national reproductive health strategy - Ministry of Public Health ...

National Reproductive Health Strategy (2012–2016)ANNEX 3: Terms of Reference of TechnicalWorking Group Drafting Revision of theNational Reproductive Health StrategyBackgroundArticle 52 of the Constitution of Afghanistan recognizes that “The state is obliged to provide themeans of preventive health care and medical treatment, and proper health facilities to all citizens ofAfghanistan in accordance with the provisions of law.” This is an affirmation of the politicalcommitment of the Government to improve the health status of all citizens. The AfghanistanNational Development Strategy (2008–2013) is the roadmap by which Afghanistan will progresstoward the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Ministry of PublicHealth has formulated its Health and Nutrition Sector Strategy (2018–2103) which sets out itsmission and vision in improving the health of the people of Afghanistan. The current ReproductiveHealth Strategy was developed for the period 2006-2009. Hence, the strategy needs to be revised toachieve the goals and targets set out in the Health and Nutrition Sector Strategy (2018–2103).The Ministry of Public Health has constituted a Technical Working Group (TWG) to revise the existingstrategy.Expected outputThe expected output of the TWG is final version of the Revised National Reproductive HealthStrategyComposition of the Technical Working GroupMembers of the Technical Working Group represent various concerned members of the DoHS,relevant Ministries of the Government and civil society. The Chairperson of the Working Group willbe Director Reproductive Health, MoPHUNFPA will function as the Secretariat.Scope of work of the Technical Working Group1. The TWG will be responsible for the preparations for a National Consultative Meeting to takestock of the current situation with regards to reproductive health in Afghanistan, identifygaps in existing policy documents and to make recommendations for the development ofthe new strategy. This will include preparation of working documents, organization of themeeting and recording the outcome of the meeting.2. The TWG will ensure that the revised strategy is in line with the guidelines identified at theNational Consultative Meeting. Sub-groups may be formed as agreed by the Working Groupmembers to work on different components of reproductive health such as gender, HIV AIDS,adolescent health based on their experience in the area. Representatives of donors andinternational agencies should also be members of the working group but they can be invitedas needed.3. The copies of the draft strategy will be disseminated to stakeholders and developmental andNGO partners for comments. Involvement of other Ministries such as Ministry of Women’sAffairs, Deputy Minister of Youth, senior politicians, involvement of health care providers,local academic institutions, will be sought proactively by the chair of the TWG. The TWG willPage 45