The event “Advancing Standards on Quality SRH services in Armenia: Journey in Developing Guidelines and Protocols for Transformative Impact” brought together representatives of state institutions, the professional community, international organizations, and civil society to present the process of developing evidence-based clinical guidelines and protocols and to discuss prospects for their application.

At the opening of the event, initiated by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia, Francoise Jacob, emphasized Armenia’s commitment to ensuring access to high-quality reproductive health services.

“Together with partners, UNFPA has supported the Ministry of Health in developing 63 evidence-based clinical guidelines and protocols, with a strong focus on maternal health to address Armenia’s high maternal mortality ratio. One of the most remarkable achievements in Armenia’s health system has been the significant reduction in maternal mortality—from 40,3 deaths per 100,000 live births in the early 2000s to 17,9 in 2024. This is far more than cutting the rate in half, and it is indeed a great success. But I believe we can go even further. These efforts also support Armenia’s new national goals and Demographic Strategy. I call on all of us to continue working together to sustain and accelerate this progress by strengthening capacities, regularly updating evidence-based guidelines and protocols, and, most importantly, ensuring the necessary and efficient financial and institutional investments,” said Francoise Jacob.

According to Armen Gasparyan, Deputy Minister of Health, in recent years, the state has carried out a number of reforms in the field of maternal health. “The reforms undertaken in the sector mean nothing if we do not have dedicated, skilled health professionals equipped with up-to-date knowledge, from Yerevan to the most remote regions. Medicine is advancing at a very fast pace, and in this context, evidence-based guidelines and protocols take on primary importance. Their development and implementation are among the Ministry of Health’s top priorities. We need to introduce mechanisms to ensure the practical application of these guidelines, and the results will be reflected in improved health indicators for women and mothers,” said the Deputy Minister.

Since 2015, the UNFPA Armenia Country Office has developed the clinical guidelines and protocols in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Armenia and Armenian Association of Obstetricians-Gynecologists.

Lusine Sargsyan, Head of UNFPA in Armenia, referring to the significant decline in the maternal mortality rate, said: “The progress we have achieved is the result of collective efforts, and I would like to thank the Ministry of Health and all partners who have contributed to this process. I would also like to express my special gratitude to our healthcare professionals, who perform demanding and highly responsible work every day. We hope that, throughout this process, we can in some way help ease the burden of your important work.”

During the event, a documentary film by UNFPA was also screened, presenting the evolution of clinical standards and their impact on the healthcare system.

Vruyr Grigoryan, representative of the Armenian Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and Rusudan Vardanyan, Chief Obstetrician-Gynecologist of Yerevan, presented the process of developing evidence-based guidelines and the recent achievements in developing new protocols. They underlined the importance of these documents as tools for ensuring safe and quality services.

“I would like to emphasize the significant, I would even say foundational, role of UNFPA in this process. Having a national guideline was a dream for us, and with such a partner, we were able to make it a reality,” said Vruyr Grigoryan.

The event continued with a professional panel discussion moderated by Narine Beglaryan, Sexual and Reproductive Health Programme Analyst at UNFPA in Armenia. Participants included Nune Pashayan, Head of Maternal and Child Health Protection Department, MOH; Karine Gabrielyan, Head of Public Health Division, MOH; Ruzanna Grigoryan, Obstetrician-gynecologist, Ijevan MC; Nazeli Sargsyan, Advisor on Pediatric Gynecology, MOH; Sevan Iritsyan, Medical Ethics Committee. They shared their visions and recommendations for the effective implementation of clinical guidelines and protocols.

“Guidelines enhance both our efficiency and the quality of care. Each specialist knows exactly what to do and works with confidence—without confusion and despite differing medical opinions. UNFPA has also organized discussions and training programmes to strengthen practical skills. The knowledge and experience we have gained have been applied in our medical center, and we are already seeing very good results. Since guidelines are primarily directive in nature, I believe there is a need to further reinforce their effective implementation. Following these guidelines, above all, protects us as doctors,” said Ruzanna Grigoryan, Obstetrician-Gynecologist at Ijevan Medical Center.

The event concluded with an open Q&A session. It was emphasized that the new guidelines and protocols will serve as a foundation for reforms in the healthcare system and for improving access to quality reproductive health services.