Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Enhanced Integrated Framework ...

• the proposals that are considered in theHNSS timeframe and implemented whenfund is available; and• the proposals that have to be discussed indetail with the MoPH because they are notadhering to the evaluation criteria, collidingwith the HNSS strategies and/or duplicatingthe efforts and inputs of theMoPH and its partners.The MoPH acknowledges that the SNC is anopportunity for all the stakeholders in the sectorto create more dialogue and thus refine theroute towards the accomplishment of theHNSS.Private Sector ‘For Profit’ Health CareProvision: In addition to the contractual arrangementswith NGOs and Private Sectorgroups to provide MoPH service packages,mechanisms will be developed by which ‘forprofit’ private sector providers of medical andhospital services can be supported by Government.This reflects the realization that whilepublic funding for many social services such aseducation and health is necessary, ‘for profit’private sector provision may be more efficient.In many countries, private sector provision hasdeveloped to cover the needs of a significantproportion of the population seeking qualityeducation and health care. These ‘for profit’private sector providers have emerged despitenot have any access to public funding. As partof the ANDS, an effort will be made to fostercompetition between public sector providers,public sector contractors and ‘for profit’ privatesector operations. Communities or individualconsumers who feel they can get better servicefrom the ‘for profit’ private sector providersshould not lose their claim on public funds justbecause they make this choice. Voucherschemes and/or direct public sector paymentsfor approved services provided by accredited‘for profit’ private sector providers will be usedto encourage this competition.Expected OutcomesThe key expected outcomes in the Health andNutrition sector are:• Increased quality of health care services;• Increased access to health care services;• Effective Reproductive and Child healthsystem; and• Increased competition amongst health careproviders.EDUCATIONRole of the Sector in ANDSThe ANDS strategic vision for this sector is thatregardless of gender, ethnicity, socio-economicstatus or religious affiliation, all Afghans willhave equal access to quality education to enablethem to develop their knowledge andskills and thereby maximize their potential. Aneducation sector that engenders a healthyworkforce with relevant skills and knowledgeis a key to long-term economic growth.Over the last six years the sector has experienceda number of major achievements, notablyin terms of enrollment rates. There are todaymore than six million children, youth andadults receiving education. Communities havedemonstrated their desire for a better future fortheir children by sending them to school intheir millions. Tens of thousands of youth andadults, both female and male attend literacyclasses and vocational training programs.Households are making large personal and financialsacrifices to provide an education fortheir children. However, much remains to bedone. This strategy outlines the Government’spriorities for education that will facilitate thedevelopment of an education sector fromwhich students will emerge literate, numerateand technologically proficient.Access to education is enshrined in the constitution,which states that:education “is the right of all citizens andoffered free of charge in State institutions….andthat the State is obliged to deviseand implement effective programs fora balanced expansion of education all overAfghanistan” (article 43).The education sector in Afghanistan comprisesthree sub-sectors: (i) Primary and SecondaryEducation, which includes general, Islamic andtechnical/vocational education, from Grades 1to 14; (ii) Higher Education for all tertiary education;and (iii) Skills Development that en-Economical and Social Development 113