A guide to tackle the challenges of global health programs
Posted on Jan 5, 2012
How does PIH do the work it does? And can it be replicated in other communities around the world?
In 2011, we published the PIH Program Management Guide – a comprehensive resource devoted to addressing these questions and enabling others to learn from PIH’s own challenges and accomplishments. A collective effort of PIH leadership from around the world, this new guide captures the elements of how our work is designed, implemented, and evaluated.
“We hope [the PIH Program management Guide] will serve as a practical and useful tool for program managers, and for others engaged in this work around the globe,” says PIH Director of Programs Jenna LeMieux.
“For me, this manual not only gives a glimpse into health programming for anyone interested, but also serves as a practical guide for those of us working with these complex challenges every day,” says Aaron Shapiro of Gardens for Health International, a young organization that has helped to pilot the guide. “It sheds light on ways to accurately collect data, efficiently train community members, and demonstrates the critical importance and value of working collaboratively with host governments.”
“The guide provides crucial information on how to approach health problems in resource-poor settings, understand what needs to be done, and leverage every resource necessary, from medicines and technology to connections and advocacy networks, to build sustainable, effective heath systems,” writes Jill Shah of GlobeMed, an organization that engages students in global health issues.
Topics covered include PIH’s experiences working around the clock to to identify and treat patients while also trying to get medicines and supplies through customs, manage finances, secure clean water for the site, set up power and an Internet connection, hire clinic-based and community staff, locate an ambulance and driver, identify potential partners, and ultimately strengthen local public health systems.
In November, PIH helped to organize an online expert panel discussion with GHDonline to share experiences and perspective on an NGO’s role in strengthening health systems and partnering with local Ministries of Health. Thousands of people from 58 different countries visited the online panel, and the discussion threads are still posted. Similar panels are being organized for 2012.
In 2012, PIH’s training team plans to update and add to the online resource. The team will be working closely with the Praxis Network and other organizations to gain additional insights from others who support social justice and global health programs around the world.
