KARACHI - Edward Birgells, Regional Director of USAID, along with Dr. Sagheer Ahmed, Sindh Government's Minister for Health, today inaugurated the Health Sector Reforms and Support Unit, which is being established with Rs270 million grant from the United States Agency for International Development.
With support from USAID, the Department of Health is able to establish the Reforms and Support Unit to improve governance and make the health system more efficient and effective. United States government funds are being used to identify strategic policy issues, undertake policy analysis, and research and facilitate donor coordination across the health sector.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Birgells stated, "Improving the health of the people of Pakistan is one of the top priorities of the United States Government."
The US Government funds will strengthen health management systems at the provincial level, and help the Department of Health develop their capacity to deliver high quality and cost effective health services.
Amanda Cauldwell, Press Officer US Consulate Karachi, was also present at the inauguration ceremony held at a private hotel.
In its five decades of collaboration with the people of Pakistan, the U.S. Government has funded improvements in education, economic growth, energy, and gender equity programs, in addition to health care.
Other programs currently underway in Sindh, include the construction and renovation of two maternal and general health facilities, in Karachi and Jacobabad, and a project to upgrade drinking water and sanitation systems in Jacobabad.