Overview: In 2020 the IBP Network launched the WHO/HIPs Matrix Tool to better link the WHO guidelines in Family Planning with the High Impact Practices in Family Planning. The tool focuses on Service Delivery HIPs and selected WHO Guidelines related to family planning service delivery. Development of the tool was a collaborative process based on expressed needs from regional and country-based partners working on family planning programming.
Background: In 2018 IBP conducted a baseline survey to better understand how members were using WHO Guidelines and High Impacts Practices for Family Planning. Results revealed that while WHO guidelines were highly recognized and valued, use in programmatic work was mixed. Many partners said, “We don’t program around a guideline. We program around interventions or practices”. In a similar way, respondents were aware of the High Impact Practices for Family Planning but support for use was mixed. Many expressed a need to connect the HIPs with reputable global guidelines such as those coming from WHO to better advocate use.
Process: The WHO/Matrix Tool was developed using a collaborative and iterative process involving many IBP partners, WHO, UNFPA, USAID, and other field-based colleagues. Prior to finalization, the tool was pre-tested and further adjusted based on feedback from partners at IBP Regional Workshops in India (2018) and in Istanbul (2019).
Audience and Use: The tool is intended to be a quick reference for program managers designing or implementing family planning programs. The tool can be used to help improve implementation of HIPs by illustrating how to incorporate WHO evidence-based guidelines and/or can be used to support advocacy efforts for HIPs by linking them with globally recognized and credible WHO Guidelines.
On December 2nd, 2020, IBP HIPs Task Team sponsored a webinar: How to use WHO Guidelines and Tools with Service Delivery HIPs.
