WHO and the Government of Tajikistan recently took part in an annual review of the implementation of the country’s National Health Strategy. Launched 1 year ago, the National Health Strategy runs until 2030 and plays an important role in meeting the health-related Sustainable Development Goals. Tajikistan aims for ambitious reforms of its health sector, including the existing health financing and governance structures.
Joint annual reviews are instrumental in ensuring that health sector reforms are implemented in an effective and coordinated manner, and that they result in a strengthened health system and improved health and well-being for all.
WHO will support the further implementation of the health reforms in Tajikistan by providing guidance on the design, planning, execution, and monitoring and evaluation of activities. Speaking at the annual review, Minister of Health Mr Jamoliddin Abdullozoda said, “Our collaboration with WHO should be seen as an example for development partners in the Republic of Tajikistan.”
Assessing progress and planning further implementation
The high-level event at the National Library in Dushanbe brought together representatives from various ministries as well as development partners. It featured speeches from the Minister of Health, deputy ministers, WHO, the United Nations Residence Coordinator and the European Union Ambassador to Tajikistan.
The Ministry of Health and development partners presented the progress made and lessons learned during the first year of implementing the National Health Strategy. WHO also presented an award to all health and care workers in Tajikistan in recognition of their continued dedication to improving health and well-being in the country. The award was accepted on their behalf by the Minister of Health.
Following the joint annual review, a policy dialogue allowed representatives from various ministries and development organizations to discuss further the strategic priorities included in the National Health Strategy.
Next steps
The discussions during the joint annual review and ongoing strong collaboration with ministries and development partners will allow WHO to provide more targeted support to Tajikistan as it moves towards health and well-being for all.
Supporting the strategic priorities of the Ministry of Health
In early March 2022, WHO facilitated the second national workshop on health financing and governance, which are strategic priorities described in Tajikistan’s National Health Strategy. There, representatives of various ministries and development partners discussed how to sustainably increase resources for health in Tajikistan, and how to improve access to quality health services without causing financial hardship.
Other strategic priorities supported by WHO include:
- human resources for health
- health management information systems and digital health
- health-care services (with a focus on primary health care)
- emergency preparedness and response.