Khartoum – Sudan’s Ministry of International Cooperation and the UNDP, on Thursday signed a 60 million dollar agreement on a three-year procurement support to the Ministry of Health, the UN agency said in a press release.
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project comes as a major breakthrough in availing life-saving medicines and other health commodities to enhance the treatment of patients in Sudan.
“Emphasising the government’s commitment to overcoming health and development challenges in Sudan, this project is the first cost-sharing agreement signed between the Federal Ministry of Health and UNDP,” said the statement.
The project provides a strategic approach to strengthen the national public health procurement system and improve the effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment of patients through procurement of medicines, medical and laboratory equipment and consumables for the National Medical Supplies Fund.’’
Drawing on UNDP’s global expertise, the project is expected to assist in the transformational scaling up of national capacities and systems through the procurement of efficient, transparent and timely life-saving health commodities.
The UNDP pointed out that the project is related to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No.3 to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages and SDG 17 on partnership for achievement of the overall SDGs.
Supporting research and development for vaccines, the agency explained, is an essential part of this process as well as providing access to affordable medicines to all.”
In Sudan, procurement of medicines and other health commodities for the public sector is challenged by lack of access to convertible currency and international banking transactions.
The signing ceremony was attended by UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Ms.
Marta Reudas, Sudan’s Minister of Health, Bahr Idris Abu Garda and Minister of International Cooperation, Kamal Al-Din Hassan Ali. (PANA/NAN)