Abt Associates Tapped by USAID to Increase Demand for Family Planning and Reproductive Health Services in Jordan

BETHESDA, Md., July 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Abt Associates is poised to begin work next week to heighten demand for family planning and reproductive health services in Jordan under a five-year, $30 million cooperative agreement  funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

The award—the Jordan Communication, Advocacy and Policy (J-CAP) Activity—calls for Abt Associates and its partners to create a cultural shift in attitudes and beliefs that will help individuals in Jordan understand the interrelationships between family size choices and the impact of these decisions on the environment, education, employment, national security, and health-related concerns. The other component of the work—generating demand for relevant services—will be coordinated with policy and advocacy efforts, according to Dr. Diana Silimperi, Division Vice President of Abt's International Health Division.

"We intend to strengthen the overall environment surrounding family planning and reproductive health using multiple tactics including policy, advocacy and innovative social and behavior change communication strategies," Dr. Silimperi said, adding that "the new work will build on Abt's 15 plus years of impact in Jordan."

"Over the past 15 years, we have worked to strengthen the primary and secondary care delivery systems for women and children in both the public and private sectors and improve access to quality health services, especially in the area of family planning and reproductive health under several USAID-funded projects," Dr. Silimperi said.

The J-CAP project, scheduled to begin August 1, will be implemented in collaboration with the Futures Institute, Iris Group and a range of local Jordanian communication and NGO partners. Abt Associates' Dr. Ayman Mohsen will serve as the J-CAP Chief of Party, and Houda Khayame, a Jordan staff member of the Strengthening Health Outcomes through the Private Sector (SHOPS) project, will be the Deputy Chief of Party.

About Abt Associates
Abt Associates is a mission-driven, global leader in research and program implementation in the fields of health, social and environmental policy, and international development. Known for its rigorous approach to solving complex challenges, Abt Associates is regularly ranked as one of the top 20 global research firms and one of the top 40 international development innovators. The company has multiple offices in the U.S. and program offices in more than 40 countries. www.abtassociates.com

SOURCE Abt Associates

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