NO. 219 SEPTEMBER 1992.pdf

Media

extracted text
'30 OCT 1992

No. 219 September 1992

ISSN 0911-0755

J 01CFP NEWS
People Power in Vietnam

Commitment and energy of women in Vietnam move members of Japanese mission
the Vietnamese people, the
mission comprised repre­
sentatives of the Women’s
League of Nagano Prefecture,
FP/MCH specialists, journa­
lists and a representative from
the City Office of Toshima,
one of the cities belonging to
the Municipal Coordinating
Committee for Overseas Bi­
cycle Assistance (MCCOB A),
a pioneering Japanese body
promoting the donation of
reconditioned bicycles to
developing countries. All
mission members were funded
I
by independent sources.
f
The mission visited three
provinces where the IP is being
implemented. Although the
BS?
trip was the first visit to
Vietnam for most of the
participants, many have been
involved in assisting the IP in
Vietnam through grassroots
activities in Japan. For these
it
members, the trip provided a
K
welcome opportunity to
One of the families in Nghi Long Commune to
observe the impact of their
benefit from a revolving fund for local enterprises.
support to Vietnamese people.
For the three representatives of the
While observing the activities of
women working as volunteers for the Nagano Women’s League, the visit to Nghi
Integrated Project (IP) in Vietnam, Long Commune, Nghe An Province, was
Kashiji Ide, vice chairwoman, Nagano particularly rewarding. Nghi Long was
Women's League, was reminded of the selected last year as a pilot commune to
role women played in improving health receive a revolving fund of US$2,000
and enhancing development in Nagano donated by the league for loans to support
Prefecture in the years following WW11. family enterprises. The loans, which have
Commenting on the volunteers she met mostly been used to raise livestock as food
and her observations offamily planning sources and for sale, were provided to
(FP) and maternal and child health families on a contract basis for a year at an
(MCH) promotion in IP areas, Ide said annual interest rate of 2%. The profits
that the Vietnamese women were making earned from the interest are to be channeled
the same crucial grassroots contribution back into the community where they will
to their nation’s development as the used to support volunteers and related
personnel working for the IP.
women did in postwar Japan.
During meetings with loan recipients,
Ide was one of 12 members of a
JOICFP mission that was in Vietnam the mission members were impressed with
from July 29 - August 9. Aimed at the way the loans were well-managed by
strengthening the network and deepen­ the local IP Steering Committee and Wo­
ing the understanding in Japan to support men’s Union and were struck by the

Ul

■■

j

’

'■

^1

■

M'

io
91

|jte -

i (J

3

determination expressed by the families
to repay the loans and interest due this
September. A member of one family
happily told the mission that the family
venture had earned US$80 in less than a
year, more than enough to repay the
original loan of US$50.
The mission also included field trips
to the IP communes of Quang Phu in
Thua-thien Hue Province, and Tan Buu
in Long An Province. The inclusion of
the IP communes enabled participants to
observe firsthand the community-based
health and environmental sanitation
promotion activities of the project and
speak with volunteers and IP personnel.
Commitment of Leaders

Commenting on their experiences,
the mission members said they were
moved by the enthusiasm and com­
mitment to community development
shared by local leaders and community
people despite an obvious lack of basic
necessities. They noted, however, that
what materials the community people
had received as donations from Japan
were being used effectively. At health
centers, the mission saw personnel using
towels and laboratory coats from Nagano
and observed the effective use of such
JOICFP-supplied items as megaphones
and baby scales.
For one of the mission members, a
surgical nurse from Tokyo, her
observations in Vietnam confirmed her

Tran Thi Trung Chien, vice minister of
health, briefs the mission on FP/MCH
activities in Vietnam.

I

Vietnam
belief in the power of people working
collectively. Tsusa Kidachi, who had
visited Vietnam previously in 1977, said
that she was surprised by the progress
she saw about her and by the motivation
and high spirits of the people. Noting
that the people had rebuilt parts of their
country that had been completely
destroyed during the war, Kidachi said
she hoped that the people of Vietnam
would succeed in their collective efforts
to develop the country.
The mission did much to further the
understanding among the Japanese
participants of the Vietnamese people
and promote future exchanges. The trip
also gave members a clearer idea of how
to contribute to improving the way of life
of the people in Vietnam by fostering
grassroots activities. On return to Japan,
the mission members proposed that they
each contribute ¥1,000 (US$8 at an
exchange rate of¥ 129 to USS 1) per month
for three years to establish a revolving
fund for community loans.
[5]

Common Threads
Oneofthehighlightsofthe JOICFP
mission to Vietnam was the
opportunity to see reconditioned
sewing machines being utilized at
the Ben Luc Vocational Training
Center in Ben Luc District, Long An
Province. In particular, the mission
members
were im­
pressed
with the
practical
and wellorgan­
ized donation
scheme
which was having an obvious, positive
impact on the development of the
women in the area. Since receiving
20 of the 40treadle sewing machines
sent to the IP in Long An Province
through JOICFP in March, the IP
committee in Ben Luc has been
encouraging skill training for women
while earning income through a
venture with the training center.
According to an agreement between
the committee and the center, the
rental on the machines goes toward
subsidizing the training of IP volun­
teers at the center and also supports
their activities in the field. With an
enrollment of 220 trainees, the wellestablished center also provides
training in vehicle repair and wood
carving. At the time of the mission’s
visit, a total of 176 trainees were
enrolled in the sewing course.

2

Warm Homecoming for Film

Children of Tan Buu Commune react with excitement during the film show.

A JOICFP documentary on village
women in Vietnam premiered in Hanoi on
July 30 to applause from an audience of
some 60 people which included the new
vice minister of Health, Tran Thi Trung
Chien. The minister was joined by other
parliamentarians and representatives of
the Ministry ofHealth, Ministry ofForeign
Affairs, National Committee on Population
and Family Planning and Ministry ofSports
and Culture as well as thefirst secretary of
the Embassy ofJapan and representatives
of international organizations such as
UNFPA, UNICEF and FAO, women's
unions and the mass media.
The film, The Awaking Kowloon —
Village Women in Vietnam was shot on
location in Tan Buu Commune in Long An
Province where JOICFP’s Integrated
Project (IP) is being implemented.
Documenting the struggle of the people to
develop their community and rebuild the
village infrastructure destroyed more than
20 years ago during the Vietnam War, the
film focuses on the crucial role played by
women working as community volunteers
to promote family planning (FP) and
maternal and child health (MCH).
The Vietnamese-language film, which
featured actual members of the Tan Buu
Commune and scenes from daily life, was
welcomed by the audience as well made
and extremely realistic. Noting the
contribution ofJapanese technical expertise
to the film’squality, a Vietnamese audience
member commented that the documentary
was a positive example of VietnameseJapanese collaboration. Ministry of Health
representatives also expressed their

determination to use the film as an 1EC
material to promote the health volunteer
network throughout the country.
The film was also well received by
representatives of international organi­
zations who said that it clearly showed
how to maintain a healthcare network
and promote development of communi­
ties through the part i c i pat ion of the people
in the face extreme economic difficul­
ties. One official said that the film could
be used in countries with similar diffi­
culties as Vietnam to show community
people how much they can achieve
through their own efforts.

Community Enthusiasm
Film showings were also held in the
Long An Province Community Health
Center and in Tan Buu Commune. For
the visiting JOICFP mission, the show in
Tan Buu was an extremely memorable
experience. Despite monsoon rains, over
300 villagers turned out for the event and
to welcome the film from the opening
scenes with shrieks of delight as members
of the community recognized themselves
and neighbors. For one mission member,
the excitement of the people of Tan Buu
was reminiscent of the postwar days in
Japan when the enthusiasm of the people
to improve their way of life was at a peak.
Before the mission members left the
following day, they were able to talk
with the chairman of the People’s
Committee, head of the Women’s Union
and volunteers who had appeared in the
documentary.
[J]
JOICFP NEWS, September 1992

Exchanges

A Lesson in International Cooperation
Donation scheme teaches Japanese students about needs of community women in Guatemala
A treadle sewing machine can make
a significant difference to the quality of
life of a woman and her family in
Guatemala, said Dr. Carlos Contreras,
director, Medical Service Unit, Family
Planning Association of Guatemala
(APROFAM). Addressing the teaching
staff and students of Fuchu Daikyu
Junior High School in Fuchu City,
Tokyo, Contreras explained that with a
sewing machine a mother can learn new
skills that she can use to generate in­
come to pay for better nutrition and
healthcare for her children.
Contreras made his speech at the
school’s closing ceremony for the first
semester on July 20. Expressing
gratitude for the school’s donation of 10
treadle sewing machines to the Integrated

or

(Photo, right) Student leaders address Dr. Contreras at Fuchu Daikyu Junior High
School. (Photo, left) Women learn sewing skills in San Lucas Toliman.

Project (IP) area of San Lucas Toliman in
Guatemala, the APROFAM representative
said that a vocational training school for
mothers had been established in the IP
community to utilize the donated sewing
machines. “Through this training program,
mothers will be able to better provide for
the health of their children,’’ he said. “Thus,
on behalf of the children of San Lucas
Toliman, I would like toexpress my deepest
gratitude for your contribution.”
Donation Scheme

~

•

Community people of Zamboanga del
Sur welcome a donation of bicycles.

Reconditioned bicycles donated to the
Philippines by local Japanese governments
through JOICFP are helping to ease the
workload of members of the Team of
Development Workers (TDWs) who must
often travel long distances to bring muchneeded services to people living in remote
areas, said Dr. Benjamin D. Cabrera,
professor emeritus, University of the
Philippines, and vice president, Foun­
dation for Integrated Services on Health
and Development (FISHDEV). “By using
a bicycle, for example, a midwife can
attend a delivery on time and save the life
of a mother and child,” he said.
On a recent visit to Japan, Cabrera
expressed appreciation for the assistance
provided by MCCOBA by paying courtesy
calls to two member cities in Saitama

Prefecture on July 20. In Tokorozawa
City, Cabrera met with Mayor Hiroshi
Saito and in Kawaguchi City, he met with
Vice Mayor Sukeichi Yagi. During
discussions with the municipal officials,
Cabrera presented a report on the usage of
bicycles by local governments and TDWs
to promote community development and
healthcare.
JOICFP NEWS, September 1992

The donation scheme has not only
brought benefits to the people of San Lucas
Toliman, but has also stirred interest in
Guatemala and international cooperation
among the staff and students of Fuchu
Daikyu Junior High. Inspired by the
scheme, the staff have included Guatemala
as one of the countries covered in the
school’s social studies curriculum. During
his address to the school, Contreras
introduced students to some of the
geographical and social aspects of his
country along with a slide presentation.
In an emotional speech, a student
representative welcomed the Guatemalan
guest and thanked him for visiting the
school. “Through our social studies classes,
we have learned a little about your country,”
said the student. “But your visit gives us a
very rare and welcome opportunity to
exchange ideas, deepen our understanding
of your country and further develop the
friendship between the students of this
school and the people of Guatemala.”
Contreras was overwhelmed by the
warm welcome and by the amount of
interest that the scheme has sparked among
the students. “I think the donation of sewing
machines is a very important way of letting
children know that not all people live the

same way,” he said. “It is helping them
to understand the problems in developing
countries and the importance of raising
the standard of health and education of
the people.”
The sewing machines, which have
been used for educational purposes since
being handed over in Guatemala on June
5, were reconditioned free of charge by
Janome Sewing Machine Co., Ltd.
While in Japan, Contreras also paid a
courtesy call to the Voluntary Deposit
for International Aid (VDIA) Office of
the Ministry of Posts and Telecom­
munications on July 20 which recently
allocated funds to support the activities
of the IP in Guatemala. Contreras
expressed his thanks for the assistance
to VDIA officials and presented a report
of the activities of the project in San
Lucas Toliman.
g]

Forging Closer Ties
Dr. Reginald K. Anteson, associate
professor, Ghana Medical School, and
chairman, National IP Steering
Committee, paid courtesy calls to two
Tokyo member cities of the Municipal
Coordinating Committee for Overseas
Bicycle Assistance (MCCOBA) on July
20 and 24 to express appreciation for
the donation of reconditioned bicycles.
During meetings with Yoshio Nishino,
mayor of Ota City, and Saburo Iwanami,
mayor of Nerima City, Anteson
provided an outline of the IP in Ghana
and reported on how the bicycles are
being used to promote health and
community development within IP
areas. To ensure that the bicycles are
maintained properly, a central depot is
being set up for maintenance and repair
work, he said.
3

Africa

Determining a Better Future
N’diaye hails increasing priority on population policieslprograms
Lamine N’diaye, director, Africa
Division, UNFPA, was in Japan from
July 27 - August 2 to take part in the
Tripartite Review (TPR) Meeting on the
Integrated Project (IP) and join afield
trip to Nagano Prefecture. He spoke with
JOICFP NEWS on August I about his
impressions of Nagano and on current
population issues in Africa. Below is an
outline of his interview.
It is always good to see the work of
Japanese non-governmental organi­
zations (NGOs). I think what the people
ofTogakushi village in Nagano are doing
could be a model for many African
countries to demonstrate that NGOs can
work very efficiently at the community
level. Communities can do anything
they want if they have the will and are
well organized. Success does not depend
on what donors will give, but on what the
community will do.
Unfortunately, Africa has acolonized
past, so private institutions have been
given less emphasis. Everything has
been done by the central government, a
factor which has not helped to promote

the role of private institutions. The
generation that experienced colonization
is now passing and we hope that the new
generation born after independence will
be more equipped with a sense of private
activities.
UNFPA has been very successful in
sensitizing African governments about
population issues. What we are doing now
is encouraging governments to translate
that knowledge and information into action
at the grassroots. For this reason we are
encouraging governments to involve
NGOs, which are more efficient at
working with communities.
The Third African Population Confer­
ence (jointly orgnanized by UNFPA and
the Economic Commission for Africa) will
be held in December in Dakar, Senegal.
Prior to the conference we plan to hold a
forum to interact with NGOs and ask them
their perceptions of population issues in
their communities and of their national
population programs and policies, and how
they see their role in terms of helping
government implement them.
The Dakar conference will be very

A Positive
Decade
Diallo welcomes increasing role
for FPAs in government policies
and programs

Alpha M. Diallo, assistant regional
director, Africa Regional Office, joined
N'diaye at the TPR Meeting and field
trip to Nagano Prefecture. He was also
interviewed by J01CFP NEWS on A ugust
1. Below is an outline of his impressions
ofNagano and his comments on IPPF’s
activities in Africa.
One of the very good pieces of news
over the last 10 years has been that an
increasing number of governments in
Africa have adopted population policies.
What is of interest for IPPF in these
policies is the fact that most governments
assign a very important role to the family
planning associations (FPAs). In some
countries, the whole area of IEC has been
given to the FPA, while in others this role
is accompanied by an authorization for
the FPA to open model clinics that provide
high-quality care, FP services and also
training in contraceptive technology for
4

Alpha M. Diallo

government health officials. The FPAs do
not work in isolation, but in collaboration
with the ministries of health, education,
agriculture and social development.
Improving the status of women is the
key to FP success. Women are the basic
healthcare providers, consumers of
healthcare and the mothers of the
community. Women also represent the
best health agents in any country. We see
women as one of our priority target groups,
not just as consumers of contraceptives,
but also as primary partners in the work
that we are doing. The second most
important group is young people. Between
50 - 55% of African people are under the

' W’

fib
Lamine N’diaye

interesting. The theme of the conference
is “Population, African family and
sustainable development,” a theme that
really illustrates the concerns of African
governments.
When we compare the present
population situation in Africa with 10 or
even 20 years ago, the progress has been
tremendous. Today, we have indications
of fertility decline in countries such as
Zimbabwe, Botswana, Kenya and
Mauritius. These countries are opening
the way for the others to follow. The
factors that have contributed to their
success are: firstly, education of women
that has enabled increases in contracep­
tive prevalence; secondly, strong com­
mitment by governments; and thirdly,
good organization of services.
[7]

age of 21. They are the parents of
tomorrow and it is very important to
educate them into responsible
parenthood. Our third major goal is male
involvement in FP. We want men to be
actively involved in FP, to practice FP
themselves and to be supportive of their
wives who practice FP. We also target
policymakers and speak to religious and
community leaders.
I was most impressed to learn that
after the war this country faced problems
that were very similar to the ones we are
facing in Africa today. I think that Africa
is going through the same process that
Togakushi village in Nagano went
through — involving individuals and the
community in self-development. Mem­
bers of the community can only improve
their livelihood, living conditions and

health status if they accept to organize
themselves and to collaborate with each
other. This process involves a lot of ef­
fort, self-sacrifice and dedication from
both the paid staff and the people acting
as volunteers. Development can only
be achieved through the joint efforts of
these two groups. The initiative has to
come from within, but what can be
received from outside is backup support
and advice.
[7]
JOICFP NEWS, September 1992

People

Collaboration Building on Experiences
in Africa
Sharing successes and failures essential, says Nepalese researcher
Reaffirmed
Senior representatives of UNFPA,
IPPF and JOICFP agreed to further
reinforce joint collaboration to promote
the Integrated Project (IP) in the African
region at a recent Tripartite Review (TPR)
Meeting held in Tokyo. The meeting was
heldfrom July 2 8 -August I and attended
by Famine N'diaye, director, Africa
Division, UNFPA, and Alpha M. Diallo,
assistant regional director, Africa
Regional Office, IPPF.
The main aim of the TPR Meeting
was to review UNFPA/IPPF/JOICFP
tripartite cooperation in the development
of the IP in Africa during the past year
and to discuss program planning for the
coming year. The officials also reviewed
regional activities carried out under the
“Promotion of Integrated Family Plan­
ning with Primary Health Care Service
for Sub-Sahara Africa” (RAF/88/P31)
project and progress of on-going
projects in Ethiopia, the Gambia, Ghana,
Tanzania and Zambia for 1991.

Independent Evaluations

Jr.

Dr. Mahendra K. Chhetri

Dr. Mahendra K. Chhetri, senior
medical officer, FP/MCH Project, Nepal,
recently concluded a study ofthe impact of
the Integrated Project (IP) on
environmental sanitation in Panchkal,
Nepal. He shared his impressions ofthe IP
and spoke about health issues in Nepal
during an interview with JOICFP NEWS
on July 22 . Below are highlights of the
interview.
Before the IP was implemented, people
in Panchkal were not very aware of health
issues such as environmental sanitation,
water contamination and parasites.
According to my study, most people living
in the IP area now have pit latrines which
have become a part of their daily lives. The
introduction of these inexpensive latrines
has been a very good way of forming
hygienic habits among the people.

Referring to the recommendations
made at the Pan-African IP Conference
(PANFRICO III) held in Accra, Ghana,
in October last year, the participants
agreed that an independent evaluation of
the regional and country projects in A frica
should be conducted in 1993 to assess the
Major Killer
impact of the project and to strengthen
and expand project implementation in
Poor sanitation is the major killer of
the region. Participants also discussed
the independent evaluation of the IP in people in developing countries. But if a
Ethiopia, a country project of UNFPA, to little care is taken to provide information
to the people at the community level,
be carried out later in the year.
Noting that a few countries including mortality can be significantly reduced.
French-speaking nations had submitted Sharing information and knowledge is
proposals to IPPF to implement the IP, essential. For example, if rural people
the participants agreed that the involve­ were given technical assistance to build
ment of French-speaking countries should low-cost latrines, a lot could be done for
be encouraged in the IP in the future. the standard of health of whole country.
Participants also discussed a regional The priority, however, should be on
workshop to be held in Ethiopia in the supporting people with technical assis­
latter part of the year to address common tance. The information provided should
issues of project management of IP- be very technical, such as how to build a
implementing countries.
latrine, the impact of environmental
At the meeting, the representatives of sanitation on health and information on
UNFPA and IPPF outlined FP/MCH how to grow nutritious foods.
service delivery, adolescent health, IEC
As for family planning (FP), most
activities, women and continuous people now in Nepal do not want large
advocacy on population issues as key families. But in many villages people do
program areas for the Africa region. [5] not have access to informatigi^

JOICFP NEWS, September 1992

national contraceptive prevalence rate
(CPR) is about 20%. Under the IP, how­
ever, the CPR in the IP area has been
increased from 5% to 45%. Awareness
of FP has been spread in these areas
through information programs, movies
and by community field workers who go
door-to-door to communicate with the
people and provide services.
When a project is started in a new
place, experiences of other projects such
as those of the IP should be utilized.
Much of what has been learned in the IP
area, both successes and failures, can be
utilized in other parts of the country and
should be widely disseminated to the
health workers in communities.
Recently, studies were conducted in­
to the impact of vitamin A on child
mortality. The results showed that
vitamin A treatment could prevent 33%
of under-6 mortalities in Nepal. Vitamin
A does not just prevent night blindness,
but has a value in immunity development
to make the body stronger to fight
diseases. Nepal has many wild plants
that are rich in vitamin A, but the people
do not have the habit of cooking or eating
vegetables. So, there is now a plan to
create weaning foods from local plants
that are rich in vitamin A.
g]

hi a show ofsupportfor JOICFP activities,
the new president of SCAC JAP ON
Transport International, Alain Chemery
(left), presents JOICFP deputy executive
director, Yasuo Kon, with a check for
¥500,000 (US$3,900 at an exchange rate
of ¥129 to US$1) on July 27. The
contribution, to be used to strengthen the
Integrated Project activities, marks the
first timefor JOICFP to receive a donation
from SC AC JAP ON, the Japanese
subsidiary ofthe French shipping company
SD V. Chemery, who also holds theposition
ofSDV director for North Asia, said that
his company takes much interest in
supporting the work carried out by non­
governmental organizations such as
JOICFP in developing countries.

HEALTH GEtt
326, V Main,
-• I Block
KoramangaJa
Bangalore-560034 /

5

Japan

Essentials of
International
Assistance
Seminar provides firm basis
for paramedics concerned
about international assistance
A contribution was expected from
every participant at this year’s Seminar
on International Cooperation in Maternal
and Child Health and Family Planning,
held in Japan from August 11 - 21.
Incorporating an overnight stay at the
National Women's Education Center in
Saitama Prefecture, the seminar called
for the active involvement of all
participants in discussions on practical
strategies for providing technical
assistance in the field of maternal and
child health (MCH) andfamily planning
(FP) to developing countries.
An annual event, the seminaris geared
to preparing participants for overseas
service by increasing their awareness of
issues related to international cooperation
and to broadening technical cooperation
channels for assistance to developing
countries. The format of this year’s
training course was varied with presen­
tations by experts on a variety of topics

View of trainees.

including adolescent health, contraception,
reproductive health, international assis­
tance, population issues, communication
techniques and volunteer work. Since the
training course was launched in 1972, a
total of 525 health professionals have
participated as trainees.
This year’s trainee group comprised 22
health workers including public health
nurses, midwives, instructors of para­
medical students and one JICA expert.
Subsidized by the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and implemented by JOICFP, the
course was led by Dr. Minoru Muramatsu,
former chairman. Population Association
of Japan.
An overnight brainstorming session
included in this year’s training course
provided participants with a welcome
opportunity to exchange information and
experiences with each other and officers of
JOICFP. For Emiko Kakuda, the seminar

Sharing Keys to Health
Reports on the progress of the
Integrated Project (IP) in Ghana and
Guatemala served as highlights of the
14th APCO Parasitologists’ Meeting,
heldinTokyofromJuly21 -23. Presented
by two IP representatives, the reports
illustrated the IP as a practical approach
to win community participation in envi­
ronmental sanitation, family planning
(FP), nutrition improvement and mater­
nal and child health (MCH) activities.
Dr. Reginald K. Anteson, associate
professor, Ghana Medical School, and
chairman, IP Steering Committee of
Ghana, and Dr. Carlos Contreras, director,
Medical Services Unit, FP Association
of Guatemala (APROFAM), pointed out
that the IP has had considerable impact
on raising awareness of health issues and
acceptance of FP in the project areas in
their countries. Anteson noted that
through parasite control (PC) and other
primary health care activities to improve
MCH, the project has won the trust of the
6

community in IP areas in Ghana and
contributed to an increase in the contra­
ceptive prevalence rate (CPR) from 17.4%
in 1987 to 62.8% in 1991. Meanwhile, in
San Lucas Tollman in Guatemala, PC
activities have had a positive impact on
health and awareness of health issues, said
Contreras. The APROFAM representative
also noted said that the target population
of the IP is to increase from the present
35,000 to reach 120,000 in the future.
This year’s meeting was sponsored by
the Japan Keirin Association and Hoken
Kaikan Group and organized by the Japan
Association of Parasite Control (JAPC) in
cooperation with JOICFP. It was attended
by 27 participants including members of
the Asian Parasite Control Organization
(APCO) Research Group in Asia, experts,
observers and representatives from
UNICEF and the Japanese Ministry of
Health and Welfare.
The meeting featured progress reports
on research carried out in the last year by

gave her a wider perspective of inter­
national cooperation. About to embark
on a three-year stay in the Philippines as
a volunteer nurse, Kakuda said that she
had also established a valuable support
network with other participants through
the seminar. For Hiromi Eto, the course
was an enlightening experience. A
teacher of nursing, Eto said that she had
been able to develop a clear picture of
Japan’s international obligations and
practical ways for people like her to
fulfill these obligations.

New Insights
For veterans such as Yoko Komura, a
midwife who spent two years in Malawi
as a Japan Overseas Cooperation
Volunteer (JOCV), the seminar provided
new insights into international assistance.
Komura was particularly impressed with
the approach of the Integrated Project,
the broad components it encompasses
and the idea of using parasite control to
gain acceptance of the project.
In summing up, the paramedics noted
the importance of answering grassroots
needs and of promoting the self-reliance
of projects through human resource
development. Inspired by the enthusiasm
expressed by Chairman Kunii, the
participants agreed that above all else,
the success of any project is ultimately
determined by the commitment of the
people and personnel.
[j]
Ith^OParasfotogisis'lleelin
j^a-2j,«e *pco,wk j .ot

Participants listen to a presentation.

APCO members, while an overview of
progress made in IP areas since July
1991 was presented in a secretary ’s report
compiled by Chojiro Kunii, secretary,
APCO, and chairman, JOICFP.
The meeting wound up on a positive
note with participants agreeing to gear
research toward solving health problems
afflicting people at the community level.
This point was reiterated in a message by
Kunii, who emphasized that projects
aimed at improving the way of life of
people, should begin by trying to answer
needs at the grassroots.
[T]
JOICFP NEWS, September 1992

Interaction

Lessons from the Field
Mission to China deepens understanding of grassroots needs

A couple in Zhangqiu County display
their MCH handbook.

The term “international cooperation”
has been receiving an increasing amount
of attention in Japan in recent years as
the country moves to take on a more
active role in world affairs. One activity
that is doing much to foster exchanges
and deepen the understanding of the
needs of a developing country among
Japanese people is the annual study tour
to China organized by JOICFP and the
China Family Planning Association
(CFPA). A regular event, the main aim
ofthe tour is to introduce internationally
mindedJapanese tofamilyplanning (FP)
and maternal and child health (MCH)
activities in China.
This year’s study group was in China
from August 3-16 and included
healthcare personnel, academics, an
expert of the Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA), an official
of the prefectural government of
Fukushima and a member of the press.
To provide the group with a picture
of the health and development situation
of China, the study tour encompassed
field trips to Fujian and Shandong

Gesture of Support
K total of ¥600,000 (US$4,650 at an
exchange rate of ¥129 to US$1) was
donated to JOICFP by Maritime
International Cooperation Center
(MICC) of the Sasakawa Peace
Foundation in July. The funds will be
used to cover part of the costs of
shipping donated reconditioned sewing
machines from Japan to Zambia where
they will be used to support women’s
development activities under the
Integrated Project (IP).

JOICFP NEWS, September 1992

provinces where the community-based
Integrated Project (IP) is being
implemented and included a visit to a
joint-venture factory in Amoy, a fast­
growing special economic zone. The
group also visited Shanghai and Beijing.
Of particular interest to the mission
was a one-day observation trip to the IP
areas of Zhangqiu County in Shandong
Province. Integrating FP/MCH, parasite
control (PC), nutrition and environmental
sanitation components, the IP has proved
popular with the community people who
actively promote and participate in
activities. From an initial population of
37,000 in two townships, the target
population has been expanded to cover
960,000 in 22 townships.

MCH Handbook

One of the most significant achieve­
ments of the project has been the spread of
the use of the MCH handbook. The
promotion of safe drinking water and
environmental sanitation under the project
has also had a positive impact on the
standard of living in the IP area. This was
most evident during visits to farmers’
houses where the group was surprised by
the high standard of water supplies and
toilet facilities and awareness of environ­
mental sanitation among farming families.
Through nutrition guidance activities,
the project has also raised awareness of
nutrition among the people of the IP area
where anemia and rickets have been a
problem. During their visit, the group
members were introduced to the activities
of a van donated to the Family Planning
Commission of Shandong Province by the
local government of Fukushima Prefecture
in May last year. Incorporating a demon­
stration kitchen, the van is being used to
provide nutrition and health guidance and
promote FP/MCH activities. Since it was
donated, the vehicle has covered 22,000km
and reached over 200,000 people. The
effectiveness of the van was particularly
pleasing for the official from Fukushima
who pledged further support in the future.
The tour also included observation trips
to Shuibei Township, Shaowu City, Fujian
Province, where the IP is to be initiated
next year and to the established IP area of
Tai ’an Municipality in Shandong Province.
Initiated in 1984, the coverage of the project
in Tai ’an has been expanded from an initial
population of 147,000 in two townships to

1

&

5

A set of triplets attend kindergarten in
Zhangqiu County.

cover a total of 479,000 people in eight
townships.
To gain a wide perspective of the
health situation in China, the study tour
members visited facilities providing FP
and MCH services, child care centers,
kindergartensand farmers’ houses in both
IP and non-IP areas. In assessing the
merits of the project, the group was most
impressed by the impact the IP has had
on integrating the activities of different
government departments to smooth
provision of services.
One aspect of the Chinese way of life
that left a marked impression on the tour
members was the broad acceptance of
the “one-child policy” and the efforts
that have been made to smoothly integrate
the policy into society. Members were
impressed with the emphasis that has
been placed on raising one healthy,
contented child per family and the MCH
services and information that are provid­
ed to support families.
The mission members said the study
tour had given them practical insights
into the needs of the people in China and
expressed their wish to further collaborate
with JOICFP in the future.
[j]

§

-

I

Participants stand beside a nutrition
and health guidance van donated to
Shandong Province by Japan.

1994 UN Conference
Cairo will host the Fifth UN
Conference on Population and
Development to be held September 5
-13,1994. The choice ofEgypt as the
host country was recentlyfinalized by
the UN Economic and Social Council.
7

Voice of Voices
By Chojiro Kunii

VDIA Scheme
Since it was launched in January 1991,
the Voluntary Deposit for International
Aid (VDIA) has received tremendous
response from Japanese people with the
total number of VDIA account holders
reaching 6.7 million this year. The funds,
collected from 20% of the interest on
savings in VDIA accounts, are mainly
used for health and welfare programs in
developing countries.
The concept of VDIA rose out of a
public desire for a reliable avenue for
contributing to overseas assistance and
cooperation activities. Most concerned
Japanese people recognize the difficulties
of implementing such activities and are
wary of many fund-raising campaigns.
However, the VDIA scheme, which is
handled by the Ministry of Posts and
Telecommunications, is not only
trustworthy, but offers people an easy
way to do their part for people in
developing countries. Through a simple
procedure, citizens can join the scheme
al any post office and begin to contribute
to “international cooperation” activities.

Int’l Role for Japan
When I reflect on the nearly 50 years
that have elapsed since the end of WWII
and the hardships faced by the Japanese
people during this time, I am deeply
impressed with what Japan has achieved.
Thus, when I anticipate the future, I can
see that Japan has an instrumental role
to play in fostering the development of
other countries. Only by fulfilling this
role can Japan coexist in harmony with
the rest of the world. The time for Japan
to mature as a nation and consider its
function in the world is at hand.
The VDIA scheme has won the hearts
of the Japanese people and continues to
gather steam as efforts are made to spread
the word about the scheme. At the post
office near JOICFP, for example, the
postmaster recently encouraged his staff
to be more enthusiastic about soliciting
account holders with a pep talk on the
meaning of the scheme. JOICFP staff
have also given talks to account holders
about the activities carried out under the
scheme. To reach even more people, the
Hoken Kaikan Group is planning to
cooperate with related organizations to
make informative photographic panels
that accurately capture the joy that
projects funded by the VDIA scheme
bring to beneficiaries.
U]

8

DIARY
Takashi Miyazaki, Japanese ambassador to
Honduras, visited JOICFP on July 10 to
exchange information.
* * *
A 10-member Chinese mission led by Dr. Wang
Ruiqin, deputy director, Family Planning
Commission, Jilin Province, was in Japan
from June 29 - July 12 to attend the Ninth
Seminar on Parasite Control for China.
* * *
Dr. Benjamin Cabrera, professor emeritus,
U ni versity of the Philippines, and vice president,
FISHDEV, paid courtesy calls to MCCOBA
members Tokorozawa City and Kawaguchi
City, Saitama Prefecture, on July 22.
* * *
Forty representatives from 12 countries attended
the 14th APCO Parasitologists’ Meeting, held
July 21 - 23 in Tokyo.
* * *
Dr. Mahendra K. Chhetri, senior medical
officer, FP/MCH Project, Nepal, was in Japan
to attend the APCO Parasitologists’ Meeting,
held July 21 - 23.

* * *

Dr. Carlos Contreras, director, Medical Ser­
vice Unit, APROFAM, Guatemala, and Dr.
Reginald Anteson, associate professor, Ghana
Medical School, were in Shizuoka Prefecture
on a study trip from July 17-19 and attended
the APCO Parasitologists’ Meeting from July
21 - 23 as observers. Anteson also paid courtesy
calls to Ota City and Nerima City, and Contreras
visited Fuchu Daikyu Junior High School and
the VDIA Office of the Ministry of Posts and
Telecommunications.
* * *
Lamine N’diaye, Director, Africa Division,
UNFPA, and Alpha M. Diallo, assistant
regional director, Africa Regional office, IPPF,
were in Japan from July 27 - Aug. 2 to attend the
UNFPA/1PPF/JOICFP Tripartite Review
Meeting for the Africa Region and to observe
community-based MCH activities in Nagano
Prefecture.
* * *
Dr. Marco Antonio Sagastume Gemmell,
Human Rights Expert, Ministry of the Interior,

Guatemala, visited JOICFP to exchange
information on Aug. 3.
* * *
Keiko Ono, officer. Population Division,
International Economic and Social Affairs
Department, UN, visited JOICFP on Aug. 7.
* * *
A 12-member mission organized by JOICFP
visited Vietnam from July 28 - Aug. 9 to
observe community-based FP/MCH
activities. The team was accompanied by
Program Officer Sumie Ishii and staff
member Mariko Honma.
* * *
An 11-member mission organized by JOICFP
visited Shanghai and Beijingcitiesand Fujian
and Shandong provinces in China from Aug.
3- 16 to study FP/MCH activities. The team
was accompanied by Program Officer Yukio
Honma and staff member Sono Aibe.
Dr. Hirofumi Ando, director, Information
and External Relations Division, UNFPA,
visited JOICFP to exchange information
while in Tokyo from Aug. 8-12.
JOICFP DOCUMENTARY SERIES
NEW DOCUMENTARY FILM

The Awaking Kowloon
Village Women in Vietnam
39 min., color/Vietnamese, Japanese

Despite the many years that have passed
since the end of the Vietnam War, the people of
Tan Buu Commune still have no bridge to
replace the one that was destroyed in a bombing
raid. Each day, children cross the river by boat
to go to school along with women volunteers
who promote family planning and maternal and
child health among the community people.
The Awaking Kowloon — Village Women in
Vietnam documents the struggle of the Tan
Buu people to rebuild their bridge and the vital
role that women play as agents of change.
Distributed by

Sakura Motion Picture Co., Ltd

Population in the Picture
Twelve winners of an international
poster contest were announced by Dr.
NafisSadik, executive director, UNFPA,
on July 10. The competition, aimed at
creating awareness and understanding
of population issues, was sponsored by
UNFPA. The winning posters were
chosen from 134 submissions from
children and young people from 36
countries. The posters will be distributed
by UNFPA offices to governments,
NGOs and other institutions and will be
used at the 1994 International Confer­
ence on Population and Development.
The winning designs will also be featured
on UNFPA greeting cards.

STANDARD BLDG., 22-1. NISHI-SHINJUKU 1-CHOME
SHINJUKU-KU. TOKYO 160, JAPAN TEL: 03-3342-5768
Cable:"SAKURA MOVIES TOKYO7Telex:J34799 ITCINBTH
| 16mm/VTR (Beta, VHS/NTSC, PAI., SECA.M) ~|

JOICFP NEWS is a monthly newsletter
published by the Japanese Organization for
International Cooperation in Family Planning,
Inc. (JOICFP).
JOICFP NEWS welcomes your comments,
suggestions and contributions. Please mail to:
JOICFP NEWS

Hoken Kaikan Bekkan
1-1, Sadohara-cho, Ichigaya
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162 Japan
Phone: Tokyo 3268-5875
Telex: 2324584 JOICFP J
Cable Address: JOICFP Tokyo
Facsimile: Tokyo 3235-7090

JOICFP NEWS, September 1992

Position: 2866 (4 views)