The INFO Project

File:INFO.gif

The INFO Project was an initiative aimed at improving access to health information, particularly in the field of reproductive health. Established in 1998 and based at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the project sought to enhance the dissemination of health information to healthcare providers, policymakers, and the general public, especially in low-resource settings.

History

The INFO Project was launched as a successor to the Population Information Program (PIP), which had been providing reproductive health information since the 1970s. The project was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and operated under the auspices of the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the INFO Project were:

• To improve the availability and accessibility of high-quality health information.
• To support the use of evidence-based information in health decision-making.
• To enhance the capacity of health professionals and organizations to use information effectively.

Key Activities

The INFO Project engaged in several key activities to achieve its objectives:

1. Development of Information Products

The project developed a range of information products, including:

• Population Reports: A series of reports providing comprehensive reviews of reproductive health topics.
• INFO Reports: Brief, focused reports on specific health issues.
• The INFO Project Website: An online portal providing access to a wide array of health information resources.

2. Capacity Building

The project conducted training workshops and seminars to build the capacity of health professionals in using and disseminating health information.

3. Partnerships and Collaborations

The INFO Project worked in collaboration with various international and local organizations to expand its reach and impact. These partnerships were crucial in tailoring information to meet the needs of different audiences.

Impact

The INFO Project significantly contributed to the global health information landscape by:

• Increasing the availability of reliable health information in developing countries.
• Enhancing the skills of health professionals in accessing and using information.
• Supporting policy development and program implementation through evidence-based information.

Legacy

Although the INFO Project concluded in 2007, its legacy continues through the ongoing work of the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs and the resources it developed, which remain accessible to health professionals worldwide.

Also see

• Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs
• Reproductive Health
• Health Communication
• United States Agency for International Development