist speech causing a lessening of the programs momentum but having no effect on policy. Problems of administration education clinical services and statistical services are described. In December 1967 a 5-year plan of operations was drawn up and a phase of renewed political support began. AID made new financial resources available. Administration reorganization and education clinical-service and statistical-service changes are discussed. Assistance is given by the Ford Foundation the Population Council SIDA AID and the U.S. Peace Corps. Though actual statistical results have been meager the family planning machinery constructed over the past 4 years has great potential.