Objective: To enhance civil society’s participation in global health policies and programs.

Commitment: The Global Health Council pledges to serve the participants of the Clinton Global Initiative network and beyond as a channel to civil society organizations working on the frontlines of basic healthcare and advocacy in the world’s poorest nations.

Background: With a diverse membership of health care professionals and organizations that include non-governmental organizations, foundations, corporations, government agencies and academic institutions working in more than 100 countries around the world, the Global Health Council is uniquely placed to provide information and access to a wide range of perspectives and areas of expertise in global health to those working to combat death and disease in developing countries.

Through participation in the Clinton Global Initiative, the Global Health Council will work to identify partners from within the Initiative willing to assist in efforts to promote and support the inclusion of non-governmental and civil society organizations in the development of effective global health policies and programs. The Global Health Council aims to work with civil society, governments and corporate entities to create and/or enhance a network and platform for dialogue regarding health policy and program development in India, Thailand, Nigeria, South Africa and Eastern Europe.

Partnership Opportunity: The Global Health Council is continuously seeking additional support to fund trips which provide the opportunity to see firsthand the global health programs that are working to improve the health of some of the poorest and sickest residents of South Africa. Past experience has shown that such trips are the most effective tool in educating others about the realities and possibilities of global health programs. Global Health Council staff has completed a tour of South Africa where meetings were held with NGOs, civil society organizations and others.

Update:
December 2005:
Global Health Council staff has completed a tour of South Africa where meetings were held with NGOs, civil society organizations and others to plan the January 2006 trip for congressional staff. The January trip will provide congressional staff members the opportunity to see firsthand the global health programs that are working to improve the health of some of the poorest and sickest residents of South Africa. Past experience has shown that such trips are the most effective tool in educating congressional staff about the realities and possibilities of global health programs.