<p>Due to the crucial role that women play in child bearing, FP programmes in Africa have traditionally concentrated on reaching women through the maternal and child health services. Thus the disproportionate emphasis has been biased towards women and men have largely been ignored (Djamba, 1995). This means that women may get little support or face resistance from their male partners. Yet participation of male partners affects the choice, adoption, continuation and correct use of FP methods (Fapohunda &amp / Rutenberg, 1999). Traditionally men have the power to make decisions regarding reproductive health (Djamba, 1995). For success of the FP programmes men can participate in two ways, either by supporting the partners&rsquo / decision to use FP, or through the use of male FP methods (Roudi &amp / Ashford, 1996). According to Lundgren et al. (2005), the challenge of redirecting FP services towards greater male involvement lies in formulating effective interventions. Therefore, this study seeks to contribute towards strategies that would reach out to men to participate more in FP to increase contraceptive use and reduce total fertility rate.</p>

<p>Due to the crucial role that women play in child bearing, FP programmes in Africa have traditionally concentrated on reaching women through the maternal and child health services. Thus the disproportionate emphasis has been biased towards women and men have largely been ignored (Djamba, 1995). This means that women may get little support or face resistance from their male partners. Yet participation of male partners affects the choice, adoption, continuation and correct use of FP methods (Fapohunda &amp / Rutenberg, 1999). Traditionally men have the power to make decisions regarding reproductive health (Djamba, 1995). For success of the FP programmes men can participate in two ways, either by supporting the partners&rsquo / decision to use FP, or through the use of male FP methods (Roudi &amp / Ashford, 1996). According to Lundgren et al. (2005), the challenge of redirecting FP services towards greater male involvement lies in formulating effective interventions. Therefore, this study seeks to contribute towards strategies that would reach out to men to participate more in FP to increase contraceptive use and reduce total fertility rate.</p>

Magister Public Health - MPH / South Africa