Afghanistan National Health Policy 2015-2020.

The main policy initiative in this national health policy 2015-2020 of the Ministry of Public Health is one that aims to ensure that there is a balance between downstream health care services and upstream ‘health’. This national health policy is different from past such health policies as it: Highlights the need to ensure a sound balance between health care services which are mainly about treating diseases and other ill health among individuals, with public health that addresses the prevention of ill health among communities, to improve health and well-being for all; Acknowledges the importance of social, economic and environmental determinants of health and the importance of inter-ministerial coordination for multi-sectoral action; Gives a strong affirmation of the political will and commitment to joined up working across the ministry and sectors within a vision and mission that is owned by all; Gives pragmatic policy statements on aspects of governance and institutional development; Confirms a commitment to make the best use of international aid while working towards less dependency on such aid; Emphasises the need for more oversight, monitoring and evaluation of work and the use of results in decision making, development of strategies etc.