Health Metrics Network

The Health Metrics Network (HMN) is a global partnership that facilitates better health information at country, regional and global levels. The Network was formally launched in May of 2005 during the 58th session of theWorld Health Assembly (WHA). A resolution on the HMN was passed during the 60th session of the Assembly. ^[1] Hosted by the World Health Organization in Geneva , Switzerland, HMN aims to increase the availability and use of timely and accurate health information by catalysing the joint funding and development of core country health information systems. ^[2]

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Mission

HMN has a single strategic goal - increasing the availability and use of timely and accurate health information by catalysing the joint funding and development of core country health information systems. In pursuit of this goal, HMN lays out a vision and identifies strategies for health information system (HIS) development and strengthening, supporting countries in implementing such strategies, and generating new knowledge and global public goods through research, technical innovation, and sharing lessons learned. Specifically, HMN pursues three interrelated objectives:

• Creating a harmonized framework for country HIS development (the HMN Framework) which describes standards for health information systems
• Strengthening country HIS by providing technical and catalytic financial support to apply the HMN Framework
• Ensure access and use of information by local, regional and global constituencies ^[3]

Structure

  HMN has an organizational structure composed of a Board, a Technical Advisory Group and a Secretariat. The Health Metrics Network (HMN) Board is the highest coordinating and decision-making body for the Network. The Board has broad representation and a strong developing country voice. Board membership comprises key stakeholders in health information, including health and statistical experts, developing countries, technical and development partners and funding agencies. The Board’s primary functions relate to strategy and accountability for HMN. Approves the strategic vision, direction and policies of HMN. The Technical Advisory Group provides technical advice to support decision-making by the Board. Specifically, the TAG:

• Provides guidance on the further development of the harmonized Framework and standards for country HIS development − the HMN Framework and Standards to Develop Country Health Information Systems − and its assessment and monitoring tool.
• Develops guidelines for country solicitations of support from HMN.
• Advises on country support including governance and coordination mechanisms and monitoring of country progress.
• Establishes HMN taskforces to undertake specific technical activities.
• Promotes use of the Framework and assessment tool and the sharing of lessons learned.
• Supports information-sharing and coordination of technical assistance among HMN partners.

The purpose of the HMN Secretariat is to support HMN partners in fulfilling HMN's goals and objectives. The Secretariat consists of an Executive Secretary and core technical and administrative staff. These staff are hosted by the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland.

Partners

HMN partners, whether recipient countries, donors, development agencies, or technical experts, contribute to HMN's goals and objectives by sharing and disseminating experiences and collaborating together as communities of shared practice. By linking with other networks and partnerships involved in health information, such as RHINO and PARIS21, HMN extends its reach and both draws upon and contributes to such initiatives. By forging alliances with major consumers of health information, in particular global health initiatives such as The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria, Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, HMN ensures that countries and programmes benefit from coherent and consistent technical support. ^[4]

Funding

HMN benefits from an initial grant of US$50 million from the [Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation] and additional contributions from other donors including the [Department for International Development], the [United States Agency for International Development], and the [DANIDA]. The resources available are intended to be used in a catalytic way to help countries attract partners across programmes, sectors and agencies to mobilize in-country resources to strengthen country HIS in line with HMN's Framework.

References

1. ^ World Health Assembly: Strengthening of health information systems, resolution WHA60.27, 2007
2. ^ HMN website . Accessed July 11 2007.
3. ^ HMN website . Accessed July 11 2007.
4. ^ [ http://www.who.int/healthmetrics/network/partners/en/index.html HMN website] . Accessed July 11 2007.

1. World Health Assembly: Strengthening of health information systems, resolution WHA60.27, 2007.
2. http://www.who.int/healthmetrics/about/whatwillhmndo/en/index.html. Accessed July 11 2007.
3. http://www.who.int/healthmetrics/about/whatishmn/en/index.html. Accessed July 11 2007
4. http://www.who.int/healthmetrics/network/partners/en/index.html. Accessed July 11 2007

External media links

• HMN Everyone counts video (RealPlayer, QuickTime, Windows Media)

External links

• WHO
• Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
• DANIDA
• DFID
• USAID
• RHINO
• Paris21
• Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
• GAVI Alliance)
• The United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief