Minister Launches $10 Million Health Project for Afghanistan

First Wave of Vital Medicines Being Airlifted

TORONTO, Nov. 29 /CNW Telbec/ - Health Partners International of Canada (HPIC) and the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, unveil a 5-year project to build the capacity of the Afghan healthcare system in the area of pharmaceutical management and to provide people in Afghanistan with $25 million in life-saving pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. The project, funded by the Canadian International Development Agency, will provide greater and more equitable access to medicine for Afghans, with a special emphasis on women and children.

What:	HPIC launches 5-year project for Afghanistan: "Capacity Building and Access to Medicines."
Who:	The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation Glen Shepherd, President and CEO of HPIC  The Honourable Jake Epp, Chair of HPIC Wendy Zatylny, Vice President, Federal Affairs and Communications, Canada's Research-based Pharmaceutical Companies Jim Keon, President of the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association
When:	Tuesday, November 30^th, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where:	HPIC Distribution Centre 7045A Tomken Road, Mississauga, Ontario
Photo Opportunity:	Minister Oda inspects medicines and supplies for Afghanistan.

About HPIC:
Health Partners International of Canada is a humanitarian not-for-profit relief and development organization dedicated to improving access to medicine and enhancing health in the developing world. HPIC contributes to well-being by providing donated essential medicines, supplies and vaccines, building national health sector capacities, and responding to emergencies and health threats. We partner with a network of ministries of health, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and healthcare professionals, with pharmaceutical and healthcare product companies, and with Canadian government departments; and we count on the financial support of individual donors, foundations and corporations. Because of our unique model, HPIC multiplies every donated dollar to provide, without discrimination, at least $10 of free medical aid.

For further information:

Media contacts:   
Steven Theobald, Idea Workshop
[email protected]
W: 416-504-3977 x 21
M: 416-817-8061

Christina Parsons, Health Partners International of Canada
[email protected]
W: 514-822-1112 x 119