The NGO Code of Conduct

New suggested readings on macroeconomic policy

Administrator — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:56:46 +0000

We recently posted additional readings on macroeconomic policy and its impact on health systems, including this article on how World Bank and IMF macroeconomic policies are preventing African governments spending enough on their health systems to effectively combat AIDS and other diseases.

Beijing Yirenping Center

Administrator — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:35:51 +0000

Article on the Code of Conduct in the December 2008 issue of the American Journal of Public Health

Administrator — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:21:54 +0000

The American Journal of Public Health published an article on the NGO Code of Conduct for Health Systems Strengthening in its December 2008 issue. The article, authored by James Pfeiffer et al, argues for supporting public sector health systems and warns against NGO practices that instead focus on vertical programs and hire health workers away from the public sector. The authors propose the NGO Code of Conduct as a means of promoting a more effective role for NGOs working in developing countries.

Abstract:

The challenges facing efforts in Africa to increase access to antiretroviral HIV treatment underscore the urgent need to strengthen national health systems across the continent. However, donor aid to developing countries continues to be disproportionately channeled to international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) rather than to ministries of health. The rapid proliferation of NGOs has provoked ‘‘brain drain’’ from the public sector by luring workers away with higher salaries, fragmentation of services, and increased management burdens for local authorities in many countries. Projects by NGOs sometimes can undermine the strengthening of public primary health care systems. We argue for a return to a public focus for donor aid, and for NGOs to adopt a code of conduct that establishes standards and best practices for NGO relationships with public sector health systems.

Pfeiffer J, et al. Strengthening health systems in poor countries: a code of conduct for nongovernmental organizations. AJPH. 2008;98(12):2134-2140. Abstract, Full article (subscription may be required)

People’s Health Movement - USA

Administrator — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:21:33 +0000

Mali Health Organizing Project

Administrator — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:08:46 +0000

Social Welfare Development (SOWED) Programme Kenya

Administrator — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 23:40:55 +0000

Khmer HIV/AIDS NGO Alliance

Administrator — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 23:21:08 +0000

Session on the Code of Conduct at the APHA conference — 10/29/08

Administrator — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:21:11 +0000

There will be a panel discussion including the Code of Conduct at the American Public Health Association annual conference in San Diego in October.

Session title: Aid Accountability and Effectiveness: Putting the Paris Declaration to Work

Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Time: 8:30 - 10:00am

9:20am: Aid Accountability and Effectiveness: A code of conduct
Presented by Wendy Johnson, MD, MPH (Health Alliance International)

Location: TBA

Panel led by Elvira Beracochea, MD, MPH
Other discussants:
Michael Hammer (One World Trust)
Carol Dabbs (USAID)
Jay Gribble (Population Reference Bureau)
Kate Tulenko, MD, MPH, MPhil (World Bank)

African Cultural Exchange

Administrator — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:33:37 +0000

InterAction presentation on the Code of Conduct — 9/23/08

Administrator — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 20:06:54 +0000

InterAction is hosting a panel session on the NGO Code of Conduct for Health Systems Strengthening. Panelists are Eric Friedman, JD (Physicians for Human Rights), Wendy Johnson, MD, MPH (Health Alliance International), and Rick Rowden (ActionAid International USA).

Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Time: 2:30pm - 4:00pm

Location: InterAction offices, 1400 16th Street NW, Suite 210, Washington, DC 20036

Call in participation: (202) 667-8227 and ask to be connected to the panel session

RSVP: Email Emily deRiel (deriel@u.washington.edu)