KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has called on donor agencies to increase funding for Afghanistan’s health sector.
The MoPH made the call at a Health Cluster meeting held today (Saturday), attended by representatives of partner organisations, international organisations and institutions, the ministry said in a statement.
It said Minister Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, ministry advisers, several central directors and representatives of various departments, as well as representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF and a number of national and international health partners, attended the meeting.
Participants discussed achievements in the health sector, existing challenges, new policies, standardisation of health services and improving public access to healthcare.
They also exchanged views on better regulation of health services, strengthening coordination among partner organisations, improving the effectiveness of health programmes, the current humanitarian situation in the country, healthcare needs of internally displaced people (IDPs) and returnees, mental health and other related issues.
Jalali said that, based on its new policies and strategy, the ministry was working to establish a sustainable and self-reliant health system and was ready to gradually assume greater responsibility from aid organisations each year.
He added that the ministry’s policy and strategy documents, along with its new package of health services, focused on improving the effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare delivery to ensure better and socially acceptable services.
He stressed the need to improve the quality of health services and strengthen cooperation and coordination with national and international organisations, describing joint efforts as essential to strengthening and expanding healthcare services.
Meanwhile, ministry officials briefed participants on primary healthcare services, community health workers, healthcare service packages, and the monitoring and evaluation of vertical health projects.
Participants shared their views and suggestions on the issues discussed and reaffirmed their commitment to continued efforts and joint cooperation, the statement concluded.
kk/sa
