On March 5, 2020, ICHESS completed its technical assistance to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Djibouti. Requested by UNICEF Djibouti and other technical and financial partners, this support began in December 2019 and covered the development of the country’s fifth National Health Development Plan (PNDS) 2020–2024 and the health system strengthening reforms needed to achieve universal health coverage.

The Plan will require an estimated budget of USD 348 million, or USD 74 per capita. With the projected investments in mind, experts believe the budget will ensure delivery of an integrated package of health services to reach those in need. Those likely to benefit are locals who are the most vulnerable. In partnership with ICHESS, the Ministry of Health is finalizing a plan to provide a solution in a push towards the Republic of Djibouti’s goal for universal health coverage by 2030.

ICHESS has provided full support in steering discussions to meet the target goal. The nation’s health initiative was launched by Djibouti’s Minister of Health, with those in attendance being the Minister of Finance and several heads of development at the United Nations and development agencies invited in a joint venture with the national government, to show their continued support for Djibouti’s health reforms.

The Ministers of Health and Finance and key participants at the launch of the Djibouti National Health Development Plan, 2020 – 2024, Djibouti, March 2020.

ICHESS has helped the Ministry of Health in outlining a roadmap to providing universal health by 2030 and there are works to finalize the implementation strategy of the newly developed Plan.