Deadline: 2 August 2018

The UK’s Department of International Development (DFID) is accepting applications to implement components of its “Delivering Accelerated Family Planning in Pakistan – Behaviour Change Communication” that will work with private and public sectors to meet the unmet need for family planning (FP).

There are high levels of unintended pregnancies, induced abortions and maternal deaths in Pakistan. Of an estimated nine million pregnancies in 2012, 4.2 million were unintended resulting in 2.2 million induced abortions – the majority of which were unsafe and contributed to 6% of the latest estimate of maternal deaths. The high rates of fertility contribute to 9,700 maternal deaths each year. Only 35% of married women of reproductive age in Pakistan are currently using any method of contraception.

Among South Asian countries, only in Afghanistan is this rate lowers at 22.5%. 20% of married women in Pakistan have an unmet need to use family planning.

Under this component looking to provide technical assistance to lead and expand behaviour change communication (BCC) services to target the barriers to using modern contraceptives. The services will comprise of multi-channel, multi-message, tailored behaviour change, incorporating cost effective strategies such as use of positive deviants.

The specific approaches will be informed by research funded by this programme component early in its implementation. Messages will be integrated into all opportunities for face-to-face communication at the household and community level to overcome remaining individual barriers where there is unmet need, linked to nearby supported social franchisees or mobile outreach.

Messages will address acceptability and desired fertility, myths and misconceptions, health concerns, influence of mothers-in-law and husbands, and spousal communication, as well as access barriers through knowledge of service availability.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must apply using DFID supplier portal.

For more information, please visit DFID.