MSH Celebrates the Next 50 Years
MSH Celebrates the Next 50 Years
MSH was formed in May 1971 by Dr. Ron O’Connor to focus on supporting countries as they strengthen their health systems and the local ownership needed to achieve sustainable change. In 2021, we are celebrating our five decades of health impact. But we are not going to celebrate this anniversary by reflecting on the past. We want to focus on the future of global health – the Next 50 Years.
We turn 50 during a time when, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of global health is on everyone’s mind and impacting everyone’s lives. As you can read about it in our 2020 Annual Report, MSH has played a key role combating the pandemic in more than 20 countries, and we will continue to play a vital role supporting countries in their recovery from the pandemic. As we look to the Next 50 Years, we begin by playing a role in the biggest, fastest, and what we will endeavor to ensure is the most successful vaccine roll out in history. As we continue to look to the future, in 2030 we will re-examine the Sustainable Development Goals. For MSH, goal 3.8, focused on achieving universal health coverage, is particularly pertinent; this is a movement that MSH has been involved in since the Alma Ata Declaration in 1978.
Looking further into the future, we will work to ensure that quality, safe medicines are available to everyone who needs them; countries combat infectious diseases and the growing challenges of noncommunicable diseases; countries are well advised on managing and financing their health systems; frontline health workers are trained and protected; our work champions diversity, equity, and inclusion; and we are globally better prepared for the next pandemic. Most broadly, we are looking forward to focusing on localization of global health efforts and on the innovations needed to help our country partners continue to strengthen their health systems and ensure that our work together is sustainable.
This year, you will see some changes from MSH. First, you will see the logo celebrating our anniversary, the Next 50 Years, in our social media and on our website. Later, you will see a new website with updated content and messaging. We will have virtual events and campaigns celebrating our anniversary by focusing on our people, our partners, and our partnerships and how these will all play a role in building momentum for sustained change in the Next 50 Years.
We welcome you to join us in celebrating the Next 50 Years!