Uzbekistan, Tashkent, July 21 /Trend D.Azizov/
Representatives of UNICEF, the Government of Uzbekistan and the European Union (EU) signed a tripartite agreement on the implementation of programs to improve services to maternal and child health in Uzbekistan.
The agreement includes a joint commitment of the three partners to strengthen the health management, improving the quality of care for mothers and children, and promoting positive practices to improve the health of families and communities.
The program is a continuation of successful cooperation between the Ministry of Health of the Republic, UNICEF and the EU. The first phase of the program in the field of maternal and child health was implemented from 2008 to 2011.
The introduction of a comprehensive package of nursing of infants and children at all stages of pregnancy and after birth, contributing to the reduction of infant morbidity and mortality was implemented in the first phase of the program.
The achievements of the first phase of the program are reflected in the National Model of Maternal and Child Health in Uzbekistan: Healthy mother - healthy child which has received recognition at an international symposium held in Tashkent in November 2011.
The main attention in the frame of the current program will be paid to the services provided to women before and during pregnancy, during childbirth and at all stages of child development.
In the framework of institutional support, the program is aimed at reviewing and strengthening the regulatory framework, strengthening the financial and health management.
In the area of services, the program aims at strengthening the capacity of the health workforce to provide a comprehensive care for mothers and children consistent with international standards and requirements. There is also alignment with international standards, curricula of medical schools.
The program is estimated at 5.7 million euros, it will be implemented in all regions of Uzbekistan for three and a half years.