UNMIK/PR/55

Press Release

1 October 1999

UNMIK LAUNCHES BLUEPRINT FOR HEALTH SERVICE IN KOSOVO

PRISTINA - Dr. Hannu Vuori, UNMIK Head of Health and Social Services, today launched the interim administration’s official strategy for rebuilding an efficient and modern health service for Kosovo.

The Interim Health Policy Guidelines and Six Month Action Plan not only provides a much needed framework for the immediate relief effort but aims to encourage longer term development using international humanitarian aid.  The goal is to create a system that offers the highest possible standards of health care that can be sustained by the future government of Kosovo.

"UNMIK is firmly committed to leaving behind a better system than it found when it assumed the responsibility for the interim administration in Kosovo. And healthcare is no exception," Dr. Vuori said. "This document is a very important step in this direction."

Developed by an UNMIK/WHO working group, the guidelines have been evaluated by local professionals, institutions, health facilities, UN agencies, international donors and NGOs. The Joint Civil Commission for Health, which includes representatives from Kosovar political parties, has also endorsed the document.

A key aspect of the guidelines is to reorient what was a hospital-driven system to one more focused on family medicine and preventive care - a move that has been instrumental in improving health and health care throughout Europe.

The document also lays out specific targets for improving children’s health (Kosovo is estimated to have the highest infant mortality rate in Europe), maternity care and mental health care. The guidelines also map out the actions needed to equip the medical and nursing workforces for these tasks.

For more information and interview requests, please contact:

Hilary Bower, Information Officer, WHO Office, Pristina
Sat phone: +873 762 154 894, office mobile +381 63 406 895, personal mobile: +41 79 244 6008