The Ethiopian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ESOG) conducted a comprehensive training program for 35 healthcare workers from various health facilities in the West Shewa zone of the Oromia region. The three-day training, held from November 25th to 27th, 2023 in Ambo Town, focused on integrating family planning methods with Comprehensive Abortion Care (CAC), HIV, and Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services.
The training aimed to equip healthcare workers with the latest global trends, definitions, and approaches in integrating family planning services with CAC, HIV, and MCH services. Facilitated by experts in the field, the sessions covered topics ranging from the overview of reproductive health and rights in the Ethiopian context to specific aspects like emergency contraception, post-abortion and post-partum family planning, and family planning for HIV-positive clients.
Participants engaged in interactive sessions on counseling in family planning, gaining insights into effective communication strategies to address the diverse needs of their communities. The training fostered an environment of shared knowledge and expertise, setting the stage for future implementation of integrated services in their respective health facilities.
The training program falls under the broader initiative led by ESOG, funded by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. The project, titled "Advocate for and Institutionalize Activities to Protect the Quality of Family Planning and Comprehensive Abortion Care Services in Ethiopia," spans 24 months from August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2025.
ESOG, a trusted partner working closely with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, has been dedicated to strengthening capacity and quality improvement in reproductive health services over the past seven years. The current project addresses critical challenges in sexual and reproductive health, particularly focusing on safe abortion and family planning care programs.
The multifaceted approach involves engaging policymakers, media professionals, and civil society organizations to build a supportive environment for abortion and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). By reducing stigma and discrimination, the project seeks to enhance the competence of healthcare providers and increase client satisfaction.
As the training in Ambo concludes, the participants return to their health facilities armed with not only new knowledge but also a renewed commitment to championing the cause of comprehensive reproductive health services. The ESOG project, with its ambitious objectives and strategic activities, marks a crucial step towards creating sustainable change in the landscape of reproductive healthcare in Ethiopia.
