HealthNet TPO member of the “Medicus Mundi International Network” (08-06-2012)

We are proud that last week HealthNet TPO was admitted to the Medicus Mundi International Network (MMI Network). MMI is a network of non-profit organizations working in the field of international health cooperation and advocacy. Through the network we can share our knowledge and gain new knowledge through other members.

“The MMI Network aims to be a living community where members come together voluntarily to share and develop their knowledge, solve common problems and develop joint activities. The MMI Network does not impose leadership, coordination or representation on its members. The MMI members bear the overall responsibility for the MMI Network, its development and its activities.”

The members have the common goal of “health for all”, reflected in the shared vision that having access to health and health care is a fundamental human right.  While recognizing that poverty, inequality, violence and injustice are at the root of ill health and death in many low-income countries, MMI Network members are convinced that:

• accessible, equitable and affordable health care is essential to the improvement of global health, fighting diseases and reducing poverty;
• the major challenge is to keep basic health care sustainable and affordable;
• the key strategy is to strengthen the health system as a whole;
• the private not-for-profit health sector is an essential actor that needs to be considered while strengthening the health care system;
• users of health services should have the opportunity to contribute to the development, management and monitoring of health care policies and services.

The network supports the efforts undertaken by its members to achieve health for all. Activities include international advocacy and sensitization activities, exchange of knowledge and experience, enhancing cooperation and coordination of activities and fostering the development of common policies and practices.

In May 2010 the network adopted a 2011-2015 strategy (PDF) that defines the strategic directions of the MMI Network for the coming five years: "Focus on joint ventures on issues related to health systems strengthening; develop new spaces and tools for sharing know-how and joining forces; focus on joint international advocacy on the WHO; develop new partnerships between NGOs and research institutions."

Within these main strategies, work plans are developing gradually. HealthNet TPO now is looking into what knowledge and experience we can bring to the network and its programmes.