Joint Annual Performance Review 2007 - Ministry of Health

We also applaud the concern demonstrated during these discussions for gender issues and for
the need for gender responsive health services.
This JAPR has set new targets for the next year, within the 6 Key Areas of Work. These
targets need to be translated into implementable planning in the coming AOP cycle. But even
careful priority-based planning does not guarantee results. We applaud the MoH’s renewed
emphasis on strengthening and monitoring of AOP implementation at all levels, including
reports on the performance and process indicators in the annual plans.
Beyond the identification of priorities and interventions, there must be the means to meet
critical targets; the financial and other resources without which plans are only dreams. And
these resources must actually reach the facilities that are to implement activities. We support
the Ministry’s leadership in calling for a 20% increase in resource allocations to the priority
areas and interventions, and we also recognize the complexities of achieving and monitoring
this target. We remain committed to strengthening partners’ alignment with these health
sector priorities.
We commend the increase in the overall health budget allocation for 2007. We would like to
emphasize that a rapidly growing national economy presents an opportunity to ensure
continued rapid growth in health investment. But these increases will only be truly effective
when they reach the district and facility levels.
In closing, we wish to affirm that we recognize and appreciate the Ministry of Health’s
leadership in setting priorities and strategies for the health sector. We are keen to continue a
substantive dialogue as partners with the Ministry and we recognize that this dialogue takes
place on many levels. We look to the Ministry of Health for guidance and support in ensuring
that this open communication remains a key part of our relationship. We look forward to
continuing our regular and constructive engagement with our counterparts and friends in the
Ministry of Health.
Thank you.
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