DUSHANBE, February 21, Asia-Plus — Speaking at a press conference in Dushanbe on February 21, Health Minister Nusratullo Salimov said that the health sector had suffered an estimated more than 4.5 million somonis in damage from energy crisis and severe electricity shortages.
According to him, more than 9 million somonis are needed to rehabilitate the sector and resolve the crisis. He said that $534,000 worth of assistance had to date been provided to the health sector by international organizations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided $260,000, UNICEF – $47,225, the World Bank – $176,300, the Asian Development Bank – $35,000, etc, the minister said.
In the meantime, visiting World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Europe, Dr. Marc Danzon, noted that it was still unrealistic to assess an actual volume of damage caused to Tajikistan’s health sector by extreme weather and energy crisis.
Dr. Danzon noted that the situation in Tajikistan was very serious and it worsened by cold weather and weak health system. “Medical facilities have not bee ready for such critical situation,” said the WHO regional director. “The ministry should critically study the situation and its further prospects with regard for long-term development.”
According to him, WHO is ready to take necessary measures and provide assistance to Tajikistan.
Mr. Danzon arrived in Tajikistan on February 18 to conduct a tour of the country in preparation for an appeal for urgent aid to help alleviate the effects energy crisis that hit Tajikistan.
