The HHS Assistant Secretary for Health, ADM Joxel García, M.D., Visits Afghanistan

July 23, 2008 – ADM Joxel García, M.D., Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the senior-most physician in the Department and the leader of the U.S. Public Health Service, visited Rabia Balkhi Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan, as part of a week-long visit to that country.

Rabia Balkhi is a large women’s hospital that delivers approximately 13,000 to 14,000 children per year.  Along with other partners, HHS is working there to strengthen the quality of medical care and improve the health outcomes of mothers and newborns; focused on the development of an advanced obstetrics and gynecology training program, which serves very high-risk women.  ADM García is a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, and has worked for most of his professional career to promote women’s health.

During his visit, ADM García will also meet with the Afghan Deputy Minister of Public Health, the Honorable Faizullah Kakar, M.D., and observe programs at other Hospitals in Kabul.

Last revised: July 27, 2008