Macroeconomics and Health (CMH)

Partnership building

During the last two years WHO has made efforts to consolidate existing and create new partnerships, to broaden its outreach around Macroeconomics and Health activities in countries.

Two broad consultations helped shape the partnership network:

On 17 and 18 June 2002, WHO convened a Consultation on National Responses to the Report of the Commission on Macroeconomics and Health with officials from ministries of health, finance and economic planning from 18 interested countries.The consultation also saw the participation of several development partners. The meeting helped design an approach for the practical implementation of the Report's recommendations and pursue the objective of securing a more prominent role for health in developing countries.

The Second Consultation on Macroeconomics and Health," Increasing Investments in Health Outcomes for the Poor", was held from 28 to 30 October 2003. Its almost 400 participants included health, finance and planning ministers and high-level officials from 40 developing countries. Senior representatives from a number of development agencies, foundations, regional organizations, research institutions, and international banks also participated.

This Consultation, taking stock of the country activities already ongoing, aimed at strengthening the participation of ministries of finance and economic planning in the health and development national processes. The Consultation also provided a key opportunity for refining MH strategies and shaping joint plans of action with development partners.