Dear HIFA colleagues,
In this second week we ask:
Q2. Have you ever participated, either through a civil society organization or as an individual, in health policy processes at a national or sub-national level? What was your experience?
At the beginning of our discussion I posted a paper on Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria, a hybrid coalition of international and domestic organisations. I noted: 'This illustrates the potential for international and national CSOs to work together to identify and present evidence for increased impact.'
Indeed, if we look at this issue from the perspective of policymakers, such coalitions are a win-win. They allow civil society organisations to work together in a united front with policymakers. This is a lot easier than policymakers having to deal with dozens or hundreds of approaches from individual CSOs. In the UK alone there are over 170,000 registered charities. (There are also potential disadvantages to this collective approach, especially if the collective is restrictive in any way, and I look forward to hear about your experience.)
In the UK there is a well respected coalition convening more than 50 organisations working in global health: Action for Global Health (UK).
'Action for Global Health (AfGH) is an influential membership network convening more than 50 organisations working in global health.
'We provide access to key decision-makers, joint advocacy and campaigning opportunities and the chance to participate in an active global health community to drive progress towards SDG 3.
'Our Vision. A world where the universal right to health is realised and everyone has access to the quality healthcare they need without being forced into financial hardship.
'Our Mission. To mobilise and unite UK-based global health advocates and hold the UK government and other global health stakeholders accountable to achieve our agreed strategic goals.'
Global Healthcare Information Network (the non-profit that administers HIFA) is a member of Action for Global Health, and I have been impressed by their professionalism and their ability to coordinate advocacy and convene CSOs with senior government officials.
I have invited them to join our discussion. You can read more about them here: https://actionforglobalhealth.org.uk/
Can you give an example of a similar coalition of civil society organisations in your country?
Best wishes, Neil
Joint Coordinator, HIFA SUPPORT-SYSTEMS
https://www.hifa.org/projects/new-support-systems-how-can-decision-makin...
Neil Pakenham-Walsh, Global Coordinator HIFA, www.hifa.org neil@hifa.org
Working in official relations with WHO
