This paper in Globalisation and Health assesses progress in the development of a global framework for responding to non-communicable diseases, as reflected in the policies and initiatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), World Bank and the UN. Responding to the global burden of chronic disease requires an assessment of the global processes that are likely to be most effective in generating commitment to policy change at country level. The paper assesses the merits of the Millennium Development Goals and the WHO framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), and considers that lessons might be learned for enhancing the implementation of the Global Strategy on Diet.
Governance and participation in health
Non-communicable diseases and global health governance: enhancing global processes to improve health development
Magnusson R: Globalization and Health, 2007
An exploratory study of community factors relevant for participatory malaria control on Rusinga Island, Western Kenya
Opiyo P, Mukabana RW, Kiche I, et al: Malaria Journal 6 :48, 2007
Capacity strengthening of rural communities, and the actors that support them, is needed to enable them to lead their own malaria control programmes. The existing capacity of a rural community in western Kenya was evaluated in preparation for a larger intervention. The study shows that culturally sensitive but evidence-based education interventions, utilising participatory tools, are urgently required which consider traditional beliefs and enable understanding of causal connections between mosquito ecology, parasite transmission and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.
Tanzanian NGO perceptions of their relationships with government and donors' role in poverty reduction and development
Research on Poverty Alleviation (REPOA), 2007
This paper presents findings from a survey of a section of Tanzanian NGOs on their perceptions of their relationships with the government and donors, and their views on their roles and impacts on poverty reduction and development. Key findings of the study indicate that the relationship between NGOs and the government of Tanzania is expanding and improving, characterised by increased communication, interaction and trust. NGOs' relations with donors are seen by respondents as cordial and smooth, but with further probing, numerous frustrations were evident. NGOs view donors as more powerful than the government and the government often sees civil society as a competitor for resources. Despite many barriers, most NGOs felt their organisations have a largely positive impact on policy.
CSOs role indispensable for meeting MDGs
The Ethiopian Herald, 30 March 2007
President of the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CONGO) Renate Bloem said that without the active engagement of civil society organizations (CSOs) the chances of African countries to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is minimal. Addressing the African Civil Society Forum 2007 held at the United Nations Conference Centre under the theme "Democratizing Governance at Regional and Global Level to meet the Millennium Development Goals" yesterday, she said that civil societies need to give their unconditional support to sustainable development with a view to exerting maximum effort to achieve MDGs by 2015.
East Africa: Participatory budgeting: Way to go
The Herald (Harare), 15 March 2007
Mayors from eastern and southern Africa who met in Harare recently have recommended that municipalities should work with ratepayers to develop participatory budgets. The concept of participatory budgeting is an annual process of democratic decision-making in which ordinary city residents and other stakeholders decide how to allocate part of a municipal budget.
Zimbabwe CSOs against Europe's unfair trade deals
Eppmwengo, 19 April 2007
Members of civil society organizations in Zimbabwe have expressed concern that the on going negotiations on Economic Partnership Agreement (EPAs) are complex without clear outcomes and are between two unequal parties. they have outlined in a position paper areas of concern relating to trade imbalances, agriculture, health service liberalisation and intellectual property rights. the organisations thus call for EU member states to listen to and act upon the concerns of ACP countries, and for African governments to put the needs of the people above those of the markets.
Further details: /newsletter/id/32225
Day of Action to reclaim rights, including to health care and AIDS treatment
Social Movements Indaba, 20 March 2007
Social Movements and Human Rights Organisations marched from the Library Gardens to the Constitutional Court in Braamfontein. Formed in 2002, the Social Movements Indaba (SMI) and its affiliates have been at the center of struggle for reclaiming human rights as entrenched in the constitution of the country. The SMI and other organisations affiliated took part in a nation-wide protest in support of the demands for housing, land, water, electricity, HIV treatment and health care, jobs and a positive contribution to the human rights of people suffering in neighbouring countries and around the world.
Further details: /newsletter/id/32187
Social determinants, political contexts and civil society action: a historical perspective on the Commission on Social Determinants of Health
Solar O, Irwin A: Health Promotion Journal of Australia 17: 180-15, 2006
This article evaluats opportunities for action on social determinants of health (SDH) requires a historical perspective. Plans for addressing SDH should be developed with an awareness of past similar efforts and factors that contributed to their success or failure. The study was a review of published historical literature on analysis and action on SDH, in particular from the Latin American social medicine movement. Concluding comments state that opportunities exist today for significant progress in addressing SDH through national action and global mechanisms such as the Commission on Social Determinants of Health. Historical analysis suggests that civil society participation will be crucial for the success of these efforts.
The role of the People's Health Movement in putting the social determinants of health on the global agenda
Narayan R: Health Promotion Journal of Australia 17 (3), 186-8, 2006
The People's Health Movement (PHM) is a global network of people oriented health professionals and activists, academcis and researchers, campaigners and people organizations that have actively promoted the re endorsement of the 'Health for All' principles of the Alma Ata Declaration and the importance of social determinants of health and health care. The paper outlines a series of ongoing advocacy initiatives through a PHM - WHO advocacy circle that has consistently since 2001 nudged WHO to reaffirm the Alma Ata principles and focus on the social determinants of health. This has led to an evolving dialogue with PHM and the setting up of the WHO commission on social determiants of health, in which the PHM, is actively engaged.
Unconventional gathering: The Nyeleni 2007 Forum for Food Sovereignty in Mali
Bangkokpost, 18 March 2007
The Nyeleni 2007 Forum for Food Sovereignty in Mali was not your usual global conference of diplomats and policy makers; the six-day programme initiated by and for the underprivileged worldwide was marked by a spirit of international solidarity. The shabby conditions, however, seemed a perfect fit for the theme of the Nyeleni 2007 Forum for Food Sovereignty. The six-day programme was initiated by and for the underprivileged worldwide, whose major concern may be their next meal. Among the five hundred-plus in attendance were small-scale farmers and fishermen, indigenous peoples, landless migrant workers, pastoralists, and NGOs who have been working with the rural and urban poor.