Regional Director of the World Health Organization recognizes efforts to build a resilient health system with an award to the President during high-level visit to Tajikistan

During the visit, Dr Kluge presented an award to the President of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, in recognition of the Government’s efforts to protect the health and wellbeing of the population by building a resilient health system. 

The official visit was an opportunity for Dr Kluge to meet His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, as well as discuss health priorities such as primary health care, human resources for health and vaccination with several high-level government officials, Chairman of the Majlisi Namoyandagon of Majlisi Oli, Mr. Mahmadtoir Zokirzoda, the Minister of Health and Social Protection of the Population Dr. Jamoliddin Abdullozoda and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sirojiddin Muhriddin. The Regional Director also spoke with key partners and visited three health facilities in different parts of the country. At the end of his visit, Dr Kluge commented:

“I am delighted to be in Tajikistan this week, and to have seen first-hand the firm commitment to protect and promote health for all - from the highest level of Government to the health workers delivering care. My visit will further advance the World Health Organization’s collaboration with the Government of Tajikistan, an important partner for us.”

Dr Kluge considered the meeting with His Excellency, President Emomali Rahmon, to be the highlight of his visit. They discussed about the importance of health investment, boosting the Primary Health Care system and access to essential medicines, prioritizing gender and reproductive health, and addressing non-communicable and communicable diseases. In recognition of the efforts that the Government of Tajikistan has made to protect health and well-being and build a more resilient health system, the Regional Director presented His Excellency with a WHO award.

The COVID-19 pandemic, as well as recent outbreaks of other infectious diseases have underlined the worldwide importance of building resilient, sustainable health systems. A strong health system makes it possible to act effectively and in a timely fashion when a disease is detected, thereby preventing the further spread of the disease. The Regional Director discussed the ongoing collaboration between WHO and the Government of Tajikistan, to further strengthen the health system and support the implementation of the Strategy on the Healthcare of the Population 2021–2030.

During visits to the primary health care facility in Faizabad, the Scientific and Research Centre for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Neonatology in Dushanbe and the Central District Hospital in Shahriston, Dr Kluge met with health- and care workers, including doctors, nurses and midwifes. He praised their hard work and thanked them for their dedication to the health of their communities. The Regional Director emphasized how important health- and care workers are, particularly in providing basic health services such as immunization, measuring blood pressure and performing check-ups for pregnant women. He underlined that they need to be supported and rewarded for the important work that they do.