International Nongovernmental Organizations

INTERNATIONAL NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) involved in international health are as numerous as they are diverse (see Figure 1). 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.

JANET HATCHER ROBERTS

(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.