The Road to the SDGs

million beneficiaries annually, aiming to reach 5.7 million patients over a five-year period in the seven recipient countries, when all units become fully operational. These services will directly address the lack of health services in rural and remote areas. X The project will complement existing health systems and serve as an enabler to achieve both the local health strategy and related SDGs. X The project will run for approximately seven years for each country, as it involves two phases, the first phase being the supply of units (about two years) and the second phase being the operation of the units for a minimum period of five years, after which they may be handed over to the local authorities/ communities. ACHIEVEMENTS X Implementation of MMUs is currently underway, with varying progress between participating countries. In Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and Tajikistan, the project is making good progress, while in other countries it is still in its early stages. X Except for India, where KAAP is dealing directly with local NGOs, agreements have been signed with the relevant governments. There are plans for a pilot project in India, hopefully before the end of 2021. X The Government of Afghanistan has chosen to establish a specialised cardiology hospital in Kabul to help the poor who cannot travel outside the country for heart disease treatment. In addition to the hospital, it has opted to build four comprehensive health centres in rural areas. X In the case of Yemen, KAAP is evaluating several options and mechanisms to resume the project, bearing in mind the current situation on the ground. X The MMUs for Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan are ready to operate during 2021. X In Pakistan, operation of the MMUs started in August 2019 with eight MMUs, six for primary healthcare services and two for surgical care services. X In Bangladesh, five MMUs are still under construction, while three have already been launched for testing and commissioning and are expected start offering services during 2021. INVESTMENT X The total amount used to launch the MMU project was US$ 242 million, distributed among Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Yemen. T H E M O B I L E M E D I C A L U N I T P R O J E C T The project targets over 1.14 million beneficiaries annually, aiming to reach 5.7 million patients over a five-year period in the 7 recipient countries [ 139 ] T H E R O A D T O T H E S D G s | P R O G R E S S A N D A C H I E V E M E N T S