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Family Planning Stakeholders in Vietnam: Enhancing Equity and Sustainability

In November 2010, the General Office for Population and Family Planning of Vietnam (GOPFP) and PATH convened diverse family planning stakeholders in order to formally initiate their involvement in the planning process. More than 70 stakeholders from 35 organizations attended the meeting, and were actively engaged throughout the day asking questions and participating in small group discussion sessions. Participants noted that the group discussions were exceptionally participatory and focused. Outcomes of the meeting included a clear and public government commitment to private-sector involvement in family planning policy and programming; corresponding expressions of interest to be involved by private sector stakeholders; a potential list of key steps for developing a total market plan generated by participants; and detailed ideas of how the Vietnamese family planning market might be segmented. All commercial manufacturers who attended reported that the meeting provided a useful opportunity to engage with government stakeholders, and expressed interest to participate in future meetings. Some of them did note that they still need a clearer picture of their roles in government planning and policy. This feedback has helped GOPFP and PATH to identify next steps.