Pathfinder is an international private voluntary organization (PVO) known for
pioneering innovative and integrated clinical and community-based family planning
(FP) and reproductive health (RH) strategies that meet the needs of underserved
groups.
At the present time Pathfinder is involved to the "Community Based Primary
Health Care" program under AHAP II Mercy Corp/USAID grant in Azerbaijan.
This project proposes dynamic solutions to reduce IDPs and refugees' unmet need
for family planning in Baku, the Apsheron Peninsula, and Sumghait, thereby reducing
the number of unwanted pregnancies and abortions. Strategies proposed focus
on community-based services (CBS) and health provider training programs. Information,
education, and communication (IEC) materials are being developed to inform both
male and female clients about modern contraceptive methods, STD/HIV-AIDS, and
other RH information. Linkages between the community and local health centers
will be established to increase access to FP/RH services.
The proposed project strategies are therefore designed to focus on improving
the capacity of local organizations to develop programs and deliver high quality
FP/RH services to their clients.
Project is being implemented on the following topics:
- Family Planning
- Reproductive Health
- STIs/HIV-AIDS
- Maternal/Child Health
- Infection Prevention
- Adolescent Reproductive Health
- Breastfeeding
- Gender Issues (violence prevention)
Project activity is targeting women of reproductive age, men, and adolescents
in the areas of Baku, Apsheron Peninsula, and Sumghait where little FP/RH work
has occurred. Through this project, 90.000 women, men, and adolescents (so-called
clients) are being consulted by 90 CBS workers, which are recruited from IDP's
and refugees. Consultation is being given throughout door-to-door visit to each
client's home or in a group format. During the project it was organized for
the first time the male group of CBS workers. Pathfinder delivered 10 days training
sessions for ob/gyn's and 6 days training for CBS workers on the topics mentioned
above. Thus the refugees and IDP's can be served in local health facilities.
To increase the awareness of the general population, Pathfinder worked with
numerous local media organizations and the national press club, holding regular
seminars to develop press releases on FP/RH/STI issues to appear in local journals,
newspapers, and other communication channels. The IEC materials informed clients
about contraceptive methods, STI/HIV-AIDS, and other RH information. This information
can lead to decreases in the number of unwanted pregnancies, decreases in dependence
on abortion as a family planning method, a measurable increase in the modern
CPR rate, and declines in incidences of STIs in both the male and female populations.
Also Pathfinder provides FLE (family life education) program in schools, which
can make adolescents more informed of family life issues.
The project objectives of raising the local population's awareness of FP/RH
services and knowledge and expanding service providers' and local health clinics'
capability to provide quality services are developed with sustainability in
mind.
June 2001
|