USAID to implement reproductive health project

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has presented its 5-year reproductive health and family planning project on Friday.

The ACQUIRE Reproductive Health/Family Planning project will be implemented by the EngenderHealth Organization jointly with ADRA, IntraHealth International and Meridian Group International organizations.

US ambassador to Azerbaijan Reno Harnish told a seminar dedicated to the project that it targets improving reproductive health and family planning services. The funds, collected on account of US taxes, will be spent on improving the welfare of the Azerbaijani people, he said.

“Azerbaijan is a friend of the United States and friends should always get assistance.”

The Ambassador said that another health project will be launched in Azerbaijan shortly.

Deputy Prime Minister, chairman of the State Committee on Refugees Ali Hasanov said that the $5 million project will be realized in the Aghsu, Goychay, Kurdamir, Ismayilly and Shamakhy districts. It envisions public enlightenment, development of pharmaceutics in regions and increasing the professionalism of nurses.

The USAID coordinator on Azerbaijan James Godden spoke of the work done by the organization over 50 years. He said the “ACQUIRE” project will be implemented in collaboration with the most experienced organizations of the United States. A similar project worth $10 million will be launched in Azerbaijan this August, Godden added.

Health Minister Ali Insanov highly assessed Ambassador Harnish’s role in providing US assistance to Azerbaijan after the suspension of the 907 Section to the Freedom Support Act, which bans direct US aid to the Azerbaijani government.

He said that additional $1 million will be spent within the project on preventing infectious diseases among women and children. The United States has allocated about $20 million for development of health in Azerbaijan over a short period of time, he added.*