This presentation will use the case of the global effort to eliminate blinding trachoma to illustrate how civil society organizations might contribute to the ‘emerging global health community.’ By highlighting program experience with relation to partnership and accountability, this presentation proposes a set of criteria for assessing program fit. For the purpose of this discussion, program “fit” is characterized by the extent to which program fulfills need as defined by major stakeholders including putative beneficiaries, partner organizations—both governmental and non governmental, and norm defining agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO).
The complexity inherent in the prevention and control of blinding trachoma requires governmental, non-governmental, and international organizations—across sectors—to work together in the design and implementation of program activities. Trachoma remains the world’s leading cause of preventable blindness, though for most endemic countries it not the leading health or development priority. Nevertheless, the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy offers an opportunity to link prevention with treatment, while strengthening public health systems more widely. As civil society gain greater prominence in development efforts like trachoma elimination, evidence is inadequate to determine whether and when this participation enhances fit and, thereby, contributes to the emerging global health community.
Learning Objectives: n@a
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.