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U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
PRESS RELEASE
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov/
(202) 712-43202003-037
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2003Contact: USAID Press Office
Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) today announced a major, three-year $100 million contract award to Management Sciences for Health to strengthen the overall health system in Afghanistan. The program, entitled Rural Expansion of Afghanistan's Community-based Healthcare (REACH), will improve the delivery of healthcare by providing basic essential health services to an estimated sixteen and a half million people each year.
"This fantastic investment will significantly advance the U.S. government's effort to meet the immediate and long-term health needs of the men, women and children of Afghanistan," said USAID Administrator, Andrew S. Natsios. "USAID has taken a lead role in rebuilding the country's health infrastructure and training and equipping health care providers. The partnership will also build much-needed local capacity to carry forward essential health services in the future."
Afghanistan's health care is among the worst in the developing world. The focus of this program is to provide access by moving healthcare closer to the patients in rural communities.
One aspect of the program will focus on improving the health of women of reproductive age and of children under five. Currently, 40 percent of deaths among women of childbearing age in Afghanistan are caused by preventable complications related to childbirth. In addition, an estimated one in four children dies before reaching their fifth birthday.
USAID provided $30 million during fiscal year 2002 for health clinic rehabilitation, primary health care, health worker training, and vaccinations. Overall health care expenditures for fiscal year 03 will be in excess of $57.6 million. This one contract is a key element of USAID's reconstruction assistance, ensuring the delivery and quality of essential health services.
Since the fall of the Taliban, USAID managed humanitarian and developmental assistance in Afghanistan, spending over $900 million. But this is just the start, as it will take some time to rebuild a country destroyed by 23 years of warfare. Early successes include the development of an interim government, getting over three million children, including young women and girls, back to school, removing mines, replacing the currency and beginning the construction of the major highway system for the country.
Years of war and conflict created a humanitarian crisis and denied the people of Afghanistan, particularly their children, a safe, healthy life. USAID, working with the Ministry of Health, is making a vast commitment to improve the health of Afghans.
For more information on USAID's reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, please visit www.usaid.gov/afghanistan.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
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