Group Work for Improving MotherNewBorNet

Second Annual Workshop
of
MotherNewBorNet
 
9 to 11 July 2006 | Taj Mahal Hotel | Delhi, India
 
Further improvement of MotherNewBorNet: inputs from the group works
 

1. Annual conference:
 
More emphasis should be given on program exchange
It is important to balance program and research
Participation of MOH is crucial; government representatives should attend the meeting
Update of status can be a common theme: What progress is being made (Mission driven)
Release or distribute conference priorities prior to the conference
Meetings can also be held at national level engaging all stakeholders, partners, and donors
Annual meeting, more time for interaction during the meeting is necessary
Input from the field to meeting agenda
Early start of preparation of agenda
Commitment for time for regular MotherNewBorNet meeting
 
2. Possible roles of MotherNewBorNet
 
Resource mobilization for scaling up
Process evaluation (How?)
Influence other donors and UN agencies through advocacy
Advocate from within countries through multi-stake holder steering committees
Data publications (Sharing, clearing house, on-line if possible)
Web-based clearinghouse of country info, project information, success stories, MIS forms (PMPs), protocols, guidelines, research tools
Facilitate field visits –exchanges
Provide research updates and link to web articles, technical updates are necessary
Moderated discussion on specific topics
Foster communication
Build linkages with other organizations and allies
 
3. Areas of improvement and future directions
 
3.1 Focal point:
 
Thematic focal point, not country specific
Need based focal point in the countries
There can be focal persons, clarified with specific responsibilities
Focal person in each country can help to maintain continuous flow of information to generate program and research update by snowballing around the focal person
Instead of focal person we want a focal team, which will have a team leader
 
3.2 Country specific advocacy group:
 
No need for country specific advocacy groups, linking up with existing advocacy group can be done
If advocacy teams already exist, we should support those instead of building new ones
 
3.3 Assessing policy environment:
 
Focal person can help to assess existing policy environment and to identify gaps in the policy
Recommendation should be put in government policy
 
3.4 Country specific advocacy tools:
 
There should be one generalized advocacy tools and then country specific tools be developed
 
3.5 Indicators for monitoring the progress towards maternal and neonatal survival:
 
A set of indicators is needed to monitor progress towards maternal and neonatal survival
Indicators for monitoring progress of the network was not discussed
Indicators identified by MotherNewBorNet can be implemented
MotherNewBornet should not monitor, but request for information
 
3.6 Exploration of options for maternal and neonatal health at country level:
 
The common tool can be customized and used to map research and programs and explore options for maternal and neonatal health at country level
Documentation of research and programs in each country is needed
 
3.7 Membership:
 
Biodescription of members can be sought while enrollment
 
3.8 Annual report:
 
There should be annual report of MotherNewBornet
 
3.9 Newsletter:
 
Newsletter should be regular
Develop theme specific newsletter, (e.g., PPH, Eclampsia, Birth Asphyxia), these are useful for the members
 
3.10 MotherNewBorn Secretariat:
 
Strengthen MotherNewBorNet secretariat
More resource should be committed by USAID and other donor