Approach

HealthNet TPO develops evidence-based interventions to strengthen the health of populations in distress. HealthNet TPO aims to contribute to the overall health situation by developing systems for the provision of health care and by contributing to community reflection as a conditional necessity in populations recovering from long-time warfare. The overall health of a population is more than the sum of its parts, while it is evident that individuals cannot heal in a sick society. ‘Health’ is defined by different factors and interventions are undertaken from various sides. The approach can be summarized as follows:

• HealthNet TPO works on the structural rehabilitation of health care systems in conflict affected areas worldwide. It aims at improving the health of populations at risk, by understanding, supporting and strengthening coping mechanisms that help themrecover from decades of conflict and disaster.
• In collaboration with local populations and stakeholders, HealthNet TPO focuses on the implementation, development, reconstruction and improvement of sustainable and accessible health care systems. The aim is to rebuild both individual and family lives as well as society, and to contribute to the design and installation of functional health care delivery systems.
• A scientific knowledge base is essential to back up programme interventions, resulting in higher and sustained impact. HealthNet TPO offers innovative and unconventional solutions that foster self-reliance and promote sustainable health care accessible to all.

The identity of HealthNet TPO is thus rooted in three ways: 1) building public health systems, 2) working with excluded populations and in fragile states, and 3) academic work and attitude.