I.       Introduction

With the support of Global Fund round 5 on Health System Strengthening, MEDiCAM organized the first Annual Sharing Event for the North region covering Siem Reap, Oddor Mean Chey, Preah Vihear, and Kampong Cham Provinces. Directors, deputy directors, chiefs of technical bureau from the provincial health departments, operational district directors from those four provinces, and all MEDiCAM-member health NGOs were invited to participate in the event. Senior officials from Ministry of Health including Department of Planning and Health Information and Department of International Cooperation were also invited to the forum. Twenty four participants from the government and thirty three from health partners participated in the meeting.

This paper is a summary report of that Event which was held on 09 -10 April 2007 at the Apsara Angkor Hotel in Siem Reap.

II.        Objectives

The joint event of government and health partners at the operational level aims at enhancing partnership and cooperation between provincial health departments, operational districts, and health partners, especially local NGOs in the North Region. The Annual Operational Plan (AOP) and the function of Pro-TWGH were the priority tops for discussion to find better ways of working together.

III.   Process

The event was presided over by Dr. Lo Veasnakiry, Director of DPHI, MoH, Dr. Lun Chanraksmey, Deputy Director of Kampong Cham Provincial Health Department, and Dr. Sin Somuny, Executive Director of MEDiCAM.

Dr. Sin Somuny expressed his sincere thanks for all participants, giving them warm welcoming remarks by pointing out some key achievements in the health sector according to the CDHS 2005 and indicating that this reflects joint efforts between the Royal Government of Cambodia and Health Partners, particularly NGOs. And he strongly hoped that this event will significantly contribute to improve smoother collaboration and partnership at the operational level.

In appreciation to this effort of enhancing cooperation at the operational level, Dr. Lun Chanraksmey expressed his optimism that this event will identify key issues and practical solutions on the ground.

In his opening remark, Dr. Kiry mentioned that the event will not only help improve the cooperation between PHDs/ODs and health partners, but also will contribute to harmonization among NGOs themselves too.

Subsequently, the presentations of day one include definition and general components of a health system and roles of NGOs, roles and responsibilities of DIC and Pro-TWGH Guideline, the result of the assessment of the function of Pro-TWGH, and PHDs’ and NGOs’ perspective on issues, challenges and solutions regarding AOP process, and Pro-TWGH.

On the topic of health system, Dr. Sin Somuny gave an introduction of a general definition and universal components of a health system, the relationship between each component, and its boundary and purposes. He highlighted that a health system is a combination of resources, organization, financing and management that culminate in the delivery of health services to the population. In addition, he also presented what roles NGOs play in the health system development in Cambodia.

Dr. Tek RethKamrang and Dr. Them Viravan, Department of International Cooperation Officers of the MoH, presented the role and responsibility of Department of International Cooperation and Pro-TWGH guideline. There was a discussion on how to register at MoH, the procedures to set up an NGO (both local and international), and the progress report format and submission timeline and memorandum of agreement.

Dr. Pov Hun, URC Provincial Coordinator, presented the results of the assessment on the functioning of Pro-TWGH which was conducted within the URC-focus areas. The findings were not countrywide representative. However, the findings could be helpful for further discussion on the issues related to the function of Pro-TWGH. He highlighted the process of information gathering, key findings, and recommendations. Several questions were raised on the value and significance of this assessment. In response, he mentioned that this assessment is intended to improve the functioning of the Pro-TWGH in the areas where URC supports.

Representatives from three different provinces – NGOs representative and PHD of SRP, NGOs representative and PHD of ODM, NGOs representative and PHD of PVH presented their successes, lessons learned, challenges, and recommendations from their perspectives about the functioning of the AOP and Pro-TWGH in their provinces.

In the second day of this event two presenters from NGOs and PHD of Kampong Cham shared their experiences and raised some challenges to be discussed for better collaboration with health NGOs in the region. Dr. Lo Veasna Kiry, Director of the Department of Health Planning and Information of MoH, updated the workshop about the Annual Operational Plan (AOP). He emphasized the importance, lessons learned, and recommendations of the AOP.

IV. Summary of key issues raised at this year ASE proposed solutions.

The potential issues and challenges that were indicated in the presentations were put for group discussion to generate solutions.

V.        Conclusion from plenary discussion

It was agreed that all health NGOs will join AOP of PHD, OD, and HC even if the fiscal year of NGO does not match with the deadlines of AOP. PHD will send invitation letter attached with agenda to all NGOs for Pro-TWGH meeting, NGOs will send staff that have enough decision making power to join the Pro-TWGH meeting. Having registered either with Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Interior is not enough to operate a project. Ideally NGO should be registered with technical Ministry as well. To avoid competition and conflict of interest NGO should regular contact with all levels of the government counterparts, and join MEDiCAM network. It was agreed that both NGOs and the counterparts should behave in good mutual respect, trust and keep each other informed, avoiding bossy behavior.

VI.       Evaluation

The evaluation questionnaire was circulated to all participants at the end of the day. 96% of the participants indicated the Annual Sharing Event was useful and they wanted to have this event again next year. Asked what the most interesting topic at the event was, “How to build good collaboration between PHD/OD and NGOs?” was the most interesting one. Twelve respondents interested the group discussion to explore challenges and solutions. Asked what topics they would like to suggest for next year meeting, respondents suggested following up all action points that we agreed this time. Some participants suggested discussing on practical communication between PHD/OD and NGO. Asked participants how we should improve for next meeting, most of respondents suggested having three days schedule for next meeting, giving enough time for group discussion, shorter presentation from all presenters. Some respondents suggested that organizer should invite all stakeholders such as relevant health partners not only MEDiCAM members.