APPENDIX 1
Memorandum submitted by Marie Stopes International
(MSI)
I am writing to you in view of the inquiry by
the International Development Committee into DFID's Departmental
Report 2000. As I am sure you are aware, Marie Stopes International
(MSI) is an NGO specialising in the provision of high-quality
reproductive health services and information in 32 countries worldwide.
In collaboration with the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Population,
Development and Reproductive Health and several other NGOs, we
put forward the case to DFID in favour of maintaining funding
for reproductive health under the Civil Society Challenge Fund
(CSCF).
We were pleased that the Rt Hon Clare Short
MP, Secretary of State for International Development, re-considered
her original decision regarding CSCF support for reproductive
health. However there are three issues which now concern MSI,
and other reproductive health NGOs. These are: firstly, clarification
of the staggered funding levels for reproductive health programmes;
secondly, whether DFID would be prepared to conduct a review at
the end of the current funding period to assess CSCF funding for
reproductive health, lastly, clarification of the criteria and
the consultation process that were adopted in defining priority
themes (please refer to attached letter from DFID for details[1]).
I would be extremely grateful if you would consider
introducing these three questions during the inquiry. NGOs, including
MSI, would find such an intervention extremely helpful. If so,
you may find the attached text useful. I will be present at the
hearing, and hope to be able to meet with you.
Marie Stopes International
May 2000
1 See Evidence pp. 63-64. Back
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