This presentation was given by Kate Hawkins, Institute of Development Studies, at a capacity building workshop on research communication in April 2008.

1. Using Health Networks Effectively
Date: 08-04-2008
Kate Hawkins (IDS)
Wednesday 9 April 2008

2. What is a network?
The term network covers
a broad range of initiatives
where a number of
organisations or
individuals cooperate to
strengthen each other and
achieve greater impact
through a shared agenda
of action and reflection.
Networks are based on
the assumption that
together we can do more
and amplify our voices.

3. Why use networks?
Communication of research
Stimulate health advocates
Track emerging policy trends and opportunities
Influence policy makers
Attract media interest
Inform health professionals & development
practitioners
Attract financing
Mobilise the public

4. The added value of networks
The power of numbers
The utilisation of others with complimentary skills
e.g. advocacy
The opportunity to piggyback on the events and
activities of others
The ability to track policy processes with minimal
effort
Building public profile and authority

5. The challenges
Buying into a common agenda and the dilution of
positions – the ‘ouch’ factor
Shaping information for the user
Give a little to get a little...
Additional work
Information overload
Speed decision making

6. Exercise: Mapping existing national and
regional networks
Use the post it notes to write down the names of
national networks that you either belong to, or know of,
at country (national and sub national) or regional level.
Please include one sentence that explains the purpose
of the network. When you are finished please attach the
post it note to whichever category suits the network
best. You can choose from:
Governmental
Academic
Civil society
Media

7. Examples of international networks
Health & Development Networks (HDN)
http://www.hdnet.org/v2/home/ is a leading facilitator of information,
dialogue and advocacy approaches on HIV and TB. It operates via
email journalistic style articles that often prompt email debates. It
has issue specific and regional lists. It is free.
Healthcare Information for All by 2015 http://www.ghi-net.org is a
network of healthcare providers, producers of health reference and
learning materials, librarians and information professionals, health
researchers, policymakers, development workers and the general
public. That works internationally, regionally and nationally.
HIFA2015 harnesses experience and expertise to create a web-
based resource specifically about information needs and different
methods to meet those needs. HIFA2015 promotes the
development of evidence-based information for advocates to prompt
political and financial commitment to health. It is free.

8. Examples of international networks
International Federation of Medical Students' Associations
http://www.ifmsa.org/ is a network of students that aims to offer
future physicians a comprehensive introduction to global health
issues. Through their programming and opportunities, they develop
culturally sensitive students of medicine, intent on influencing the
trans-national inequalities that shape the health of our planet.
The People´s Health Movement (PHM)
http://phmovement.org/cms/ has its roots in the grassroots people's
movement and owes its genesis to many health networks and
activists who have been concerned by the growing inequities in
health over the last 25 years. The PHM calls for a revitalisation of
the principles of the Alma-Ata Declaration which promised Health for
All by the year 2000 and complete revision of international and
domestic policy that has shown to impact negatively on health status
and systems.

9. Examples of international networks
EURONGOS http://www.eurongos.org/Default.aspx?ID=1473 The
European NGOs for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights,
Population and Development seek to translate the commitments of
the International Conference on Population and Development
(ICPD) into international cooperative programmes in the field of
sexual and reproductive health in low-income countries. It runs
European and International lists on which relevant research can be
posted and upcoming policy opportunities are highlighted.
International Treatment Preparedness Coalition
http://www.hivcollaborativefund.org/index.php?id=117 ITPC is a
worldwide coalition of people living with HIV/AIDS and their
advocates. The ITPC advocates for universal and free access to
treatment for AIDS for all HIV+ people and greater input from HIV+
people in decisions that affect their lives. We work to achieve these
goals at the local, regional and international level. Their listserve
also covers many emerging issues in health system strengthening.

10. Examples of international networks
The Association for Women's Rights in Development (AWID)
http://www.awid.org/go.php?pg=about is an international
membership organization connecting, informing and mobilizing
people and organizations committed to achieving gender equality,
sustainable development and women's human rights. Their goal is
to cause policy, institutional and individual change that will improve
the lives of women and girls everywhere. They do this by facilitating
ongoing debates on fundamental and provocative issues as well as
by building the individual and organizational capacities of those
working for women's empowerment and social justice. Networking is
achieved through strategic communications e-forums and their
conference.

11. Parliamentary engagement and networks
Role of parliamentarians:
Domestic health and development policy
Engagement in international policy processes
Relationship and partnership building
Targeting decision makers (ministers, constituency
MPs, special interest groups, new politicians,
elections, political parties and their internal
networks)
Understanding the policy cycle
Tracking debates, reviews and new policy
Prompting new policies
Shaping evidence

12. Your work with parliamentarians and elected
representatives
How have you decided which politicians to work
with?
What methods have you used to communicate with
them?
What are the challenges of this work?
Where have you been successful?