Validation workshop held in Addis Ababa to review new SBC materials for self-managed abortion services
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ethiopian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ESOG) held a final validation workshop on Social and Behavior Change (SBC) materials for Self-Managed Abortion (SMA) services, aiming to complete technical review and harmonization of the tools ahead of endorsement and implementation.
The workshop, hosted at Elilly International Hotel in Addis Ababa, brought together MoH representatives, Family Planning Technical Working Group (FP-TWG) members, SBC and Digital Health experts, SMA program specialists, technical consultants, and development partners and stakeholders.
Organizers said the goal was to ensure the SBC materials are technically sound, contextually appropriate, audience-centered, and aligned with national reproductive health priorities and MoH standards prior to rollout.
Dr. Alemayehu Hunduma from MOH gave opening remarks and a keynote speech on SMA and SBC interventions.
Participants then reviewed an overview of the consultancy process and draft SBC materials presented by a consultant, Dr. Sena Adugna, before moving into structured technical review.
The workshop methodology combined technical presentations, plenary discussions, small group review sessions, facilitated critique and validation exercises, and a gallery walk review.
The session will continue until the final paper is completed, according to the organizers.