Under the patronage of the Minister of Health, Dr. Mahmoud Al Shayyab, NWO-WOTRO Science for Global Development, Share-Net Jordan hosted by the Higher Population Council, and Share-Net International, held a Workshop on 20-21 February 2018 to introduce sexual and reproductive health research projects implemented with 1.34 million euros funding support from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NOW) / WOTRO Science for Global Development.
The aim of the workshop is to facilitate acquaintance, networking and linking both among the projects as well as between the projects and Share-Net Jordan to encourage further exchange, learning and cooperation among parties. The focus is on academic issues: sharing experiences / challenges concerning theoretical and methodological approaches; dealing with sensitivities around SRHR and the security situation (risk assessment); reviewing how to measure progress towards expected output/outcomes; and research uptake: using results in policy and practice; analysing essential elements that ensure research uptake; detailing the Impact Pathway; determining (strategies for) stakeholder engagement; communication and measuring progress towards expected output/outcomes).
The workshop includes a networking event aimed at presenting the projects to the wider Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) -community in Jordan (through Share-Net Jordan). Another aim is to enhance networking among the project teams and interested parties within the Jordan SRHR-community (Share-Net Jordan members and other practitioners from NGOs, researchers, policymakers).
Participants include representatives of the consortium member organisations of each project, NWO-WOTRO Science for Global Development, Share-Net Jordan and Share-Net International. Additionally, during the networking event on 21 February: Share-Net Jordan members, other interested parties from the Jordan SRHR policy/practice and research community.
In her remarks, HPC Secretary General, Engineer Maysoon Al Zoubi, recognized the importance of this meeting in facilitating cooperation, communication and networking among sexual and reproductive health research projects between NWO-WOTRO Science for Global Development, Share-Net Jordan and Share-Net International and local stakeholders in the field of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights through which a brief overview of the topics and expected results of the studies will be presented
Al Zoubi added that Share –Net Jordan hosted by Higher Population Council is firmly committed to building and enhancing capacities in the field of sexual and reproductive health research in Jordan to help determine needs within local communities, identify priority interventions and learn best practices. She also made reference to the agreement between HPC and Share-Net International to establish an online sexual and reproductive health knowledge platform, carry out qualitative research in this field in Jordan with national stakeholders, and disseminate sexual and reproductive health knowledge through the internet.
Health Minister, Dr. Mahmoud Al Shayyab, stressed that in the past years Jordan has made significant achievements in the health sector, highlighting the Ministry of Health efforts in improving the delivery and quality of preventative and curative healthcare services, and focusing on primary healthcare, including reproductive health, in line with National Agenda goals. Al Shayyab also underlined the importance of conducting youth and women-centered research and studies, and pointed out that MOH plays a leading role in drafting reproductive health strategies and policies, including the Family Planning Strategy, and harmonizing reproductive health policies including policies on postnatal care, abortion, referrals to family planning services, breastfeeding, and the regulations of marketing breastmilk substitutes. Al Shayyab indicated that the Ministry has developed a national plan to reduce maternal and infant mortalities, updated manuals explaining the main causes of these mortalities and developed standardized criteria for applying these manuals at delivery and neonatal care sections at hospitals, as the numbers and causes of mortalities are being tracked and monitored.
Dr. Gerrie Tuitert Senior policy officer from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NOW) / WOTRO Science for Global Development stressed the importance of cooperation and partnership with stakeholders in conducting scientific research on sexual and reproductive health and enhancing and disseminating knowledge at different levels.
During the meeting, Kimberley Meijers Share-Net International Country Coordinatorfrom Share-Net International explained the background of Share-Net International and country Hubs and the goals and activities of Share-Net International with respect to sexual and reproductive health and how goals are achieved to help reach the desired higher-level objectives. also explain the theory of change Share-Net International and country hub.
The event included a networking event with local stakeholders in the field of reproductive health through which a brief overview of the topics and expected results of the studies will be presented. The event offered the opportunity for local stakeholders to network with donor organizations and discussed priority research needs and policies with regard to reproductive health.
