Kabul, Afghanistan - H.E. Dr. Suraya Dalil, acting Minister of Public Health (MoPH) and Dr. Laurent Zessler, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative signed the 2012 Annual Work Plan between the Ministry of Public Health, Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), amounting to 6.1 million USD.

"I am very pleased today to see UNFPA's renewed commitment to ensure that reproductive health and rights are a priority, especially within the context of work to strengthen health systems in Afghanistan as stated by Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, UNFPA Executive Director, during his last visit in Afghanistan in August 2011. This UNFPA Annual Work Plan supports MoPH to improve maternal and neonatal health and to address gender barriers in the health system of Afghanistan", said H.E. Dr. Suraia Dalil, acting Minister of Public Health.

In line with the National Strategic Plan and the revised Reproductive Health Strategy, the UNFPA Work Annual Plan will help develop the capacity of the Reproductive Health Directorate and Department of Nursing and Midwifery of MOPH and provincial health directorates to effectively perform their stewardship function; support and regulate midwifery education and services; support professional associations such as the Afghanistan Midwifery Association and Afghanistan Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; provide reproductive health services to remote communities living in underserved areas of Bamyan, Daikundi and Faryab provinces by establishment of Family Health Houses and run mobile health teams in Badakshan, and; train service providers on adolescent sexual reproductive health.

"If all pregnant women and mothers had access to skilled birth attendants, family planning and emergency obstetric care , many deaths and disabilities could be prevented. UNFPA renews today its commitment to support the Ministry of Public Health in the effort to reinforce the public health system of Afghanistan and enhance investment in them.", said Dr. Laurent Zessler, the UNFPA Afghanistan Representative.

The UNFPA Annual Work Plan 2012 will contribute also to implement the MoPH Gender Strategy. The priority will be given to strengthening the Health Response and the coordinated community response to gender-based violence (GBV) in Afghanistan. Special attention will be given to increase the capacity of all GBV referral in Bamyan, Daykundi, Nangarhar and Kabul Provinces.

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Press Release: UNFPA funds MoPH to support reproductive health and gender strategy - Pashto

Press Release: UNFPA funds MoPH to support reproductive health and gender strategy - Dari