Event highlights
8 March 2024
At the end of February, a marathon of high-level events was held in Tajikistan, facilitating a deep dive into key components of the country’s health system. The outcomes of the health systems marathon bring the country closer to ensuring that quality health care is accessible and affordable for all. The events were part of the Health Development Programme, financed by the European Union (EU).
Tajikistan is currently implementing ambitious health reforms to make progress towards universal health coverage (UHC): access to quality health care for all without causing financial hardship. To this end, the country is working to improve the quality and affordability of health services and to ensure that skilled health workers are available where they are needed most. With funding from the EU, WHO/Europe provides significant, ongoing support to strengthen each component of the health system.
His Excellency Raimundas Karoblis, Ambassador of the EU to Tajikistan, underlined, “We reiterate the principle that every human being has the right to enjoy the highest standard of health. There is an absolute need to boost the health system in the country and make it work better and better. As the EU, we are committed, both in Tajikistan and around the globe, to allocate at least 20% of our 2021–2027 financial allocation to human development, including health for all.”
Reviewing the implementation of the national health strategy
The marathon commenced with the Joint Annual Review, an event organized by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population, bringing together the Government of Tajikistan and development partners to jointly assess the implementation of the national health strategy.
During the event, Dr Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, Director of the Division of Country Health Policies and Systems at the WHO Regional Office for Europe, highlighted the need to build a more resilient health system in the country. She handed over a report on the health workforce to the Minister of Health and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan, Dr Jamoliddin Abdullozoda. This analysis, first of its kind in Tajikistan, presents findings and recommendations that are key to further strengthening and supporting health workers across the country.
“The Joint Annual Review demonstrated the great progress made on the implementation of the health-care strategy for the people of Tajikistan until 2030. With support from development partners, we will continue to strengthen our health system and bring innovation and new technologies to our country,” said Dr Abdullozoda.
Improving access to health care and medicines
The marathon continued with high-level policy dialogues, bringing together representatives from various government institutions and development organizations, who discussed the key findings of an analysis of the accessibility of medicines, and exchanged views on ways to overcome access barriers, such as high prices or stockouts. Key stakeholders also explored ways to protect people from high out-of-pocket payments for health care. New analyses carried out by WHO/Europe indicate that nearly 1 in 5 households in Tajikistan face catastrophic health spending due to out-of-pocket payments, which may make it difficult for them to meet their other basic needs such as food, housing, and heating. Tajikistan is currently rethinking health financing policy to reduce the health system’s reliance on out-of-pocket payments and improve access to affordable comprehensive primary care services, including prescription medicines and diagnostic tests.
“Tajikistan is implementing vital reforms that will benefit the health and well-being of all. WHO works closely with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population and other partners to strengthen the health system. We are proud of our joint achievements in Tajikistan and committed to continue supporting the country to make good quality health care accessible and affordable to all,” said Dr Azzopardi-Muscat.
Strengthening the health system to advance towards UHC
Two more workshops were held to agree on next steps to further strengthen primary health care and the health workforce. The marathon of events culminated in a 3-day winter school on health systems. WHO experts facilitated informative sessions on health systems, each focusing on a different component. The participants represented a variety of ministries, government institutions and committees. Through group work and discussions, the winter school participants enhanced their understanding of the actions and policies needed to advance towards UHC.
The health systems marathon was part of the Health Development Programme funded by the EU. The EU is a strong partner of WHO and the country of Tajikistan, and has invested over €60 million in the last decade in achieving UHC.
Event notice
20 January 2024
A marathon of high-level events will be held in Tajikistan at the end of February, facilitating a deep dive into key components of the country’s health system. The outcomes of the health systems marathon will bring the country closer to ensuring that quality health care is accessible and affordable for all. The events are part of the Health Development Programme, financed by the European Union.
Tajikistan is currently implementing ambitious health reforms to make progress towards universal health coverage (UHC): access to quality health care for all without causing financial hardship. To this end, the country is working to improve the quality and affordability of health services and to ensure that skilled health workers are available where they are needed most. With funding from the European Union, WHO/Europe provides significant ongoing support to strengthen each component of the health system.
Marathon events will include:
- 20 January: Joint Annual Review of the implementation of the national health strategy in Tajikistan with national stakeholders and development partners
- 20 January: workshop on primary health care
- 21 January: high-level policy dialogue on access to medicines, medical products and pharmacy care
- 22 January: high-level policy dialogue on affordable health care and medicines
- 23 January: workshop on strengthening human resources for health
- 22–24 January: winter school on health system transition to UHC