Baku: Difference between revisions

'''OVERVIEW'''  

On the other hand, Azerbaijan is still a conservative country, in many respects. The country is predominantly Shi'a Muslim, and though it is not a profoundly religious country, it may be considered a traditional one. For many locals, especially older people, it may be taboo to openly discuss sexuality and sexual health. The country has also experienced slow growth of its health care system since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Local opinions of the health care system remain generally low<ref>[https://iwpr.net/global-voices/azerbaijans-flawed-healthcare-system Azerbaijan's Flawed Healthcare System]</ref>, and there are still significant improvements to be made regarding the quality of care in the country. However, Azerbaijan has taken steps to improve its sexual and reproductive health care systems over the years, and it even halved the maternal mortality rate between 2007 and 2014.<ref>[http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/Life-stages/sexual-and-reproductive-health/news/news/2016/08/azerbaijan-analyses-reproductive-health-situation-and-develops-strategic-goals-for-20172025 Azerbaijan analyses reproductive health situation and develops strategic goals for 2017–2025]</ref>

'''General Note:''' There are many types of contraceptives, also known as "birth control," including IUDs, oral contraceptives, patches, shots, and condoms, etc. If you would like to view a full list, click [https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control here].

In Azerbaijan, a prescription is required to obtain oral contraceptives (birth control pills).<ref>[http://ocsotc.org/wp-content/uploads/worldmap/worldmap.html Global Oral Contraception Availability]</ref> <ref>[http://freethepill.org/where-on-earth/ Free the Pill: Where on Earth?]</ref> However, condoms can be easily purchased without a prescription.

Personal Accounts Related to Contraception in Azerbaijan:

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'''Important Notes:''' Emergency contraception may prevent pregnancy for three days (72 hours) and sometimes five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Take EC '''as soon as possible''' after unprotected sex. If you don't have access to dedicated EC, oral contraceptives can be used as replacement EC, but remember the following: 1) Only some contraceptives work as EC 2) Different contraceptives require different dosages and time schedules to work as EC 3) You must only use the first 21 pills in 28-day packs and 4) They may be less effective than dedicated EC. For general information on emergency contraceptives, click [https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/morning-after-pill-emergency-contraception here] and [http://ec.princeton.edu/info/ecp.html here].

In Azerbaijan, you can purchase emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills) without a prescription at pharmacies.<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/ Princeton EC Website]</ref><ref>[http://www.cecinfo.org/country-by-country-information/status-availability-database/countries/azerbaijan/ EC Status and Availability: Azerbaijan]</ref> You will typically find ECPs for sale behind the counter at pharmacies (not in the shelves), so you will need to directly after the pharmacist for them.<ref>[http://www.ec-ec.org/emergency-contraception-in-europe/country-by-country-information-2/azerbaijan/ ECEC: Azerbaijan]</ref> The use of ECPs and IUDs as a form of emergency contraception is included in [https://isim.az/upload/File/reports/Aile_Planlasdirilmasi_W.pdf Reproduktiv sağlamlıq / Ailə planlaşdırılması üzrə klinik protokollar], which translates to "National Reproductive Health/Family Planning Clinical Protocol."

===What to Get & Where to Get It===

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* The cost of emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills) is not covered by social security in Azerbaijan.<ref>[http://www.ec-ec.org/emergency-contraception-in-europe/country-by-country-information-2/azerbaijan/ ECEC: Azerbaijan]</ref>

'''Important Notes - Learn about PEP and PrEP:''' If you think that you've been recently exposed to HIV (i.e. within 72 hours), seek out PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a month-long treatment to prevent HIV infection after exposure, and it may be available in your city. Take PEP as soon as possible. For more information, click [https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/prevention/reduce-your-risk/post-exposure-prophylaxis/ here]. If you are at risk of HIV exposure, seek out PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a daily oral pill that can prevent HIV infection before exposure. To learn more about PrEP, click [http://www.whatisprep.org/ here].

===Testing Facilities===

Azerbaijan, November 2014]</ref>

===Support===

* Inpatient services are also provided at the Republican AIDS Centre (RAC) in Baku. They have 20 in-patient beds. For patients with serious conditions, they may be referred to another hospital.

'''Organizations that Deal with HIV/AIDS in Azerbaijan:'''

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[[File:Pharmacy CHICANUC.jpg|400px | thumb|left|Pharmacy on old street in Azerbaijan]]

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==Gynecological Exams==

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===Laws & Social Stigmas===

In Azerbaijan, pregnant women are entitled to a total of 126 days of paid maternity leave, which generally consists of 70 days prior to the expected birth of the child and 56 days after the expected birth of the child. If there are special circumstances (for example, a difficult birth or the birth of two or more children), the mother may be entitled to up to 70 days of maternity leave after the birth. However, there is a different set of maternity laws for agricultural workers. If you are an agricultural worker in Azerbaijan, you are entitled to 140 days off for a normal delivery, 156 days off for a difficult delivery and 180 days off if you deliver two or more children. In total, 70 of the maternity days should still be taken off prior to the expected birth. As for fathers, they are entitled to 14 days of unpaid paternity leave after the birth of a child.<ref>[https://www.angloinfo.com/how-to/azerbaijan/healthcare/pregnancy-birth/leave-benefits Parental Leave and Maternity Benefits]</ref>

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* State Migration Service Emergency Tel: 919

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==List of Additional Resources==

* [https://www.counterpart.org/projects/womens-participation-program Counterpart International - Women's Participation Program in Azerbaijan]: "Our Women’s Participation Program promotes gender equality and empowers women to become confident and capable leaders – whether that be in their government, workplace, community or family. We partner with and strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations to provide women with skills and leadership training and raise public awareness about gender issues. We also work with government agencies to advocate for policy reforms allowing for more equal treatment and representation of women."

* Centre "Gladin Ve Inkishaf": This is a women's development center. Address: 3/6 S Rustamov Street, apt. 65, Baku 370000., Azerbaijan. Tel: 994 12 / 67- 21-39. Fax: 994 12/92-56-99. E-mail: paolo@un.azerbaijan.su

* Azerbaijan Women and Development Centre: "The Azerbaijan Women and Development Centre is a non-governmental organization which offers services relating to health and family planning. The staff, consisting of five members, conducts researches, maintains a database, and participates in national and international conferences, seminars and workshops on gender and women's issues. The centre's library houses more than 1000 books and brochures on gender issues, as well as over 1000 photographs and several journals. Languages: English, Russian, Azerbaijan ". Address: 3-6, S. Rustamov st. 370001 Baku, Azerbaijan. Tel: +994 12 927 920 or +994 12 928 017.Fax: +994 12 983 235. E-mail: ramiz@unfpa.baku.az or ITPCHT@lan.ab.az

* Women's Committee of Azerbaijan - INICEF: 3 Istiglaiyat St. , Baku 1, Azerbaijan