UNICEF ANNUAL REPORT for Tajikistan 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Achievements: In 2010, UNICEF Tajikistan office‟s work was dominated by a major outbreak of poliomyelitis. Though certified as polio-free in 2002, Tajikistan experienced the largest polio outbreak this year, with 458 confirmed cases (65% of the world‟s total). The vast majority of confirmed cases occurred in children (70% <5y, 90% <15y). UNICEF swiftly mobilised funds for vaccine provisions and social mobilisation and partnered closely with WHO to support the MOH in organising six national immunisation rounds and a mop-up round, reaching virtually all children under 15. The effective response to the polio outbreak demonstrated UNICEF‟s capacity to respond decisively to emergencies. The polio outbreak has also alerted the Government, UNICEF, WHO and other stakeholders to enhance routine immunisation, surveillance and take necessary steps to prevent any future recurrence. The Office signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (the de facto Planning Ministry) and 8 priority districts to start a direct partnership. This decentralised approach has brought UNICEF support closer to targeted children and women. This approach is also applied to enhance programme synergy and equitable basic social services. The first year of implementation has shown promising results. UNICEF supported the MOE in developing a new National Strategy for Education Development 2010-2020 (NSED). UNICEF, working closely with the World Bank, has played a pivotal role in education sector reforms. Shortfalls: Due to the response to the polio outbreak, the approval of the National Comprehensive Health Strategy for 2010-2020 and its costing were postponed. Due to the development of NSED and the expansion from 10 to 12 year education, the development of a girls‟ education strategy was delayed. The Office was unable to complete a SITAN as planned for 2010. This was due to the poor response to two consecutive requests for proposals in the course of the year. Some deterioration in security affected UNICEF‟s ability to work in Rasht valley, which contains one of UNICEF‟s priority districts. Collaborative partnerships: UNICEF used its lead role in the WASH cluster to facilitate a swift response to the mudflows that affected Khuroson District in 2009. The CO, with a tripartite partnership with DFID and ECHO, supported the construction of a new water supply system. UNICEF plays a critical role in the education sector, co-leading the education donor group. 2. COUNTRY SITUATION AS AFFECTING CHILDREN AND WOMEN Deteriorating internal security: 2010 has seen a marked deterioration in Tajikistan‟s internal security. The escape of 25 armed convicts from a prison in the capital has increased concerns about stability in the country. A suicide bomb attack on a police
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UNICEF ANNUAL REPORT for Tajikistan
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Achievements:
In 2010, UNICEF Tajikistan office‟s work was dominated by a major outbreak of
poliomyelitis. Though certified as polio-free in 2002, Tajikistan experienced the largest
polio outbreak this year, with 458 confirmed cases (65% of the world‟s total). The vast
majority of confirmed cases occurred in children (70% <5y, 90% <15y). UNICEF swiftly
mobilised funds for vaccine provisions and social mobilisation and partnered closely with
WHO to support the MOH in organising six national immunisation rounds and a mop-up
round, reaching virtually all children under 15. The effective response to the polio
outbreak demonstrated UNICEF‟s capacity to respond decisively to emergencies. The
polio outbreak has also alerted the Government, UNICEF, WHO and other stakeholders
to enhance routine immunisation, surveillance and take necessary steps to prevent any
future recurrence.
The Office signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of
Economic Development and Trade (the de facto Planning Ministry) and 8 priority districts
to start a direct partnership. This decentralised approach has brought UNICEF support
closer to targeted children and women. This approach is also applied to enhance
programme synergy and equitable basic social services. The first year of implementation
has shown promising results.
UNICEF supported the MOE in developing a new National Strategy for Education
Development 2010-2020 (NSED). UNICEF, working closely with the World Bank, has
played a pivotal role in education sector reforms.
Shortfalls:
Due to the response to the polio outbreak, the approval of the National Comprehensive
Health Strategy for 2010-2020 and its costing were postponed.
Due to the development of NSED and the expansion from 10 to 12 year education, the
development of a girls‟ education strategy was delayed.
The Office was unable to complete a SITAN as planned for 2010. This was due to the
poor response to two consecutive requests for proposals in the course of the year.
Some deterioration in security affected UNICEF‟s ability to work in Rasht valley, which
contains one of UNICEF‟s priority districts.
Collaborative partnerships:
UNICEF used its lead role in the WASH cluster to facilitate a swift response to the
mudflows that affected Khuroson District in 2009. The CO, with a tripartite partnership
with DFID and ECHO, supported the construction of a new water supply system.
UNICEF plays a critical role in the education sector, co-leading the education donor group.
2. COUNTRY SITUATION AS AFFECTING CHILDREN AND WOMEN
Deteriorating internal security: 2010 has seen a marked deterioration in Tajikistan‟s
internal security. The escape of 25 armed convicts from a prison in the capital has
increased concerns about stability in the country. A suicide bomb attack on a police
station in the northern city of Khujand gave rise to concerns about an increased terrorist
threat1[1]. Armed confrontations took place in the Rasht Valley in eastern Tajikistan, a
stronghold of the United Tajik Opposition (UTO) during the civil war in Tajikistan in
1992-1997.
Global economic downturn and recovery: Tajikistan‟s economy was severely affected by
the global economic downturn, mainly through reduced labour emigration and the
dramatic fall in foreign remittances by 31% in 2009. Though remittances recovered by
27% in 2010, families and the economy continue to remain fragile and vulnerable to
external shocks. Nearly half of the Government of Tajikistan‟s budget currently comes
from international aid, adding to the country‟s vulnerability.
Sub-regional tension: Sub-regional tensions influenced the development context for
children and women in 2010, as they affected the economy and, to an extent, the
availability of commodities. As the Economist Intelligence Unit pointed out, “tensions
with Uzbekistan have remained high, owing to Uzbekistan‟s concerns about the
construction of Tajikistan‟s Roghun hydroelectricity project”. (EIU, December 2010, p.3)
In 2010 “freight trains destined for Tajikistan (were) being held up at the border”. (EIU,
December 2010, p.10). There were fears in 2010 that ethnic unrest in southern
Kyrgyzstan could spill over into neighbouring countries, but this risk did not materialise.
(EIU, December 2010, p.10)
Natural disasters: Tajikistan had a difficult year coping with 236 natural disasters that
occurred in the first 11 months of 2010, causing 61 casualties (CoES, 2010). Damage
caused by these disasters was estimated at 518 million TJS (about US$117 million).
According to the Agency on Statistics under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan,
45 countries provided USD81 million worth of humanitarian aid to Tajikistan in 2010.
Joint Country Partnership Strategy (JCPS): In November 2009, Tajikistan Government
signed a JCPS with 12 international development partners, to enhance aid effectiveness
and coordination. The UN System (including UNICEF) participated as one. On December
3rd and 4th, the Government of Tajikistan and all related development partners organised
a high-level Development Forum to review development progress and remaining
challenges. The joint statement and action plan will shed light on development priorities
and aid coordination.
Polio Outbreak: Tajikistan had been certified by WHO as Poliomyelitis-free since 2002. In
2010 the country experienced an outbreak of wild poliovirus (Type 1) with 458 confirmed
cases. This is the biggest outbreak this year globally. The vast majority of the cases
occurred in children (70% <5y, 90% <15y). Although OPV coverage was as high as 97%
in 2010 according to administrative data, the last population-based survey (TLSS) in
2007 estimated the nationwide OPV-3 coverage at only 50.3%. The polio outbreak
suggests areas of weakness in the health system, in terms of cold chain management,
safe immunisation practices, surveillance, and case definition and management that will
need to be addressed. Within UNICEF as well, further steps will be taken jointly with the
WHO and others to support the Government to prevent polio‟s recurrence.
3. CP ANALYSIS & RESULT
3.1 CP Analysis
3.1.2.1 Capacity Development:
In 2010, the Tajikistan Country Programme (CP) made a significant shift in programme
strategy to cooperate directly with district governments. UNICEF‟s collaboration with the
local authorities of eight of the most disadvantaged priority districts in Tajikistan has led
to a much better understanding of the capacity constraints at that level, while offering a
mechanism to systematically address these constraints, including capacity building of
district governments to deliver results for children.
The polio outbreak has drawn attention to capacity gaps in the health system.
Immunisation personnel need improved knowledge and skills. Cold chain management,
vaccine administration, safe immunisation practices, surveillance and case definition and
management were all found to be in need of strengthening. While a start was made to
address these issues during the immediate polio response, it is clear that a lot more
needs to be done to ensure sustained capacity for the implementation of the routine
immunisation programme and the prevention of future outbreaks.
UNICEF continued to offer an integrated support package to strengthen capacity in
schools in Tajikistan, based on the Child-Friendly School (CFS) concept. This entails the
promotion of the following priority activities: girls‟ education, WASH, life skills-based
education, disaster risk reduction, and early learning. Capacity at the school level is
enhanced by providing different types of support including hardware improvements
where required; equipment, textbooks and other supplies; training; community outreach
and mobilisation. Children are centrally involved in implementing these capacity
enhancement initiatives and in acquiring improved lifeskills and knowledge, but
importantly, children are also taking on the role of change advocates in their families
and communities.
An essential aspect of capacity building through schools is the work on disaster risk
reduction. Tajikistan is highly prone to natural disasters. Accordingly, UNICEF is
preparing school children, teachers, school management and the communities
surrounding schools for emergencies in the most disaster-prone parts of the country.
3.1.2.2 Effective Advocacy:
In 2010, UNICEF finalised and published the results of a National Micro-Nutrient Study.
The report was launched at a major advocacy event attended by the key government
officials and representatives from all regions and priority districts. The report reveals
that despite significant improvements in nutritional status, malnutrition remains a major
challenge. Every third child under five in Tajikistan (29 per cent) is stunted and half of
the children are iodine-deficient. A comprehensive but easy-to-read communication
package was developed and presented along with the report. A series of short video
messages were developed and is now airing at prime time.
UNICEF advocated strongly for a new NSED. Key evidence produced to underpin
advocacy efforts included an assessment of factors influencing girls‟ school enrolment
and attendance and the demand-side interventions most likely to have an impact; and a
situation analysis of early learning.
One advocacy message UNICEF has consistently communicated throughout 2010 is the
importance of maintaining levels of social expenditure. Through its advocacy, UNICEF
has made a major contribution to the protection of social sector budget lines, partnering
with international financial institutions to ensure the floor of social expenditure.
The visit of a UNICEF Executive Board delegation in 2010 provided an excellent
opportunity to bring about a better appreciation and understanding of Tajikistan‟s unique
development challenges in the Board and in UNICEF management. The visit increased
Tajikistan‟s visibility both within the organisation and beyond.
3.1.2.3 Strategic Partnerships:
To respond to mudflows in Khuroson in 2009, UNICEF rapidly mobilised support from the
UK Department for International Development (DFID) and ECHO to support the
immediate emergency response as well as the construction of a new water supply
system and accompanying hygiene education for the new settlement. The response led
to a significant reduction of morbidity due to water-borne diseases.
UNICEF co-leads the education donor group with the WB, and demonstrated its
leadership in coordinating the support to the development of the NSED and in the end-
term review of the FTI II.
To respond to the polio outbreak, UNICEF initiated a community-based rehabilitation
programme for children affected by polio. It is implemented under the direct supervision
of the MOH, in collaboration with the MOLSP and the MOE, Operation Mercy, Handicap
International, and Voluntary Service Overseas. The programme covers 40 localities in
the 24 most affected districts in Tajikistan.
UNICEF collaborated closely with UNDP and other sister agencies to support the
Government of Tajikistan (GoT) to develop the National Progress Report on the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The report was well received at the UN General
Assembly Summit.
Together with UN sister agencies, UNICEF is part of the Joint Country Partnership
Strategy, which aims to enhance aid effectiveness and coordination. The high-level
Development Forum held in December 2010 demonstrated the effectiveness of donor
coordination and the strong partnership with the GoT. UNICEF engaged actively in the
Development Forum.
UNICEF‟s Country Office (CO) has developed a new partnership with the MOF. The CO
supported the MOF and its 73 finance departments throughout the country to improve
monitoring and reporting in the social sectors.
3.1.2.4 Knowledge Management:
The National Micro-Nutrient Survey took stock of the nutritional status of the country‟s
children and mothers, presenting a clear overview of the progress made and the
remaining challenges. The survey provides a solid foundation for an evidence-based
action plan, targeted to those parts of the country and population groups that are
lagging behind on specific indicators.
In 2010, UNICEF commissioned a study on the increased incidence of suicide amongst
children and young people (12-24 years of age) in Sughd. The study will advance the
international knowledge base on suicide amongst children, while enabling UNICEF to
assist the GoT to address the underlying causes.
Another critical piece of research supported by UNICEF looks at the impact of the large
scale labour migration from Tajikistan and the impact this has on children and families
left behind. It is known that remittances from labour migration have so far been a major
driver in Tajikistan‟s poverty reduction. But to boost the positive impact of migration, the
Government needs to appreciate the social impact of migration, and introduce measures
to support children left behind.
UNICEF supported research into the reasons for dropout and poor attendance of girls,
particularly at secondary school level. This research will inform the package of
interventions UNICEF will roll out to improve gender equity in education.
The CO participated in a study initiated by UNICEF Regional Office to learn how young
people perceive the quality of education. Although the report is not finalised, preliminary
findings indicate that most of the respondents underlined the inadequate quality of
teaching, non-(child) friendly school environment (bad infrastructure conditions) and
non-participatory teaching, school management and decision making processes as the
main problems in Tajikistan‟s education system. The results of the study will inform
policy discussions and programme responses.
In all research efforts, UNICEF ensures that international experts partner with local
researchers and research institutes, so that a lasting contribution is made to local
research capacity.
3.1.2.5 C4D Communication for Development:
In 2010, the CO made a major effort to strengthen the effective application of
Communication for Development (C4D) in improving health, nutrition and other key
social outcomes for children and women.
Key interventions with a major C4D component in 2010 included the polio response and
the H1N1/Seasonal Influenza campaign. Both interventions involved broad partnerships
between the MOH, UNICEF, WHO, national and local media, NGOs, religious authorities
and communities. Media and IEC materials for both interventions were pre-tested with
participant groups; some were redeveloped using feedback from communities and
lessons learnt during the implementation.
As part of the emergency response to the polio outbreak, the CO supported the MOH in
informing the population about six national and one sub-national immunisation rounds,
and mobilising communities to further spread the message and support the campaign,
with a particular focus on isolated, marginalised and underserved communities. These
included remote mountainous communities, people living in border areas, shepherds and
their families, Romas and Afghan refugees. Religious authorities, community leaders and
women activists were engaged to ensure that no children were left behind in the national
campaigns.
In the H1N1/Seasonal Influenza campaign, the CO supported the MOH in raising the
population‟s awareness of key influenza symptoms and risk reduction practices through a
nationwide campaign that relied on a combination of approaches, including a media
campaign, IEC materials, and community-based events involving children and their
families. Community-based events focused on engaging local communities in isolated
and hard-to-reach areas with limited access or exposure to mass media to disseminate
messages about key influenza prevention practices. A KAP survey is being carried out on
the effectiveness of the campaign.
The office-wide two-day training in October strengthened staff understanding of the C4D
process and equipped them with the knowledge of best practices, strategies and
approaches in C4D.
3.1.3 Normative Principles
3.1.3.1 Human Rights Based Approach to Cooperation:
The CO supported the National Commission on Child Rights (NCCR) under the Tajikistan
Government to present Tajikistan‟s second periodic report on the implementation of the
CRC to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. The CO also had consultations with
the NCCR to identify priority activities in responding to the Committee‟s Concluding
Observations. The NCCR presented Concluding Observations to the GoT and charged
relevant ministries and agencies to come up with urgent measures to address main
areas of concern.
The CO consistently strives to reach out to the most disadvantaged groups of children
especially children with disabilities, children in conflict with the law and children with
HIV/AIDS. In the juvenile justice sector, half of the judges in the country were trained
on both national and international juvenile justice standards and the importance of a
child-friendly approach to children in conflict with the law.
In the response to the polio outbreak, health workers were mobilized to reach out to all
the children between 0-15 years of age, but special emphasis was placed on
communities that are hard to reach and whose children might have been missed out.
Special community mobilization and communication efforts were made to reach out to
Roma children, Afghan refugee children and children living in remote, hard to access
communities.
The rights of children with disability risk being violated especially on account of the
existing considerable stigma and discrimination towards the disabled. Services for
children with disabilities are few and there is over-reliance on institutionalization. UNICEF
strives to make community-based services available for children with disabilities,
particularly those paralysed by polio, and to address stigma and discrimination so that
children with disabilities can live, grow up and participate in their own communities.
3.1.3.2 Gender Equality and Mainstreaming:
Tajikistan ranks 89 out of 134 countries according to the World Economic Forum 2010
Global Gender Gap Report. Deterioration is noticeable in all areas – health, education,
economic activity and political empowerment of women.
In 2010 a gender assessment was undertaken to investigate the extent to which gender
has been effectively mainstreamed in the CP, and to assess what efforts have been
made by the CO to strengthen its own capacity for gender mainstreaming. The
assessment found a significant commitment in the CP to achieving the goal of girls‟
empowerment and addressing women‟s and girls‟ needs, particularly in the field of
education, health, and social protection. The focus on girls‟ education is reflected in key
strategic documents, reports and work plans, as well as in communication and advocacy
tools. The pay-off from sustained attention to girls‟ education is visible at the levels both
of national policy and the school. In addition, girls‟ education is an area in which the CO
is developing innovative approaches such as, the planned demand-side intervention
(social transfers) to prevent girls‟ absenteeism and drop-out in upper grades of
secondary education.
Within the broader UN team, particularly through the Joint Programme on violence
against women, UNICEF continued to build capacity of the Dushanbe Child Right Centre
and Family Medical Centre in tackling child protection issues including the cases of
violence against children, and referral of such cases to relevant structures. UNICEF also
supported gender sensitisation trainings for the inspectors of the Ministry of Interior.
The CO will further enhance and systematise gender mainstreaming in the CP. To
perform more effectively in this area, the CO team itself will need training for capacity
building in gender mainstreaming. The CO is keen and committed to pay special
attention to gender-specific issues pertaining to boys and men. The development of
specific information material for fathers on parenting and early child development, for
instance, could add to ongoing efforts to improve child nutrition and development.
3.1.3.3 Environmental Sustainability:
The CO conducted a review of the WASH in Schools implementation strategy in 2010.
This recommended a new direction for WASH in schools, broadening the concept to a
“life skills education” package. The suggested new package aims not only to address
school hygiene and sanitation but to integrate emerging issues, such as climate change
and environmental management. This holistic approach is particularly critical in
Tajikistan, which is highly prone to the impacts of climate change. The revised strategy
proposed the phased integration of life skills education into the national education
system, highlighting children‟s potential as agents for behaviour change both in schools
and in their communities.
As water, sanitation and hygiene are key factors affecting child mortality and morbidity
in Tajikistan, the CO also leveraged other partner programmes to pay attention to
WASH. Examples include advocacy for inclusion of WASH under FTI school construction,
and collaboration with KfW on WASH in schools.
This new initiative complements the on-going efforts to integrate a Disaster Risk
Reduction (DRR) component into the national education system. Tajikistan is highly
disaster-prone and the DRR approach provides not only for increased emergency
response capacity in schools and families but also a longer-term view of prevention
through enhanced knowledge and behaviour change in environmental management and
conservation. UNICEF advocated for these issues to be incorporated in the new national
education strategy, which is currently under development and expected to be finalized in
2011.
The newly approved National Comprehensive Health Strategy (NCHS) for 2010-2020
identifies environmental issues amongst the major health determinants. The strategy
envisages provision of safe water and sanitation, clean air and a healthy living
environment free from risks to be enjoyed by all, including women and children.
3.2 Programme Components:
Title: Health and Nutrition
Purpose:
Purpose of the Programme Component and the main results planned for 2010
By the end of 2015, more children, young people and women benefit from quality
primary health care and nutrition services in accordance with international standards
provided by the MoH.
Specifically, the following interim results (IRs) are to be achieved by 2015:
IR1. The Ministry of Health increases the allocation of resources to maternal and child
survival/nutrition strategies within its budgetary frameworks, including SWAp.
IR2. The Ministry of Health provides all women as well as newborn infants in all
maternal facilities of 8 priority districts with quality antenatal and essential obstetric
and newborn care services in accordance with international standards.
IR3. At least 80% of households in 8 priority districts practise interventions on child
survival, care and nutrition.
IR4. In all reproductive health centres and maternity houses of 18 districts, pregnant
women with an „at risk‟ profile receive VCT, and if HIV positive, receive ARV in
accordance with PMTCT protocol; and HIV positive children have access to ARV
prevention, treatment and social services.
IR5. Outreach services and STI/HIV voluntary counselling, testing and treatment for
MARA are provided in all 25 YFHS clinics nationwide.
Resources Used:
Resources used:
Total approved for 2010 as per CPD: US$1,500,000
Total available for 2010 from all sources: RR US$895,286; OR US$1,327,991; Total:
US$2,223,277
Any special allocations (list)
UNICEF Set aside funds to support H1N1 influenza prevention
Micronutrient Initiative (IDRC) (in-kind support)
List of donors
Global Thematic contribution for Young Child Survival & Development
Japan
Japan Committee for UNICEF
Netherlands
Office of U.S. for Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA)
Rotary International
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM)
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
The World Bank
United Nations Foundation Inc
Result Achieved:
Faced with the world‟s biggest Polio outbreak in 2010, emergency response dominated
the workload and thus delayed the achievement of some results outlined in the RWP,
including approval of the National Comprehensive Health Strategy for 2010-2020. The
costing of the strategy and its plan of action were postponed to mid-2011.
In relation to IR1, the GoT approved the National Comprehensive Health Strategy for
2010-2020, for which UNICEF spearheaded the development of the MCH component.
UNICEF also contributed to the finalisation of the comprehensive multi-year plan on
immunisation for 2010-2015. The MoH jointly with MoF approved regulation for
sustainable operation of Youth-Friendly Health Services (YFHS) – a significant step
forward in institutionalisation of YFHS.
A joint MoU with GTZ was signed to pave the way for the adoption of improved quality
neonatal care in the country. A first set of neonatal protocols was reviewed and
submitted for approval to the MoH.
The presentation of the results of the 2009 National Micronutrient Survey was a major
advocacy event attended by key government officials. Despite significant improvements,
the survey revealed that malnutrition remains a major challenge. Nearly every third child
under five in Tajikistan (29 per cent) is still stunted and half of the children are iodine
deficient. As follow-up, UNICEF is supporting the MoH in outlining a national nutrition
strategy and an action plan.
Regarding IR2, almost three million children 0-15 years are now protected from Polio
after six nationwide and one sub-national immunisation days (NIDs). As a swift
emergency response, after consultation with the GoT and partners, UNICEF made
available 10.3 million doses of mOPV-1 to immunise all children 0-15 years, mobilising
the emergency reimbursable polio funds provided through US CDC and an additional 7.0
million doses of trivalent OPV vaccine for the last two rounds of NIDs with funds from the
Governments of Japan and India and Japan Committee for Vaccines. UNICEF was also
able to mobilise US$95,000 from the UN CERF, US$75,000 from the UK Department for
International Development (DfID), US$250,000 from the Rotary International and
US$75,000 from UNICEF‟s regional budget to support the social mobilisation efforts.
More than half a million women 15-29 years received their dose of MR vaccine as a part
of the national strategy to eliminate Measles and Rubella.
In 2010, more than 50,000 newborns and close to 200,000 children under five have
improved access to better quality neonatal care services in priority districts, as a result
of the equipment of maternities and PHC facilities.
More than 814,300 children under five (>95%) received two doses of Vitamin A. Around
72,793 children 6-24 months in 16 districts benefited from micronutrient supplements.
More than 170 severely malnourished children received care and treatment in
Therapeutic Feeding Centres. Around 31,511 (74%) pregnant women and 58,736 (72%)
lactating mothers in the Region of Republic Subordination received iron pills and
micronutrient supplements.
With reference to IR3, more than 30,000 mothers and caregivers in priority and
emergency-affected districts improved their knowledge on infant and young child
feeding, care and management of childhood diseases.
In relation to IR4, UNICEF was one of the sub-recipients of the GFATM. A significant
result achieved this year was approval of the governmental resolution to provide social
assistance to HIV-positive children. In 2010, the coverage of PMTCT interventions
scaled-up to 22 districts and was integrated into the antenatal services. Currently,
almost 50% of pregnant women with at-risk profile have access to counselling and HIV
rapid testing. As of 1 October 2010, 86% of HIV-positive pregnant women (125)
received ARV prevention.
In relation to IR5, six new YFHS (Youth-Friendly Health Service) facilities were
established and equipped with medical supplies for STI/HIV diagnosis and treatment for
young people, increasing the total number of YFHS in the country to 17. The WHO
quality standards are used to monitor the quality of services provided by the YFHS. In
2010 approximately 7,000 Most At Risk Adolescents (MARA) used the YFHS.
Future Workplan:
In 2011, the major focus will be on the following:
1. Support to the costing of the national health strategy will continue;
2. As a lesson learned from the Polio outbreak, UNICEF will assist the MoH in