Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) involved in international health are as numerous as they are diverse. They are governed by different types of institutions and have a variety of emphases, both geographically and in terms of a thematic focus. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a global organization that tends to focus mainly on disaster relief, both short-term and long-term. Médicins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) is concerned with providing medical care in conflict zones. Save the Children concentrates on children's health and wellbeing, as do a number of other NGOs. Many are faith-based organizations, including World Vision International and Project HOPE. Others, like the Canadian Public Health Association, are affiliated with national organizations.
These and other nongovernmental organizations in the international-health field raise awareness about health issues and concerns worldwide. They strive to maximize the impact and outcome of international-health advocacy through coordination and collaboration.
(SEE ALSO: International Health; Pan American Health Organization; UNICEF; World Health Organization)
Bibliography
Basch, P. F. (1990). Textbook of International Health. New York: Oxford University Press.
Herman, R. D., and Associates (1994). The Jossey-Bass Handbook of Nonprofit Leadership and Management. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers.
Kerr, M. G. Partnering and Health Development, The Kathmandu Connection. Calgary: University of Calgary Press.
— JANET HATCHER ROBERTS
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