§ Mr. LyonsTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what improvements in health care have taken place in Afghanistan since the end of the war. [150623]
Mr. Gareth ThomasSince April 2002 72 hospitals, clinics and women's healthcare centres have been rebuilt. The Ministry of Health has established a Child and Adolescent Health Department and a Department of Women and Reproductive Health to tackle high infant and maternal mortality rates.
The World Bank, the United States Agency for International Development and the European Community are helping the Afghan Ministry of Health, through NGOs, to provide a basic healthcare service to the entire population. The package consists of services for (i) maternal and newborn health; (ii) child health and immunisation; (iii) nutrition; (iv) communicable disease; (v) mental health; (vi) disability; and (vii) supply of essential drugs.
Immunisation is having a real impact. 12 million children have been immunised against polio and 1080W to broadcasters other than the BBC about news and current affairs coverage. [153269]
§ The Prime MinisterIn the last 12 months, my office will have had many discussions with all sections of the media, including the BBC, as part of their normal day-to-day duties. A list of all such discussions is not maintained centrally.