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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $30 million grant to improve maternal and child healthcare services in three districts of Tajikistan, the bank announced on Thursday.

The grant will fund the construction of healthcare facilities, including a 40-bed maternity hospital in Ayni, an 80-bed maternity hospital in Dangara, and a 100-bed central district hospital in Darvoz. These hospitals will feature climate-friendly technologies, such as energy-efficient medical, heating, and cooling systems, according to the ADB.

The project also includes the implementation of a digital asset management system for inventory and maintenance of medical equipment, with staff training provided to ensure its effective use.

In addition to infrastructure improvements, the project will focus on enhancing the management and training of health workers, refining tools and processes for perinatal services, and piloting case-based financing to optimize hospital funding mechanisms. Outreach initiatives will be launched to raise awareness and encourage the use of maternal and child healthcare services.

“Tajikistan has made significant strides in health improvements over the past two decades, including longer life expectancy and reduced maternal mortality,” said Yevgeniy Zhukov, ADB Director General for Central and West Asia. “However, disparities in access and quality of healthcare based on geography and socioeconomic status persist. ADB’s support aims to address these challenges by enhancing healthcare facilities and staff capacity in the targeted districts.”

This grant builds on the ongoing $32 million ADB-funded Maternal and Child Health Integrated Care project, which has been supporting healthcare improvements in the Fayzobod, Rasht, and Shamsiddin Shohin districts since 2018.

Tajikistan has been a member of the ADB since 1998.