PROGRAM UPDATE

USAID and JSI signed the HWG Program Cooperative Agreement in September 2003. The Program became fully operational in mid-December 2003, an office was established in Kutaisi, Georgia's second largest city, and subagreements were signed by JSI with partner organizations. JSI achieved registration with the government of Georgia in January 2004. A preliminary work plan and monitoring and evaluation plan were prepared by January 2004, moving the project from start-up to implementation.

Initial program activities have included meetings with stakeholders, data collection and analysis, and preparations for training of health providers and production of facility- and community-based information and education materials. Parents' School sites have been selected in Zestaphoni and Chiatura. An agreement for provision of hotline services in Imereti was concluded with Claritas, a Georgian non-governmental organization. Plans are underway for an assessment of contraceptive security. Clinical equipment was ordered and has arrived in Georgia. In January, a short summary of progress over the first program year will appear on this website.