Let’s Partner with the Partnership
The WHO definition of health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. A concept often disregarded. When asked health is usually regarded as infirmity, not the bliss of well-being. This concept is encompassed by The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health, (PMNCH). They were launched in 2005 and are committed to achieving universal access to high quality reproductive, maternal health, newborn and child health care and services.
This partnership focuses on universal access and the comprehensive approach, to ensure the success of the programme. I have already expressed my view on the importance of incorporating all and taking a holistic approach when attempting attitude change. I feel without this inclusion attitude changes are never sustainable.
This partnership focuses closely on the Millennium Development Goals, (MDGs), especially MDG 4 and 5. MDG 4, focuses on the reduction of child mortality, and MDG 5 focuses on increasing maternal health. This special partnership was previously three separate entities, The Partnership for Safe Motherhood and Newborn Health, the Child Survival Partnership and the Health Newborn Partnership.
Together they form a constituency of over 450 members in partner countries, from the UN, non-governmental agencies, health professionals, academic institutions to the private sector. Collectively they are able to work together and support one another to accelerate the progress towards achieving the UN MDGs. (more information on the MDGs coming soon)
What is favourable about this organisation is that they are transparent. We are able to access their reports, findings and action plans. The frameworks by which they work by are published on their website. I believe their focus is on three Strategic Objectives, by my interpretation they are, increasing knowledge and access, advocacy and accountability with transparency.
The last one is of great importance. It is the only way in which we can be sure the work we are putting in is actually making a difference. This can also increase the efficiency in our work. It can unite the many organisations that share the same goal.
The Family Planning Summit goals were very much aligned to the PMNCH aims, I am sure they will be working very hard in the coming years to ensure the success of the commitment laid by the Department for International Development (DFID) and Gates Foundation. To remind ourselves, global leaders have united to provide 120 million women in the world’s poorest countries access to contraceptives by 2020. This can and will change the lives of more than 120 million people worldwide.
Let us unite and support such organisations that are passionate to the cause to help mankind.
References:
The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health: http://www.who.int/pmnch/en/
Family Planning Summit 2012: www.londonfamilyplanningsummit.co.uk