QURGHON TEPPA, July 21, 2008, Asia-Plus — A seminar to discuss interim results of implementation of the project “I know!” on improving reproductive health in Tajikistan was held in Khatlon’ Rumi district on July 21.
The meeting brought together representatives of local authorities and NGOs.
Speaking at the meeting, Ms. Saodat Aloyorova, the deputy head of the Rumi district, noted that numerous seminars on the reproductive health improvement and family planning issues had not yet yielded expected results. In this connection, she suggested that those who have good experience of public activities and good communication skills should be selected as trainers.
Ms. Rano Kulobiyeva, an official with the Ministry of Health (MoH), pointed to the necessity of enlisting the services of representatives of local authorities, who meet people every day.
The meeting participants noted that it is also necessary to get clerics involved in promoting solution of the family planning issue, “because people hold them in high respect.” They also pointed to the necessity of raising awareness level of the population, especially women.
We will recall that with funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the project “I know!” works to expand services on reproductive health and family planning in rural areas near the cities of Dushanbe, Rudaki, Kulob, and Rumi. Together with local organizations, the project is striving to provide family planning and reproductive health services for 60% of women reproductive age in rural areas. The project works in partnership with Tajikistan”s Ministry of Health, oblast and city health departments and centers, the National Reproductive Health Center, local municipalities, women’s organizations and associations, as well as the non-governmental organizations “Ghamkhori,” “Nakukor,” and “Gender and Development.” With support of the Center on State Surveillance of Pharmaceutical and Medical Affairs and the Ministry of Health, the project registered modern contraceptives to be affordable by women in Tajikistan.
Project “I know!” is implemented by PSI, a leading world organization in the sector of social marketing, implementing projects in 70 countries of 5 continents. PSI is a non-for-profit, non-governmental organization conducting advocacy and training campaigns to motivate proper use of specific products and services in the areas of family planning, mother and child health as well as HIV/AIDS prevention.
