6. UNFPA first provided assistance to the DPRK in 1985, approving four projects amounting to $2.2 milllon over four years. Three of the projects (in the fields of MCH/FP; information, education and motivation; and popula~ion dynamics) were implemented. A fourth project --to set up a production facility for intrauterine devices · (IUDs) was not carried out because of the difficulties in obtaining an export license to the DPRK for the sophisticated equipment needed and because of questions related to the overall demand for contraceptives in the country. Maternal and child health and family planning 7. UNFPA assistance has been used to support the importation of about 270,000 IUDs, thereby making it possible for the Ministry of Public Health to phase out the use of locally made Copper T IUDs. which had very high failure rates and caused serious side effects in some women. UNFPA funds were also used to import 160 mini-laparotomy sets which greatly enhanced the safety of female steri-lization. In view of the very heavy reliance of DPR.K health authorities on IUDs (government statistics reveal that as high as 80 to 90 per cent of all contraceptive users in the DPRI< are using an IUD), the ·UNFPA Basic, Needs Assessment Mission recommended that other contraceptive metho.ds such as inj ectables, pills and spermicides be imported. 8. UNFPA assistance has sought to improve health and family planning statistics in the DPRK. These efforts have been only partially successf\;ll because of p~oblems encountered in importing data-processing equipment and in recruiting an international consultant. Another source of difficulty has been the general unavailability of primary data, which has made training in data analysis almost impossible. / ... Populat:ion information. education and communication DP/FPA/<'.P/61 English Page 5 9, UNFPA assistance was used to strengthen the capacity of the Health 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the assistance provided by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the fields of maternal and child health, family planning, and population information, education, and communication. The assistance includes the importation of contraceptives, medical equipment, and data-processing equipment, as well as training and capacity-building programs. The text highlights the challenges faced by the UNFPA in implementing its programs in the DPRK, including difficulties in obtaining export licenses and recruiting international consultants.

**Category**
Health, Humanitarian aid and relief