GH and E&E are proud to introduce the 2009 E&E Health Managers Workshop.

The workshop was scheduled for June 8-11, 2009, in Budapest, Hungary. The workshop was an opportunity for USAID PHN staff to obtain critical technical, programmatic, and other updates. It also provided a forum for exchange of information and ideas with colleagues in other missions and USAID/W.

The purpose of the workshop was for USAID Washington and mission technical health staff to learn and share best practices and approaches that will effectively address future health challenges in the E&E region. This training and regional knowledge sharing is expected to improve working relationships, particularly among new USAID staff. Workshop objectives were to:

1. Increase participant knowledge of current programming trends in the health sector and capture best state-of-the-art practices for improving health programming in the E&E region.
2. Bring together health sector specialists to share knowledge and lead field-directed discussions of their program experiences.
3. Update managers on current Agency policies, strategies, and processes relevant to health as well as emerging new Administration priorities.
4. Identify and prioritize critical constraints and needs facing field operating units, with the intent of exploring options and action plans to address them.
   
5. Strengthen working relationships among operating units with emphasis on new staff and facilitate ongoing communications between missions and Washington.

The workshop provided participants opportunities to build skills and increase knowledge on scientific issues, policies, and current programming trends as well as opportunities for sharing lessons learned with key experts. Topics were selected based on the results of a survey of staff in the field and Washington. The workshop included sessions that focus on the traditional health elements plus health systems, NCDIs, and cross-cutting management, professional development, and agency issues. Participants also received important updates on current and emerging Agency policy development, procedures, and processes.

Sessions were conducted using plenary and “mini-university” formats. In addition, “open space” was provided for participants to have an opportunity to discuss topics of specialized interest and share best practices.

We enjoyed seeing all of you at the meeting.

Sincerely,
E&E and GH Planning Team