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Iraq´s Ministry of Health and USAID Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Increase Cooperation in Public Management

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Apr. 17 /PRNewswire/ --

BAGHDAD, Iraq, April 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Agency for International Development and Iraq's Ministry of Health (MoH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining a shared vision and collaborative effort to accelerate gains in the health sector's ability to deliver health services to Iraqi citizens, and contribute to Iraq's national economic growth and development.

The MOU strengthens the strategic cooperation between the MoH and USAID's Tatweer initiative. As part of USAID's National Capacity Development Program (NCD), Tatweer, which is Arabic for development, works closely with the Government of Iraq to strengthen and expand the professional skills, qualifications, and capabilities of public servants for more effective public management.

Tatweer will assist the MoH in improving its administrative and managerial performance. Both parties will work together to develop new policy perspectives and system reforms, with a special focus on strengthening fiscal management systems, budget preparation and execution, and procurement.

According to USAID Mission Director Christopher D. Crowley, "The Ministry of Health is taking a leading role in working to build capacity and improve health for Iraq's population and labor force. USAID works with the Ministry to streamline systems and processes orientated towards budget execution and the effective delivery of public services."

USAID's Tatweer project has trained over 870 MoH employees, drawing on a team of 22 MoH trainers, themselves graduates of Tatweer's extensive, five-week training of trainers program. Courses specialized in procurement, project management, human resources, and leadership and communications.

Today's MOU is a sign of confidence in the continued and heightened collaboration between Iraqi's MoH and USAID's Tatweer project in developing cost-effective goals and objectives that address the Ministry's capacity development needs. The ultimate goal is to enhance the health and well-being of all Iraqi citizens.

"Today marks a milestone for the Ministry of Health and the health system of Iraq," said Dr. Saleh Al-Husnawi, Minister of Health. "Together, the Ministry of Health and USAID's Tatweer project will continue to develop the skills of our employees and are part of a comprehensive development system. This MOU is merely the first step in that direction."

For more information about USAID and its programs in Iraq, visit www.usaid.gov.

The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for nearly 50 years.

USAID Public Information: 202-712-4810