KABUL - The French government has provided 5.7mln euros (366 million Afghanis) for the implementation of an improved maternal and child health program in the northeastern province of Badakhshan, an official said on Tuesday.
This program would be implemented by Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) over the next three years, Dr. Nadira Hayat Borhani, the deputy minister of public health, said after signing an agreement with the French ambassador to Afghanistan and an AKDN representative.

Addressing the signing ceremony, Borhani appreciated the financial support from the French government, calling the implementation of the program an important step in improving maternal and child health in the mountainous province.

French Ambassador Bernard Bajolet assured long-term support and cooperation to the government and people of Afghanistan and emphasized on strengthening relations between the two countries.

The program includes nursing training, community health nursing education, midwife education for 60 women and medical education for existing heath staff in Badakhshan and Kabul.

AKDN representative Kevin Moorhead pledged his organization would implement the program in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Health to provide better services to the people of Badakhshan, especially for children and women.