World Health Organisation (WHO)
Updated February 2003
 

Guiding Principles/Objectives

Programmes

The Health InterNetwork brings together international agencies, the private sector, foundations, non-governmental organizations and country partners under the principle of ensuring equitable access to health information. The aim is to improve public health by facilitating the flow of health information, using the Internet. Health information - relevant, timely and appropriate - must become unrestricted and affordable worldwide, so that all communities can benefit from this global public good. 

Areas of Application:

► Scientific (biomedical) publications
► Health Policy and Practice
► Statistical Data
► Training & Courses
► IT health toolkit

The Health InterNetwork targets health care professionals, researchers and policy makers in developing countries (no regional focus).

Launched by the Secretary-General of the UN in September 2002 and led by the WHO, the Health InterNetwork has brought together public and private partners under the principle of ensuring equitable access to health information. The core elements of the project are content, Internet connectivity and capacity building.

Through the Health InterNetwork Access to Research Initiative (HINARI) the Health Inter‑Network provides a vast library of the latest and best information on public health: more than 2,000 scientific publications, one of the world's largest collections of biomedical literature.

Health InterNetwork training concentrates on building the skills needed to put information into action: information access and use in daily work, basic computer and internet skills, and hands-on training to use specialised public health information, literature and tools. Training has begun with sessions in 2002 in Tanzania, Mozambique, Geneva and Lyon. Training materials on the above topics, and including a special module on management of electronic library collections, have been developed in English, French and Russian.

The India demonstration project aims to support tuberculosis and tobacco control programs throughout the country. An initial health information needs assessment was carried out in seven districts to give a broad overview of health information needs. Developed in India by a core team consisting of government, private sector and technical program staff, the project will contribute to filling gaps in the health research information system, support electronic publishing of related Indian journals and reports, and facilitate the network of medical libraries.

Participation in Multi-donor Programmes:

WHO is involved in numerous Multi-Donor programmes which are using ICT information and tools for specific health programmes:

► Global Fund for HIV/AIDS – Malaria & TB
► Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization
► Roll-back Malaria
► Stop TB and many more

See the “Areas of Application” section

Total amount of US$2 million made by the UN Foundation, Bill&Melinda Gates Foundation, UNAIDS and the Open Society (Soros). WHO has allocated staff and regular budgets funds to the project.

Dr. Joan Dzenowagis, Project Manager, Health InterNetwork, dzenowagisj@who.int