Canadian Network for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health launched in Ottawa
Launch of the Network
22 NOVEMBER 2011 | OTTAWA - The Canadian Network for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health was launched during a round table meeting with Canadian health stakeholders in Ottawa. The Network - made up of maternal, newborn and child health experts, medical practitioners and civil society organizations - aims to support Canada's efforts to improve maternal, newborn and child health by increasing coordination and collaboration among partners.
The Canadian Minister of International Cooperation, the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, formally launched the network: "I am encouraged by the Network's commitment to coordinate and work with our partners in delivering health, disease prevention and nutrition services in developing countries," said Minister Oda. "The Network's focus on results and improved coordination will ensure our government's efforts and our Muskoka Initiative to improve the health of women and children are making a difference in developing countries."
"The Network is an example of Canadian experts coming together to leverage our experience and resources in the interest of saving more women and children from preventable deaths," said Network co-Chair Rosemary McCarney. "One of our goals is to agree to a common set of metrics and a mechanism to track the results of our collective efforts. Our vision is of a rich knowledge base that truly makes a difference in improving mothers' chances of survival and the fate of their newborn children."
During the meeting, the Network launched its bilingual website ( www.can-mnch.ca ) - funded by CIDA - which, in addition to increasing information sharing among Canadian stakeholders, seeks to inform international partners of maternal, newborn and child health work underway globally. The website will also demonstrate results being achieved to save or improve the lives of mothers and children in support of Canada's Muskoka Initiative.
"The Canadian Network for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health illustrates the commitment of Canadian organizations to collaborate and share expertise in order to provide effective interventions for women's and children's health in vulnerable communities around the world." said Network co-Chair, Dr. Dorothy Shaw.