The Astana Declaration revives attention and commitment to primary health care (PHC) and yet, 40 years post-Alma Ata, community health platforms still are not fully integrated into formal health systems nor consistently prioritized for investment as part of national health strategies. Community approaches, including engagement of civil society and communities themselves, are essential to advancing equity, including gender equity, and achieving PHC for all.
With this in mind, attendees gathered on May 6th at the CORE Group Global Health Practitioner Conference to discuss the importance of strengthening and scaling community health interventions to save the lives of mothers and children. MCSP and partners highlighted global and country progress as well as the unfinished agenda for institutionalizing community health within national health systems.
A webcast of the two-hour event, held at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda, is forthcoming.
Opening remarks
- Kate Crawford, Deputy Director, Office of Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition, Bureau for Global Health, USAID
- Melanie Morrow, Community Health and Civil Society Engagement Team Lead, MCSP
Panel 1: Country Leadership Progress and Lessons
- Moderator: Maria Francisco, Health Systems Strengthening and Equity Team Lead, MCSP
- Dr. Abeba Bekele, Chief of Party, MCSP Ethiopia
- Dr. Stelio Dimande, Community Health Director, MCSP Mozambique
Panel 2: Catalyzing Investments
- Moderator: Lisa Hilmi, Executive Director, CORE Group
- Dr. Anne Detjen, Health Specialist, iCCM/IMCI, Childhood TB and Community Health Unit, UNICEF
- Lizah Masis, Country Investment and Knowledge Director, Financing Alliance for Health
- Lory Meoli, Health Development Officer – Community, Maternal and Child Health, Office of Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition, Bureau for Global Health, USAID
Closing Remarks
Dr. Koki Agarwal, Director, MCSP
