GSMF International is a Ghanaian 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 D. C.-based Futures Group International. We are currently registered with USAID as a Private Voluntary Organisation and possess a 501(C)(3) status. Since 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 programme's include:
1. HIV/AIDS prevention campaigns,
2. Child Survival (Malaria prevention and Oral Rehydration Therapy),
3. Fertility Management,
4. Adolescent Reproductive Health,
5. Sanitation and Reading.
We also provide technical assistance in the following areas:
1. Social Marketing
2. Public Health
3. Socio-economic and marketing research and financial management
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 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 and others.
OUR SERVICES:
Technical Assistance:
We have provided Technical Assistance and consulting services to several organisations and establishments in our skill areas.
Skill Areas
• Monitoring & Evaluation
• Warehousing
• Training
• Marketing
• Financial Management
• Reproductive Health Issues
• Programme Coordination
• Business Planning
• Product Distribution
• Social Marketing Research
Behaviour Change:
GSMF has been in the business of changing behaviour through social marketing communications from its inception.
Market and social research serve as the under pin in the design of our behaviour change communication (BCC) interventions. We study the psychographics of the target to identify the necessary triggers that stimulate behaviour change.
Our BCC model makes use of a combination of techniques, designed to encourage and facilitate a voluntary adaptation of the behaviour that is being promoted. The sequence of events includes and social research, advocacy, social marketing communication, monitoring and evaluation. Mass media, community outreach and interpersonal communication are integral components of our strategic planning.
Marketing Research:
Research, monitoring and evaluation have been integral parts of GSMF’s core activities to ensuring that program objectives and targets are met by providing the information needed to facilitate planning, development, implementation and control of programmes. In addition, regular feedback is given to programme managers regarding the performance of their projects based on results of monitoring and evaluation activities.
One of the strong components of GSMF’s marketing strategy is the incorporation of research and monitoring into all our programs. Results of surveys inform and guide communication activities. Research has also helped to provide information to segment the contraceptive market, package our product and messages appropriately to the taste of consumers and throw light on the lifestyle and media habits of consumers, among others. GSMF has been able to track some important public health indicators through population-based research studies.
PRODUCTS WE DISTRIBUTE:
• Condoms
• Oral Contraceptives
• ITM’s
• Sanitizing Products
• Oral Rehydrating Salts
