Improving maternal healthcare in Georgia

Abstract

Abstract Improvement of reproductive health is a worldwide priority. Maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity are frequently used as measure of quality of the healthcare. Thus, reduction of maternal morbidity and mortality are important goal for the SDGs. Hence, maternal and new-borns health are crucial to report accurately. The key requirement for progress is to have as much precise data as it is possible. Several tools are developed for quality surveillance; among them is the medical birth registry. Georgia is a developing country which recently had healthcare in transition. Over the last decade, Georgia’s health sector has improved quality and embraced evidence-based medicine. Transformation and progress attributed reproductive healthcare. Country elaborated strategic plan and set achievable target for maternal and children’s mortality ratios for 2030. Georgia developed national maternal surveillance system. However, country has been lacking precise, comprehensive, and longitudinal data dealing with the reproductive health. Thus far, data on associated health services mainly derived from the sporadic on-demand surveys. Routine info on mortality and morbidity were available as aggregated data with a lack of epidemiological analysis. In order to provide proper reproductive health profile, Georgia created a nationwide medical birth registry (GBR). GBR has made it possible to create a precise epidemiological analysis and to ensure the evidence-based reporting. To improve epidemiological research capacity, PhD projects were implemented a year after the GBR started operation, in the frame of cooperation of Norwegian and Georgian Universities. Moreover, universities initiated tracks for master students to have internship and graduate thesis in GBR related topics. Overarching goals of the GBR are numerous. Although compilations of statistics and ensuring scientific bases for advice through generated researches are beneficial for universities and country as well. Key messages Studies, based on transparency of highly accurate medical statistics gives possibility for effective implementation of evidence-based public health interventions. Recommendations provided by registry based studies have a pivotal role in formulation and revision of relevant public health strategies.