IPPF Member Association of Georgia, Association Hera XXI officially launched the three-year project "ENHANCING QUALITY OF CARE: Upgrading the Knowledge and Skills of Midwives in Georgia" for the media in February 2009. The project is implemented in cooperation with representatives of the Dutch government programme Matra, ETC Crystal (a public health consultancy group that promotes health systems which are responsive to local needs in low and middle-income countries), the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), the Rotterdam University of Midwives (RUM), the Tbilisi State Medical University and Georgian Obstetrics Gynecologists Association (GOGA).

The project aims to enhance the quality of care through capacity enhancement of health professionals (knowledge and skills); enhanced professional status of midwives; and increase the awareness of the community on rights, reproductive health issues and Safe Motherhood.

The activities are directed towards improving the Education of Midwives and establishing a Midwives Association of Georgia (MAG).

Since the project originally began in May 2008 and the first step of the programme has been completed, the Tbilisi State Medical Institute will now launch a three-year curriculum for the higher education of midwives. The MAG which is at the point of registering will advocate to improve the working conditions of midwives; will be instrumental in mobilizing forces to improve reproductive services for the population; and act as a negotiating partner with the Ministry of Health for the reviewing of standards and protocols on sound midwife practices.

The importance of such a project has become crucial in Georgia where the level of morbidity and mortality as a result of insufficient care (quantity and quality) during pregnancy and delivery has become alarming.