Country Profiles

Research

Collaborative research, innovative programmatic initiatives, and capacity-building activities constitute the foundation of Family Health International's work in Jamaica. We have worked with both governmental and non-governmental organizations in our mission to improve reproductive health, increase access to family planning, and find new strategies for the prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Our work has included adolescent reproductive health curriculum development, and the monitoring and evaluation of ongoing reproductive health programs. Additionally, we have served as a science-based information source for the medical community by conducting continuing education seminars for physicians, nurses, and midwives.

More Research Highlights

Partnering with the Jamaica-based Ashe Caribbean Performing Arts Ensemble and Academy, FHI provided funding and technical assistance for the development of "Vibes in a World of Sexuality," a musical of songs and dances displaying the challenges that arise when a group of teens on the brink of becoming sexually active are taken on a "journey" into the world of sexuality. With USAID/Jamaica funding, FHI also provided technical assistance for Ashe in the development of a family life curriculum, and in training guidance counselors, school nurses, and youth group leaders to teach young people about reproductive health. Since then more than half of Jamaica's guidance counselors have been trained. With our assistance, Ashe is now reaching out to parents and students throughout the Caribbean, and its materials have been adapted as far away as Namibia, Rwanda, and Senegal.
FHI studies in Jamaica, Cameroon, Ghana, and Kenya have found that women who are not menstruating face significant, unnecessary barriers to receiving family planning services. Such research results provided the impetus for the development of the FHI provider checklist to rule out pregnancy.