In June 2005, the Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH) and the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER) signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster collaboration in public health education and research. Here are the key highlights of this partnership that are of interest to the public.
The MOU aims to facilitate ongoing discussions and develop cooperative activities that align with the mutual interests of APACPH and ASPHER. It provides a framework for collaboration without creating binding legal obligations, allowing flexibility for joint initiatives.
Key Areas of Collaboration
The partnership focuses on several strategic areas:
- Exchange of Resources: Sharing public health educational materials, newsletters, and other information to enhance learning opportunities.
- Website Integration: Establishing links on each organization’s homepage to promote visibility and connectivity.
- Mutual Representation: Encouraging attendance by representatives at each other’s annual meetings and conferences.
- Support for New Schools: Collaborating to establish new schools of public health, particularly in developing countries.
- Joint Events: Organizing conferences on critical topics such as public policy development, health care reform, workforce development, distance education, and innovations in public health education.
Operational Framework
To ensure effective implementation, both organizations will:
- Nominate contact officers to explore operational details for proposed activities.
- Utilize new technologies such as teleconferencing and internet-based communication to enhance collaboration.
Funding Opportunities
The MOU encourages joint funding applications to international agencies like WHO and UN organizations. Additionally, both parties may independently source funding for agreed-upon activities.
Commitment to Excellence
APACPH and ASPHER pledge to:
- Promote awareness of collaborative activities among their memberships.
- Support initiatives that improve the performance of member schools.
- Provide orientation and briefings for members engaging in cooperative activities.
Significance of the Partnership
This agreement underscores APACPH’s dedication to fostering global partnerships that enhance public health education and research. By working together with ASPHER, APACPH strengthens its mission to build capacity in public health across diverse regions while addressing pressing global health challenges.
The signing of this MOU marks a significant step toward achieving shared goals in advancing public health education, research, and practice on a global scale.
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