| Author | World Health Organization Department of Reproductive Health and Research and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Communication Programs |
| Publisher | World Health Organization and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health/Center for Communication Programs |
| Year | 2007 |
| Language | English |
| Pages | 372 |
| Size | 9.09 MB |
| Extension |
Summary
Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers is a landmark clinical resource developed through an unprecedented collaboration between the World Health Organization (WHO), the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health's Center for Communication Programs, and more than 30 leading health organizations worldwide[reference:0][reference:1]. Published in 2007 as the fourth cornerstone in WHO's family planning guidance series, this handbook translates the best available scientific evidence into practical, user-friendly guidance for healthcare providers in low- and middle-income countries[reference:2][reference:3].
The handbook addresses a critical global health challenge: more than 100 million married women worldwide want to prevent pregnancy but are not using a contraceptive method[reference:4]. It provides comprehensive, evidence-based guidance on 21 family planning methods, covering everything from hormonal contraceptives and intrauterine devices to barrier methods and natural family planning[reference:5]. The book is designed to help providers assist individuals and couples in choosing, starting, using, and changing contraceptive methods appropriately throughout their reproductive lives[reference:6].
The content is organized for quick reference in clinical settings, with clear explanations of method characteristics, effectiveness, side effects, and contraindications. A dedicated section addresses HIV and sexually transmitted infection prevention, recognizing the integral role family planning providers play in comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care[reference:7]. The handbook also includes a practical wall chart summarizing key points for each method, designed for display in clinics and health facilities[reference:8].
Developed through a rigorous, consensus-based process involving experts from around the world, this handbook reflects the most current WHO recommendations and represents a global consensus on best practices in family planning service delivery[reference:9]. It is intended to serve as the definitive reference for clinic-based healthcare professionals, particularly those working in resource-constrained settings where access to up-to-date clinical guidance is essential[reference:10].
Since its initial publication, the handbook has been widely disseminated, with translations planned for ten languages including Spanish, French, Portuguese, Arabic, and Urdu[reference:11]. It has become an indispensable tool for training health professionals, developing national family planning guidelines, and improving the quality of reproductive health services worldwide[reference:12].
Key Features
- Comprehensive, evidence-based guidance on 21 contraceptive methods.
- Developed through collaboration among the WHO, Johns Hopkins, and 30+ leading health organizations.
- Part of the WHO Family Planning Cornerstones series.
- Practical, user-friendly format designed for quick clinical reference.
- Includes a dedicated section on HIV and STI prevention for family planning providers.
- Provides clear explanations of method effectiveness, side effects, and contraindications.
- Accompanied by a wall chart summarizing key points for each contraceptive method.
- Translates complex scientific evidence into actionable guidance for healthcare providers.
- Designed specifically for clinic-based providers in low- and middle-income countries.
- Reflects global consensus on best practices in family planning service delivery.
- Supports the development of national family planning guidelines and training programs.
- Available in multiple languages for worldwide accessibility.
About the Authors
This handbook was developed jointly by the World Health Organization Department of Reproductive Health and Research (WHO RHR) and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Communication Programs (CCP), with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)[reference:13]. The WHO Department of Reproductive Health and Research leads global efforts to improve sexual and reproductive health, providing evidence-based guidance and technical support to countries worldwide. The Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs is a global leader in health communication, known for developing innovative approaches to improve health outcomes through behavior change communication. More than 30 organizations from around the world participated in the preparation of this handbook, ensuring that it reflects a truly global consensus on family planning best practices[reference:14].
Related Books
- Contraceptive Technology by Robert A. Hatcher
- Managing Contraception by Robert A. Hatcher
- Essentials of Contraceptive Technology by Johns Hopkins CCP
- Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers (3rd Edition) by WHO and Johns Hopkins CCP
- Reproductive Health and Human Rights by Mindy Jane Roseman
- Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Public Health Perspective by Jennifer A. S. O'Brien
- Global Health and the Future Role of the United States by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is this handbook designed for?
A: This handbook is designed for clinic-based healthcare professionals worldwide, particularly those working in lower- and middle-income countries, who provide family planning services[reference:15].
Q: How many contraceptive methods are covered in this handbook?
A: The handbook provides comprehensive guidance on 21 different family planning methods, including hormonal contraceptives, intrauterine devices, barrier methods, and natural family planning[reference:16].
Q: Does this handbook address HIV and sexually transmitted infections?
A: Yes, the handbook includes a comprehensive section on HIV and how family planning providers can help clients prevent STIs and HIV[reference:17].
Q: What makes this handbook authoritative?
A: The handbook was developed through a collaboration between the World Health Organization, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and more than 30 leading health organizations worldwide[reference:18]. It reflects the most up-to-date WHO recommendations and a global consensus on best practices[reference:19].
Q: What is the practical value of this handbook for providers?
A: The handbook translates complex scientific evidence into practical, user-friendly guidance that can be quickly referenced in clinical settings. It includes clear explanations of method effectiveness, side effects, and contraindications, along with a wall chart summarizing key points for each method[reference:20].
Q: Is this handbook available in languages other than English?
A: Yes, translations have been produced in ten languages, including Spanish, French, Portuguese, Arabic, and Urdu[reference:21].
Q: How does this handbook relate to other WHO family planning resources?
A: This handbook is the fourth cornerstone in WHO's family planning guidance series, complementing other resources that support the safe and effective provision and use of family planning methods[reference:22].
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