Contraceptive Logistics Improvement in Georgia

To response the high abortion and low contraceptive prevalence rate in Georgia, HWGP funded by USAID and implemented by JSI initiated CALI component, focusing on improving contraceptive availability through public sector provision of contraceptives and ongoing policy dialog with the private sector.

In 2004 HWG conducted an extensive contraceptive security and availability assessment of both public and private sectors. The assessment found that about 40% of women especially in rural areas could not afford commercially-available contraceptives. The Ministry of Labor Health and Social Affairs (MoLHSA) had extremely week contraceptive logistics system (CLS) and procedures for distribution did not exit through rural ambulatories. Georgia needed to design it from virtually scratch.

USAID donated contraceptives to Georgia. A waver was secured from the MoLHSA to liberalize provision of FP services at the primary health care level. CALI focused on training in basic concepts of CLS - a major weakness in Georgian Health System.

A simple CLS working on central, rayon and villages level is put into place. Donated contraceptives are distributed to 300 sites in Georgia. 300 providers and 600 pharmacies are trained to counsel and provide clients on modern contraceptive options.

2006 research showed increase in contraceptive prevalence from 0 to 35%. Georgia Reproductive Health Survey, 2005 demonstrated decrease in abortion rate from 3.4 to 3.1.

Capacity building with the MoLHSA is a key to long-term sustainability of any logistics system. HWG will continue to reinforce close working relationships with the MoLHSA.

CLS is expected to eventually reach national scale.