DUSHANBE, May 15, Asia-Plus  -- A press conference was held in Dushanbe on May 15 to introduce the project “I know!” on improving reproductive health in Tajikistan, and results achieved to date.

Ms. Nigina Aliyeva, Press Assistant, US Embassy in Dushanbe, said the press conference took place in the Asia Grand Hotel Conference Hall with representatives of cooperating governmental and nongovernmental structures, and donor agencies.

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 Kolhozobod.  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.”

Thus far, the project has trained 67 nurses from Dushanbe, Rudaki, Kulob, and Kolhozobod - with support of the Ministry of Health and oblast and city health departments.    

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.

The project has also developed information materials “Do You Know” and “Make Your Choice” and training modules for health personnel, NGO staff, and volunteers and submitted them for approval by the Ministry of Health.

Project “I know!” is made possible thanks to the financial assistance of the American people rendered through USAID.  Since 1993, the American people through USAID have provided about $300 million to support the development of health and education, economic growth, and democratic institutes 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.