The 8th Country Programme (2007–2011)
Egypt was one of the first countries to sign an agreement with UNFPA to initiate population activities. The country office was established in 1972 and UNFPA has supported Egypt through seven 5-year country programmes ever since.
The current country programme is the 8th. It is based on the Common Country Assessment (CCA) and aligned with the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) outcomes. Among the five identified outcomes to be achieved by 2011, UNFPA will contribute to three:
(A) Improved performance and accountability of the Government in programming, implementing and coordinating actions, especially those that reduce exclusion, vulnerabilities and gender disparities
(C) Reduced regional human development disparities, including a reduction in the gender gap and the promotion of environmental sustainability
(D) Increased women’s participation in the workforce, political sphere and in public life and the fulfilment of their human rights
Accordingly, the Country Programme was developed based on six outcomes and seven corresponding outputs in the areas of Population and Development (PD), Reproductive Health (RH), and Gender.
The overall focus has shifted from the traditional service delivery model to one focussing on population policies and strategies, advocacy for population issues, and strengthening partnerships. Emphasis has been on capacity development of systems rather than of individuals. Human rights have been an overarching framework for promoting reproductive rights and for addressing the needs of vulnerable segments of the population, including young people. Culturally sensitive approaches have been employed in terms of the selection of partners as well as the strategies selected to address key population challenges through the various projects.
On Population and Development, the Programme focusses on ensuring the access of decision makers to evidence-based population information and an in-depth knowledge of the population dynamics to guide the decision-making process. The Programme is also focussed on strengthening the monitoring and reporting of local gender plans that are derived from The National Five-Year Plan (2007–2011).
On Reproductive Health, the Programme is focussed on ensuring that relevant measures are taken to uphold the quality of reproductive health services within the Health Sector Reform, and that the capacity of the Ministry of Health for commodity security is maintained. The Programme is also taking the lead on increasing the access to and improving the quality of the VCT services for STIs and HIV and AIDS, including for the vulnerable segments of the population, and contributing to introducing Youth Friendly Reproductive Health Services.
On Gender, the Programme is focused on supporting efforts for the abandonment of FGM/C, combating sexual harassment, creating a more conducive cultural environment for the advancement of women, and safeguarding the reproductive rights of individuals.
The 8th Country Programme has six outcomes, two each for the different areas (PDS, RH and Gender) and seven corresponding outputs.
PD
Outcome (1): Population policies and strategies reflect a human rights-based approach to programme implementation.
Output (1): Multi-sectoral population policies and strategies revised to address poverty reduction, HIV prevention, youth RH and needs of vulnerable groups.
Outcome (2): Poverty reduction strategies are monitored to ensure progress and the integration of a gender perspective.
Output (1):Gender analysis and gender disaggregated indicators developed and used in policy dialogue.
RH
Outcome (3): The sustainability and quality of reproductive health services at the national level and at service delivery points are improved.
Output (1): Capacity of the Government and non-governmental health organizations is strengthened in management, planning and monitoring.
Output (2): Capacity of health care providers is strengthened to provide high-quality reproductive health services, including voluntary counselling and testing and youth-friendly services, especially to vulnerable groups.
Outcome (4): The utilization of integrated reproductive health services is increased in Upper Egypt with a focus on underprivileged communities in rural areas.
Output (1): Primary and reproductive health care services strengthened within the framework of the Health Sector Reform.
GENDER
Outcome (5): Girls' and women’s rights to access information and services progressively fulfilled.
Output (1): Increased effective advocacy strategies in promoting sexual and reproductive health and gender equity, addressing men, women and youth.
Outcome (6): Incidence of all forms of violence against women is reduced.
Output (1): Community, religious leaders and media sensitized through active alliances to combat gender-based violence.