Ireland takes leading role in donor coordination for health

Members of the donor coordination group in the health sector gathered on Thursday 18th June to mark the handover of the chairmanship of the group from UNICEF to Ireland.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Donan Mmbando, commended the spirit of partnership between donors and the government in the health sector and highlighted successes that have been jointly achieved, including the reduction in child mortality.

The Permanent Secretary thanked Dr Sudha Sharma of UNICEF for her excellent contribution as chair of the group before wishing the health team within the Embassy of Ireland, led by Development Specialist Carol Hannon, luck for the year ahead. He closed his speech with the well-known Irish blessing, “May the road rise up to meet you”.

Having supported UNICEF as incoming chair, Ireland will now lead the coordination group for one year, leading on discussions and negotiations with Government of Tanzania on behalf of bilateral and multilateral donors in the health sector.