European Union

АSTANA, 18 February 2010 – Today, the round table on intersectoral collaboration on mother and child health starts in Astana. The discussion which is in line with the government's priority tasks on reduction of maternal and infant mortality is a part of a joint project by the European Union, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan.

Effective co-operation between the relevant ministries and health sectors is a vital condition for the reduction of maternal and infant mortality and improvement of nation's health situation. However, this process is often complicated by the lack of clear-cut interventions and strategic approaches. The round table is aimed at identifying mechanisms for effective collaboration and defining policies and strategies in maternal and child healthcare compliant with the national programme on healthcare development for 2011-2015.

The Vice minister of health Mr. Elzhan Birtanov will chair the round table. Ambassador Norbert Jousten, Head of Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Kazakhstan will address the meeting. The national policy makers from the Presidential Administration, the National Commission on Women, Family and Demographic Policy as well as from the ministries of health, education, labour, interior, environment, economy and budget planning, representatives of international organizations will participate in the discussion. WHO experts Ms. Vivian Barnekow and Mr. Mikael Ostergren will provide technical advice.

The two-year project “Support for Maternal and Child Health in Kazakhstan" is co-financed by the European Union for the amount of about 1,200,000 EUR and is implemented by the World Health Organization.

For further information please contact Ms Madina Bakieva, EU Delegation Press officer at +7 (7172) 971148, madina.bakieva@ec.europa.eu; or Ms Assel Mussagaliyeva, WHO National Professional Officer and Project Coordinator at +7 7172 592550 (ext. 2131), asm@euro.who.int