Program overview

The mission of the Public Health Program is to develop democratic principles, by adjusting the public health system to the European dimensions.

The goal of the program is to contribute to further democratization of the health care system by developing sustainable mechanisms of community and health professionals' participation in the decision making process. This could be achieved by promoting an evidence-based health policy making, adjusting the existing public health training system to the European standards and ensuring the participation of the civil society in the implementation of national programs.

Health is a reflection of the quality of life. The Public Health Program (PHP) of the Soros Foundation-Moldova (SFM) has the overreaching purpose of promoting quality life for all the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. The Program promotes an approach to public health which relies on the understanding of the causes of health status decline in the entire population and methods of global interventions. Transforming the structure, functions, financing and quality of the healthcare delivery system - the focus of the health sector reform - is one of the elements of this approach. Another vital component, neglected in the country, entails building the capacity of the population-oriented public health infrastructure - the workforce, information systems, and organizations that protect and promote health for all, including those traditionally left behind.

The Program focuses on the development of human resources, structures and processes that make possible the initiation of new forms of decision-making. This approach contributes to a balanced relationship among citizens, government, researchers, service providers and sources of funding for health. And, by facilitating the exchange of information and knowledge and the expansion of democratic participation, the approach encourages the development of a healthy, open society.

The Public Health Program's strategies for the 2005-2007 are the followings:

• Promoting capacity building for overall population health in Moldova, with special attention to vulnerable groups
• Strengthening of a catalytic role of the Program in public health sector adjustments for European Union integration

It will emphasize documentation and evaluation of programs to identify best practices and share lessons learned within the country and across the region.

The Program will identify and support the development of individuals and institutions that can play leadership roles in promoting public health policies and programs. It will support the creation of networks of individuals and institutions to create a critical mass able to promote change in the country, including the creation of partnerships for health among government, academia, non-governmental organizations and the corporate sector organizations.

The above mentioned goals will be achieved by implementing the following subprograms:

• Harm Reduction
• Palliative Care Initiative
• Mental Health Initiatives
• Law and Health Initiative

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