Health services and sector reform
Efforts to support Somalia’s health system continue. Partnership agreements with local authorities and non-governmental organizations are the primary way health services are supported. Drugs and medical supplies for the primary health care sector throughout the country are procured and delivered. Some 400 health facilities including hospitals, maternal and child health centres and health posts receive essential drugs and basic medical equipment through UNICEF and its partners. Improvements have been made in the number of facilities being supervised and in the quality of services rendered. Health sector reform In Northwest Somalia ('Somaliland') a health policy and strategic health plan are being applied with a national professional health council providing oversight. UNICEF assistance for decentralizing health management structures has included supporting regional workshops focused on improving the staff management and coordination skills. Cost recovery to bring funds back into the health sector has been introduced in maternal and child health centres in the region, with the remainder following shortly. The funds generated will mostly be used for infrastructure maintenance and staff incentives.
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