From 1999 through 2004, the CDM-led USAID/Environmental Health Project team planned and implemented a program in Madagascar that linked population-health-environment activities and demonstrated how this integrated programming can greatly enhance health results. Hygiene promotion, point-of-use water treatment, and engineering services for small-scale water supply systems were integrated into non-governmental organization activities that focused on voluntary family planning or improved agriculture. Natural resource management activities provided a useful point of access to support reproductive health among populations not typically served by such activities.
This project demonstrates the successful use of a partnership strategy to integrate local non-governmental organizations, USAID, foundations, and government for positive outcomes at many levels, while conserving the environment. Monitoring conducted by the Voahary Salama Association indicates that family planning acceptance increased four-fold. Further, compared to baseline levels, immunization rates more than doubled, and methods of improved agriculture and natural resource management were widely adopted by target communities.
CLIENT: USAID (Global Health Bureau and Madagascar Mission)
LOCATION: Madagascar