The Think Tank Initiative invites applications from independent African organisations that are committed to using research to inform and influence social and economic policy. The Initiative will provide multi-year funding to promising think tanks, and will work with successful applicants to improve their organizational performance. The Think Tank Initiative is a new, multi-donor program dedicated to strengthening independent policy research institutions – or “think tanks” – in developing countries, enabling them to better provide sound research that both informs and influences policy. The Initiative will focus its activities in East and West Africa, South Asia and Latin America. The deadline for submissions is 19 August 2008.
Jobs and Announcements
Understanding access to medicines: Consultation note for a global research network proposal
The UK Department for International development (DFID) is considering the establishment of a global Access to Medicines Research Network (ATM RN). Is it anticipated that this network will bring together research institutions from developed and developing countries to enhance the available evidence on how to make medicines affordable and accessible to the poorest populations. To inform the design of the ATM RN DFID is now holding an open consultation with interested parties. An online survey is available from 1-30 June. All are invited to send your views and comments to inform the establishment of the network (use the link provided).
Vacancy: Regional campaign/advocacy manager of Soul City HIV and AIDS campaign
A candidate is sought to manage the development and implementation of Soul City’s 10-country Southern Africa regional HIV/AIDS prevention campaign (One Love Campaign). In addition, the job involves supporting the implementation of advocacy campaigns in four Southern African countries. The One Love Campaign rolls out across 10 southern African countries from October 2008 to October 2009.
Further details: /newsletter/id/33233
Abstract call: 12th World Congress on Public Health, 27 April - 1 May 200, Istanbul, Turkey
World Federation of Public Health Associations
The 12th Triennial Congress will address the enormous challenges and opportunities for public health organizations worldwide to make a difference.
The World Federation of Public Health Associations and the Turkish Public Health Association invite local, national and international public health leaders, advocates and students to submit abstracts dealing with the major cross-cutting sub-themes: education, research, and practice. These abstracts should demonstrate the link between public health education, research, and practice and improved health outcomes. The abstracts should also showcase innovations, practices, tools and transferable lessons from across the globe that will help us make a decided difference in global public health. Submit abstracts in the following general topics: Education in Public Health for 21st Century; Global Public Health Workforce; Public Health & Health Services Research & Technology; Global Governance; Health and Development; Comparative Analysis of Health Systems; Strengthening Global Public Health Systems; Financing Global Public Health; Environmental Safety & Stewardship; Health, Geopolitics, & Public Diplomacy; Public Health, Political Will, & the Public Good. Abstract Submission Deadline is Saturday, 5 July 2008, Midnight Pacific Time.
Call for entries: South African Health Review Cover Student Photography Contest
Health Systems Trust, 30 May 2008
This photography contest has a total of R5 000 in prizes to be won and the winning photograph will appear on the cover of the 2008 South African Health Review (SAHR). Furthermore, the top 10 photographs will be showcased at the official launch of the SAHR in November 2008. The contest is open to students currently enrolled in a Photography, Arts or related area Department (i.e. tertiary institution) in South Africa. Entries must be accompanied by a copy of a valid student ID and by the name of your school and instructor. Photographs must be high-quality prints and can be colour or black and white. Photographs will become property of HST, which retains rights to publish photographs in future publications, and will not be returned. The deadline for submitting entries is 5 September 2008.
Call for Expression of Interest: Impact assessment of financial aid flows to civil society in southern Africa
Southern Africa Trust, 21 May 2008
The Southern Africa Trust is seeking a consultancy to undertake an assessment of the impact of financial aid flows on the policy work of regional civil society in Southern Africa as part of its ongoing work to engage with donors on financial aid flows to Southern Africa but also as a way of strengthening its work around supporting increased aid flows to civil society for them to be able to effectively to influence policy to overcome poverty. Expressions of interest must be submitted by 28 May 2008, 15.00pm
Further details: /newsletter/id/33178
Call for participants: The Health Systems Action Network
Health Systems Action Network
The Health Systems Action Network (HSAN) invites you to apply to join its membership and become a part of a global voice for Health Systems Strengthening. HSAN is a volunteer grassroots-level global network of developing country professionals committed to strengthening health systems through effective involvement of diverse stakeholders, spreading of actionable knowledge, and better management of resources that is guided by evidence. HSAN´s emphasis is to increase access to information on effective strategies that work to strengthen health systems, and to avoid implementation of strategies that have been found to be less effective in strengthening health systems. HSAN aims to provide a platform for voices from developing countries, and fill the gaps that exist in effectively addressing HSS issues at the national, regional, and global levels by establishing partnerships at each level. If you have strong health systems experience, you are encouraged to apply and the selection committee will then invite those screened and accepted as full members.
Can health evidence work to save lives?
Walgate R: Real Health News, 21 May 2008
Writers and journalists are invited to submit articles for a 44-page magazine for the Global Ministerial Forum on Research for Health in Bamako later this year, with support from IDRC (Canada), on the connection - or lack of connection - between research for health, health policy-making, and health action, mainly (but not entirely) in Africa. Article proposals should be submitted immediately and articles must be submitted by latest, end July 2008.
Further details: /newsletter/id/33099
High-Level Meeting on AIDS, United Nations
UNAIDS, May 2008
The 2008 high-level meeting on AIDS will take place at the United Nations headquarters in New York on 10-11 June. It will review progress made in implementing the 2001 Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and the 2006 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS. The high-level meeting will provide an important forum for various stakeholders, including government representatives and accredited civil society participants. Discussions are expected to focus on the progress made, challenges remaining and sustainable ways to overcome them.
Fifth Course on Promoting Rational Medicines Use in the Community (PRMUC 2008): 29 June-11 July 2008
School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
This course was developed to meet requests from individuals and organisations, for more effective planning, research and implementation of rational medicines use activities in the community. The objectives are: to study and remedy inappropriate medicines use in the community; to investigate and prioritize medicines use problems, and to develop effective strategies for change; and to address challenges in the use of medicines in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and chronic diseases; including issues on treatment literacy and adherence. This two week course is aimed at policy makers, management staff from Ministries of Health, ARV programme managers, NGO officials responsible for national and local programmes, development aid agencies, social scientists, pharmacists and other public health workers. The deadline for receipt of applications is 2 May 2008. The course flyer and application form can be printed out directly from the Medicines web page at http://mednet3.who.int/prduc or www.uwc.ac.za/comhealth/soph
Further details: /newsletter/id/33079