Letter from the PMNCH Chair
This week marks the arrival of The Partnership's new Director of the secretariat, Dr Carole Presern. Carole is known to many in the global health community for her exceptional work with a number of leading organizations, including GAVI and DFID, as well as her membership of the Global Fund, UNITAID and the International HIV/AIDS Alliance boards. Indeed, Carole -- a midwife and anthropologist by training -- represents every single one of The Partnership's six constituency groups because of her remarkable career.
The Partnership is now reaching a new point of maturity after five years of rapid growth and influence, capped by last year's facilitation of the UN Secretary-General's Global Strategy for Women's and Children's Health. Carole's mandate will be to consolidate that growth, positioning The Partnership on a strategic path that makes the most of both opportunities and challenges inherent to the current health and development landscape.
We have seen the issues addressed by PMNCH rise to the very top of the political agenda, as the G8 and the African Union showed last year. But the world changes, new issues emerge, and we must ensure that promises are kept. We need much greater efficiency and innovation in how we do business, so that precious resources can be nurtured for maximum return. Next month, The Partnership's Board will meet at a strategic retreat, where we will discuss our vision through 2015. We will continue to sharpen our value-added, and to build on the successes that have brought us to where we are today.
With an outstanding network of more than 400 partner-organizations, a soaring reputation, and a dynamic and dedicated Board, The Partnership is positioned to continue to excel under Carole's able leadership.
Carole enjoys the legacy of another remarkable woman, Dr Flavia Bustreo, now Assistant Director-General for Family and Community Health at the World Health Organization. With great energy and capacity, Flavia steered The Partnership during its first five years, starting as Deputy Director under Dr Francisco Songane. As Director from 2009, Flavia has been instrumental in bringing The Partnership to where it is today. I know I speak for all members when I express my sincere admiration and gratitude, as well as my delight that Flavia will now become a Board member of The Partnership, representing WHO.
Best wishes to you all in this important year for PMNCH.
Dr Julio Frenk
Chair
The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health