Armenia has made substantial progress in improving the physical health and social well-being of its citizens. However, challenges remain in the areas of maternal and child health, reproductive health, and multi-drug resistant tuberculosis. Key indicators reveal that Armenia is not on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goals targets for maternal mortality rate, under-five mortality rate, and the incidence and prevalence of tuberculosis (TB).

USAID is engaged in a strategic partnership with the Government of Armenia, civil society, and other stakeholders to address weaknesses and gaps in the health system that negatively impact maternal and child mortality and the burden of TB in the country. USAID targets both access to and quality of care. The Mission also supports the Government of Armenia to improve relevant legislation, financial audits, and public expenditure reviews to ensure efficient use of funds. In addition, USAID coordinates with other donors, including the World Health Organization and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, to work with the State Health Agency and National Tuberculosis Program on refining the provider payment system for TB services.

Over the course of its 2013-2017 strategy, USAID will gradually phase out assistance to the health sector while preserving the legacies and improved outcomes of USAID’s twenty years of assistance. To this end, USAID will strive to further partnerships with the government and non-governmental organizations to enhance sustainable approaches and increase host-country ownership.

CURRENT PROGRAM

‡‡Improving Tuberculosis, Maternal and Child Health, Family Planning and Reproductive Health Outcomes in Armenia – The project helps the Ministry of Health to improve: quality and utilization of out-patient TB services in Armenia; access to quality MCH and FP/RH services to address underlying causes of maternal and child morbidity and mortality; transparency and accountability in the public service delivery system; and public health surveillance in priority areas. USAID also helps assess the nutritional status and hemoglobin levels of women and under-five children. The data will allow the Ministry to define a baseline and set targets for monitoring and evaluation of nutrition and anemia among women and children.  ‡‡‡  

Improving the Quality of Neonatal Care Services in Armenia  – The project helps improve the performance of health care providers in delivering quality services; promote family-centered neonatal care; establish a system of continuous quality improvement in targeted health facilities; and strengthen the capacity of selected professional associations in defining and advancing neonatal care standards. The project focuses on high-impact and evidence-based interventions to increase access to essential newborn care and address the leading causes of child mortality.

‡‡2015 Armenia Demographic and Health Survey (ADHS) – The ADHS is a nation-wide household survey, which analyzes demographic information on key health issues and challenges, and the country’s progress in addressing them. The study enables decision-makers to formulate evidence-based policies and plan for appropriate financial commitments.