Guiding Principles
- We accept the key tenets of the Declaration of Alma Ata, including the definition of health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
Successful institutional partnerships are founded on the integrity of individual counterpart relationships.
Mutual trust, mutual benefit, and mutual respect are key components of successful counterpart relationships.
Academic health partnerships (AHPs) have the potential to play a transformative role in global health development when they take responsibility for improving the health of a population.
In order to realize their potential to transform global health development, AHPs must engage in the delivery of health services. AHPs should engage in research and training activities that are relevant and responsive to the health needs of the population, and complement the AHPs' engagement in the delivery of health services.
Engagement by AHPs in meaningful global health development requires long-term, sustained commitment and an enduring presence.
In order to change health policy, AHPs must engage at multiple levels within the country, including local and national leadership within the ministry of health.
In order to attract, nurture, and retain the best and brightest next generation of health leaders in the host country, North American AHPs must work collaboratively with their hosts to strengthen host institutions and develop the right mix of training opportunities.