HUMAN RES I (POP/HEA

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The objectives of the First Human Resources Development Project are to support the government's efforts to: (i) control fertility and reduce the rate of population growth, through the implementation of a national population program; and (ii) restructure the health sector to enable it to provide basic health services of improved quality and wider accessibility, through the implementation of its national health policy. To achieve these objectives, the project will finance investments for: (a) population to: (i) strengthen the national family planning program, (ii) promote the status of women; (iii) sensitize youth on family welfare issues; and (iv) strengthen institutional capacity to promote the national population program; and (b) health to: (i) develop the district health system, including the promotion of community health organizations; (ii) promote the use and availability of essential drugs; and (iii) strengthen institutional capacity in the health sector, with emphasis on manpower development, and budgeting and financial planning. The project will involve the adoption and implementation of key policy measures in both the population and health sectors including: (i) liberalization of regulations on contraceptive distribution and use; (ii) adoption of organizational norms for the district health system; and (iii) promotion of essential drugs.