ICM/USAID Project

1971-1980

2 boxes

In May 1972, the ICM was given a three year grant by USAID to conduct regional working parties for midwives and obstetricians in less developed countries (LDCs), with the cooperation of FIGO. The purpose of the working parties was to promote the concept of family planning (FP) as a midwifery responsibility under the theme "Expanded Role of the Midwife". The grant provided for the ICM to conduct four or five regional working parties in which local midwives and doctors would carry out a needs analysis regarding local FP services, and develop recommendations for training midwives in FP. In March 1975, a new USAID grant agreement provided funds for a further two years and a second extension carried the Project to the end of March 1978. The grant enabled premises and additional staff, and in the first 4 years the emphasis of the Project was on maternal and child health (MCH) and FP programmes; the final two years focused on training workshops, including Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) as well as trained midwives. At the ICMs International Congress in Jerusalem, September 1978, a resolution to appoint a Liaison Officer to coordinate and lead the Project, working closely with FIGO, was passed; in August 1979 a three month extension period was granted to complete Project activities and develop a new proposal for a grant to continue the Projects' work. The USAID grant was terminated at the end of 1979, and resulted in all Project activities ceasing from 31 January 1980.