GSMF International is a Ghanaian private non-profit organisation with its headquarters in Ghana, West Africa. Incorporated in 1993, GSMF grew out of a social marketing programme supported by United States Agency for International Development (USAID), under a bilateral agreement with the Government of Ghana. This programme began in 1985 and was managed by the Washington DC based Futures Group International. We are currently registered with USAID as a Private Voluntary Organisation and possess a 501(C) (3) status. Since our inception, GSMF has become a leader in the marketing of contraceptives and other health products. We utilise Social Marketing and other behaviour change techniques to effect behaviour change among our target audiences. GSMF has contributed immensely towards the building of a healthy sustainable population in Ghana. Our programmes include HIV/AIDS prevention campaigns, Child Survival (Malaria prevention and Oral Rehydration Therapy), Fertility Management, Adolescent Reproductive Health, Sanitation and Reading. We also provide technical assistance in the following areas: Social Marketing, Public Health, socio-economic and marketing research and financial management among others. The concept of “value for money” is one of the key drivers of all our activities in GSMF. In the execution and management of programmes, we ensure that we maximize the use of resources within the limitations of our socio-economic environment. We are absolutely committed to obtaining results in the most efficient, economic and effective manner. GSMF collaborates with several international and local organisations such as UNICEF, UNAIDS, WHO, UNFPA, PPAG, Muslim Family Counseling Services (MFCS), Ghana Private Road and Transport Union of Trade Union Congress (GPRTU of TUC), Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA), Ghana Hairdressers and Beauticians Association (GHABA), Johns Hopkins University etc.

OUR VISION is to create a sustainable organisation with the capacity to respond to emerging public health and other developmental needs in developing countries.

OUR MISSION is to use behaviour change techniques to motivate and empower families and individuals to achieve an improved quality of life. Probably the most ardent champion of contraceptives in Ghana today, GSMF’s innovative programmes which combine mass media and interpersonal relations have helped lower barriers for contraceptives and opened doors for fertility management and HIV/AIDS products and services nationwide. Indeed, our ultimate goal is to contribute to the achievement of national health, population and HIV/AIDS prevention goals. GSMF’s strategy for assisting the nation to develop sustainable health programs is to expand the private sector market for contraceptives and maternal and child health products.

EFFICIENCY: We ensure that programs are executed in the most efficient manner. Our marketing and distribution strategy is constantly being enhanced to keep ahead of the market. GSMF has a team of trained professional staff who manage the operations of the Foundation efficiently being very mindful of project deliverables. Building capacity into staff has been an important management goal. Hence, in all technical assistance we receive or provide, we ensure that the expertise is passed on to staff. GSMF welcomes every opportunity to partner with other agencies (governmental and non-governmental) in the execution of projects.

ECONOMY: GSMF is committed to the ideals of continuous improvement in resource utilization to achieve project objectives. With a proactive attitude to procurement and financial management, GSMF ensures that increasing levels of benefits are derived from the limited resources available.

EFFECTIVENESS: Through the effort of GSMF, the private sector market for contraceptive has grown in Ghana. Today, there are countless brands of contraceptive products especially condoms in the private sector market. The public health interventions implemented by GSMF International have contributed immensely towards the creation of a sustainable and healthy population in Ghana. From humble beginnings in 1992, GSMF emerged as the market leader in the sales of condoms, accounting for approximately 63% of all condoms sold in Ghana (Ghana Demographic Health Survey, 2003). Additionally, between 2000 and 2004, GSMF became the market leader in the sale of other contraceptives with the GSMF marketed oral pill (Secure®) accounting for 50% of all pills sold in Ghana (GDHS, 2003). Through our programmes, we have in no doubt, contributed to the increase in contraceptive prevalence rate, reduction in total fertility rate as well as HIV/AIDS infections.

 

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