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Supporting the Health Systems Action Network

The Health Systems Action Network (HSAN) is a global network of professionals in developing countries committed to strengthening health systems through effective involvement of stakeholders and improved management of resources. At its broadest, health system strengthening can be defined as any of a broad array of initiatives and strategies which improve the health system functions that lead to better health through improvements in access, coverage, quality, or efficiency.

The idea of a network of this nature was first discussed at the Montreux Challenge meeting held in Montreux, Switzerland in 2005. Later, a group of 31 health systems experts from around the world gathered in Toronto, Canada to discuss the need for a global health systems network and the feasibility of its establishment. At the Toronto meeting, the participants agreed to establish a network and elected co-chairs to lead the efforts to establish HSAN as a legal entity and to spread the word throughout the global community about its presence.

Health Systems 20/20 provides support to HSAN while the network is in its beginning stages. Health Systems 20/20 support to date has included:

  • Organizing a meeting of the steering committee to finalize the roles and governance structure of HSAN
  • Assisting in establishing HSAN as a legal non-profit organization in the U.S.
  • Assisting the steering committee to develop a strategic plan
  • Managing the HSAN website
  • Providing the electronic communication infrastructure to enable communication between HSAN members
  • Developing sustainable communication between members and stakeholders in the form of a newsletter and Q & A opportunities with experts on different health systems strengthening topics
  • Supporting the HSAN session at the 2007 Global Health Council Conference held in Washington, DC.

 

The support from Health Systems 20/20 is intended to create a strong foundation for the long-term sustainability of the network, which requires continuing the effective involvement of HSAN’s ever-increasing membership.

For more information about HSAN, please visit www.hsanet.org.