In a significant step towards advancing public health initiatives and bolstering the well-being of the population of Tajikistan, a collaborative meeting between key development partners and the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of Tajikistan (MoHSPP) took place on November 28.   

The European Union (EU) Delegation to Tajikistan says the meeting, organized by the EU and World Health Organization (WHO), facilitated a constructive exchange of experiences, challenges and ideas to improve coordination and collaboration in order to enhance the overall health landscape in Tajikistan.

The afternoon session was reportedly moderated by the First Deputy Minister, Dr. Muhsinzoda.  MoHSPP engaged in a constructive discussion with partner organizations, focused on fostering stronger ties between development partners and MoHSPP.  

Dr. Ghafourjon Muhsinzoda

The meeting reportedly emphasized the importance of a unified approach to address health challenges and promote impactful and sustainable solutions, to create a more efficient and responsive healthcare system that ultimately translates to better health outcomes for the people of Tajikistan.

"The partnership between development partners and the Ministry is a crucial step forward in our collective commitment to prioritize and enhance the health and well-being of the population. By working together, we can pool our expertise and resources to address health challenges and effectively strengthen the health system," stated Dr. Muhsinzoda, First Deputy-Minister of Health and Social Protection of the Population in Tajikistan

The collaborative efforts underscore a shared dedication to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health and align with the national health priorities outlined by the Tajikistan government. The meeting concluded with a commitment to strengthening coordination communication.

“The EU and the Government of Tajikistan share the vision of universal health care for all and efforts are undertaken to improve the health system of Tajikistan. That is why all development partners have gathered here today: to facilitate peer-learning, to exchange best practices and to continue foster collaboration. The EU is fully committed to support the health care reform in partnership with the government and all relevant health partners” – Marc Buchmann, Head of Cooperation of the European Union in Tajikistan

The meeting was part of a full-day event of Development Coordination Council on Health, the main platform for development partners to exchange information and to support coordination.  The event focused on improving the overall implementation of health programs, optimize resource allocation, and improve communication and collaboration among stakeholders.  The retreat brought together representatives from over 25 organizations, including bilateral and multilateral donors, development banks, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations.

This event was organized in the frame of the EU-funded Health Development Program in Tajikistan for 2021-2025.  The partners and Ministry’s efforts to strengthen coordination speak directly to the SDG 3 Global Action Plan, a global initiative aimed at accelerating progress toward achieving the SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.