UNDAF outcome 2: To improve the accessibility, quality and sustainability of the health care delivery system
Bhutan has had success in the development of the health sector. Primary health care stands at more than 90 percent and life expectancy rate has risen 37 years in 1966 to 66 years by 1994. The Royal Government of Bhutan projections for the 10th Five Year Plan is to reduce infant mortality rate from 40.13 to 20 per thousand live births, and to increase life expectancy to 70 years. An increase in the number of births attended by trained health professionals – from only 15 percent in 1990 to 51 percent in 2005 – has helped in reducing the maternal mortality rate from 308 for every 100,000 live births in 1994 to 255 in 2000. But continued focus is still required since women are dying as a result of pregnancy-related complications, primarily because nearly half of births still take place at home. Access to life-saving emergency obstetric care is constrained by rugged geographical terrain, and the need for further strengthening of skilled professionals and health facilities. While efforts to upgrade staff and facilities of hospitals and health units must continue, the role of village health workers and community and religious leaders requires greater attention to strengthen community awareness about danger signs during pregnancy and community support for timely referral to health facilities.
The number of HIV reported cases may be low, but there exists the need to create more effective care and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS.
A number of UN agencies are through one joint workplan focusing on strengthening the national capacity of the Ministry of Health to:
- Increase access to and delivery of quality health services for all
- Adopt multi-sectoral approaches and strengthen partnership with communities to respond to prevention, care and treatment of HIV/AIDS and STI
Workplans