91997E3500

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3500/97 by Arthur Newens (PSE) to the Commission (10 November 1997)

Subject: Asia initiative for reproductive health

Since the agreement was signed between the European Commission and UNFPA (30.1.1997) to launch a 'reproductive health initiative in Asia', how many and which NGOs have received grants for implementation of projects under this initiative? How much are these grants and in which countries are they operational? When does the Commission anticipate that the initiative will be finalised?

What is the process whereby decisions are taken between the European Commission and UNFPA? Which organisation is ultimately responsible for coordinating the initiative?

Does the Commission plan to replicate this initiative in other geographical regions, for example Latin America or the Arab World?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission (28 November 1997)

Since the agreement was signed with the United Nations fund for population (UNFPA) on 31 January 1997, the programme has progressed accordingly to its action plan which included a one year preparation phase with the following activities:

- a first phase of in-country consultations - with the participation of European and national non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Commission delegation representatives and national authorities - in order to establish a common focus for intervention for any given country. These consultations have already been carried out in Cambodia, Laos, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Vietnam;

- the preparation for implementation, through two workshops organised in Brussels, and with European NGO participation, on cycle management and selection of common indicators.

The format presentation and guidelines for project presentation are finalised and sent to all European or national NGOs.

Manifestation of interest has come from 17 European NGOs so far and the first action plan is expected to be ready by the end of 1997. It will initially address three countries, Pakistan, Nepal and Cambodia. However preparation is rapidly progressing for the other countries. The UNFPA is responsible for the project evaluation. The final decision on the programme plan is taken by the Commission on documented justification of the pre-selection.

As regards the extension of the initiative to other geographical areas, the Commission will take into account all information on progress in Asia for an eventual decision to replicate the programme in other regions.