WHO to support delivery of primary health care services

Islamabad: The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of Canada (Department of Foreign Affairs Trade and Development) have signed a Canadian $30.38 million grant agreement to support countries, most in need of delivering more resilient primary health care and essential health services during the COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery.

The grant covers 10 countries including Pakistan. It focuses on an equity-oriented, gender responsive and human rights-based approach, to reach more disadvantaged populations who are at a risk of being left behind. It is implemented under the leadership of the WHO Special Programme on Primary Health Care through the Universal Health Coverage Partnership network—one of WHO’s largest platforms for international cooperation on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Primary Health Care (PHC).

The effort aims to respond to the needs and gaps identified by countries and supports the Covid-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, highlighting the urgency of maintaining essential health services and systems.

“The WHO Country Office welcomes this timely contribution and partnership from Canada. While the government has demonstrated a strong resolve to deliver on the promise of Health for All through Universal Health Coverage, the health system is under immense strain from COVID-19 pandemic.