HIFA colleagues
Wider access to reliable healthcare information is clearly one of the foundation stones for improving global health, especially given the rising tide of misinformation. So I have long been perplexed by why HIFA gets so little funding from global health organisations compared to the magnitude and importance of its remit; even more so when an independent evaluation has noted that HIFA “achieves an extraordinary level of activity on minimal resources from which many people around the world benefit”.
While efforts to increase funding from international and national organisations must continue; there is something HIFA members can do to help personally. As Neil has noted, a small group of members have committed to regular individual donations; these comprise a significant proportion of HIFA’s income and it would make a huge difference if, say, just 20 more members could be added to this group. So, if you are able, do join us!*
Geoff
*simple to do via HIFA’s secure fundraising page: https://hifa.online-donation.co.uk/general/~my-donation
HIFA profile: Geoff Royston is an independent health analyst and researcher, former Head of Strategic Analysis and Operational Research in the Department of Health for England, and Past President of the UK Operational Research Society. His work has focused on informing the design, implementation and evaluation of policies and programmes in health and social care, and on fostering the capabilities of others to work in these areas. Associated activities have included modelling for understanding the performance of complex systems, analysis and communication of risk, and horizon scanning and futures thinking. He has also worked on information and communication technology in the health sector, notably in leading the design and national launch of the telephone and online health information and advice service NHS Direct, and has been an adviser to OFCOM. He has served on both scientific and medical UK Research Council panels, and as an impact assessor for the UK higher education Research Excellence Framework. He has been a consultant for the World Health Organisation, and is a long-standing member of the EURO Working Group on Operational Research Applied to Health Services. He is a member of the HIFA Steering Group, and of the mHIFA and the HIFA evaluation Working Groups. geoff.royston AT gmail.com