MDG & Innovation analysis + dialogue with governments providing assistance

 

Objectives

  1. To analyse the current MDG approach with respect to its specific targets and underlying policy objectives such as access to health care, health systems, sustainability, equity, gender equality, local ownership, and empowerment; and to analyse the present incentive structure for health innovation and alternatives proposed.
  2. To organise a continuous consultation and communication process on a framework for the NHDGs with stakeholders and policy makers on global and European level, with particular attention to the European Commission’s DG DEVCO (Development and Cooperation) and other EU institutions.
  3. To develop a concept for new and revised development goals based on evidence and advice gathered through the above mentioned MDG analysis and stakeholder consultation, and as derived from WP2 , WP3 and WP4, with a particular focus on the shortcomings of the present health innovation system.

Tasks

1. Analysis of MDG targets and underlying policy objectives

  • The MDGs have been conceptualised as one common framework for development with an interlinked set of goals and targets. All have direct or indirect implications for health. Thus – while focussing on the core health MDGs 4 to 6 – our analysis will take a comprehensive approach and take into account the overall MDG framework. For example, access to essential drugs is covered in MDG 8 (A global partnership for development), while food, water, and sanitation are covered in MDGs 1 and 7. Further, we will critically assess the achievement of policy objectives and the balance between horizontal and vertical approaches in the MDGs. With respect to health innovation, we will build on the Global Strategy and Plan of Action on Public Health, Innovation and Intellectual Property and the findings of the report of WHO’s Consultative Expert Working Group on research and development: financing and coordination and its follow up as decided by the World Health Assembly 2012 (WHA 65.22).
  • UN institutions are documenting progress in achieving the MDG targets through the web-based MDG monitors, yearly reports and scientific papers. We will assess and summarise these data in order to evaluate the MDG approach according to its stated targets, such as reducing under-five mortality and maternal mortality, as well as achieving universal access to treatment for HIV.
  • In a second layer of analysis, we will assess, the extent to which the policy objectives, stated in the Millennium Declaration and relevant follow-up documents (e.g., Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness 2005, Accra Agenda for Action 2008, EU Global Health Communication 2010, Busan Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation 2011), have been achieved.
  • The methodology will combine (1) a literature and document review, (2) a policy analysis, (3) interviews with key informants (e.g. policy makers, civil society, and community representatives), (4) review of evidence from stakeholder consultations, and (5) review of evidence gathered in other work packages.

2. Stakeholder consultation and involvement

  • This task will start with a stakeholder analysis and reach out to policy makers.
  • Stakeholders will then be contacted and consulted about their preferred mode of engagement. We foresee a combination of web-based communication mechanisms and stakeholder meetings, preferably linked to consultations in other WPs.
  • The results of these consultations will be summarized in reports using a participatory and transparent communication process with stakeholders to ensure that the reports accurately capture their perspectives. As this project is supposed to support EU policy development in a situation where the post MDG discussion has already started, we aim to cooperate closely with the EU.

3. Development of new framework for the NHDGs

  • This task builds on the previous tasks. The results from the MDG & Innovation analysis and the stakeholder consultations will be translated into lessons learnt and suggestions for the NHDGs. The NHDGs will also incorporate results from the other work packages.
  • Particular emphasis will be placed on the dialogue with EU policy makers and especially DG DEVCO, preferably through regular meetings and briefings.
  • A set of preliminary NHDGs will be developed and discussed in another cycle of stakeholder consultations, in order to arrive at a validated and refined version of the NHDGs. These consultations will also query stakeholders on their priorities for implementation of the NHDGs. This draft NHDGs will be used in WP 5 in order to develop a comprehensive framework linking the NHDGs with a social contract and a governance structure.