EBCOG/UNFPA Master Class Programme on Sexual and Reproductive Health

Press release

On July 18 –20, the UNFPA Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECARO) in partnership with the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG) launched the EBCOG/UNFPA Regional Master Class Programme on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH). 

The purpose of the Regional Master Class programme, developed by EBCOG with UNFPA support, is to strengthen national institutional capacities and guide national experts on how to develop and implement evidence-based, cost-effective national action plans and strategies in SRH on a national level. After its full regional rollout, the programme will ensure that the sustainability criteria, quality standards of care, and human rights are fully embedded in national programmes in all EECA countries. The three-day Master Classes programme covers the priority areas of SRH, addresses the causes of mortality and morbidity of women, and shares international knowledge and best practices to improve the SRH outcomes of the population and safeguard women’s health. The programme will build institutional capacities in developing and delivering national strategies and SRH services by incorporating key concepts, including universal access, quality assurance, human rights, and accountability in line with ICPD Programme of Action and 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The programme is delivered by leading European experts: Professor Jacky Nizard, MD, PhD, President-Elect, EBCOG; Professor Johannes Bitzer, MD, PhD, EBCOG Executive Board, Director of the Postgraduate Diploma of Advanced Studies in Sexual Medicine, University of Basel; Mr. Sambit Mukhopadhyay, MD, Examination Board, EBCOG and is attended by multisectoral teams consisting of trainers from universities and public health schools, policy advisors, healthcare planners, Dr. Nino Berdzuli, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia as well as UNFPA staff from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey as well as from the UNFPA Regional Office. 

The meeting venue is the Ambassadori Hotel, 17 Ioane Shavteli St, Tbilisi, Georgia. The opening session of the meeting was scheduled for 9:00 am on July 18.