HHS Secretary Meets with Afghan Health Minister

July 21, 2008 – HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt (center) with Minister of Health Sayed Mohammad Amin Fatemi, M.D., of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (right) and Afghan Ambassador to the United States Said Tayeb Jawad (left) after their meeting on Monday.

July 21, 2008 – HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today welcomed to the United States His Excellency Sayed Mohammad Amin Fatemi, M.D., minister of public health of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.  Minister Fatemi thanked Secretary Leavitt for the U.S. Government’s aid to the people of Afghanistan, and noted the improvements in public health in that country over the past five years.  He also expressed gratitude to U.S. soldiers who are currently serving in Afghanistan.

Secretary Leavitt thanked the Minister for his kind words, and assured him the United States had a “long-term commitment” to Afghanistan.  Secretary Leavitt also said it was heartening to hear about the improvements in public health in Afghanistan, especially the massive increase in female health-care providers.  He noted, “Health can act as a bridge for peace.”

HHS has actively been involved in reducing maternal and child mortality in Afghanistan, focused at Rabia Balkhi Hospital (RBH) in Kabul, along with partners such as the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Department of Defense.  At RBH, HHS has established a training program to train Afghan doctors in maternal health, especially Caesarian sections.

The HHS Assistant Secretary for Health, ADM Joxel García, M.D., will visit Afghanistan to spend time at and visit Rabia Balkhi and other hospitals in Kabul, as to well as meet with officials from the Ministry of Public Health.

Last revised: July 25, 2008