USAID/WORLD VISION HAND OVER RURAL HEALTH CARE PROGRAM
armradio.am
09.12.2008 13:02
On December 10, the official signing ceremony of a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) between four Marzpetarans (Tavush, Lori, Syunik
and Gegharkunik) and World Vision Armenia will take place, marking the
official transfer of the USAID Medical Outreach Teams (MOT) Project
to the Government of Armenia. The MOU, signed by the Governors of
the four marzes and World Vision Armenia National Director Mark
Kelly in the presence of U.S. Ambassador Marie L. Yovanovitch and
RA Minister of Health Harutyun Kushkyan, will ensure continuation
of improved access to quality primary healthcare services in rural
Armenia. In particular, the health institutions of Tavush, Lori,
Syunik and Gegharkunik Marzes will take over the provision of all
primary health care services to their remote communities.
The USAID-funded MOT project, which started in February 2004 and
will be completed in February 2009, was designed to improve access to
primary health care for people living in hard-to-reach communities. The
Project was implemented in the marzes of Tavush, Lori, Gegharkunik,
and Syunik, and covered over 88,000 people living in 123 villages.
Medical Outreach Teams, including general practitioners, gynecologists,
pediatricians, laboratory technicians, and ultrasound specialists,
worked together with local health institutions and provided over
91,000 consultations to remote border communities.
According to the MOU, World Vision Armenia will hand over major project
assets, including medical equipment and vehicles, to the Marzpetarans
to guarantee the sustainability of the MOT. The ceremony today was
in recognition of the commitment by the Armenian government, local
health authorities, communities and medical providers to continue
providing those valuable services.