IPC Training And Orientation Of Field Staff

In the year 1998, the campaign had a comprehensive interpersonal counselling (IPC) package targeted at 15 selected districts of UP. Over 18000 grass root level workers, public sector ANMs, and community based workers of NGOs and dairy cooperatives were oriented to the campaign theme and trained in the use of a variety of campaign IPC material.

The training was conducted in 450 workshops using interactive discussions, exercises and a 25 minute training video film specially developed for this purpose. In addition, an entertaining and interactive mela (local fair) approach was used in 10 blocks where more than 100 workers existed. At the end of the training workshop or mela, participants received IPC materials which included a flip book, poster, sticker, badge, a bag with the campaign logo (for field workers); a mailer-cum-wall chart and desk calendar displaying methods of family planning (for Indigenous Systems of Medicine Practitioners); and attractive take-away calendars for distribution to clients.

This training has improved the counselling skills of service providers in both public and private sectors and IPC materials have facilitated interaction with community members and clients.

The campaign in the year 2002 expanded to 33 districts in UP covering over 17000 frontline health workers through 450 workshops.