In this module, we ask two questions. Click on each to see a summary of the key messages that answer them.

Why should health personnel work with civil society? People are the centre of health systems, but many of them are socially and economically marginalized. Civil society offers a vehicle for involving people in their health in a way that complements the technical knowledge of the health workers. How should WHO and health personnel respond to the challenge of working with civil society? We need to take a more decisive and informed role in shaping civil interactions with the health sector.

We are dealing with the prime public health concerns of our time. We are focusing on conditions with a major impact on the poor and disadvantaged... and we are working alongside a broad range of partners, maximising what we can achieve together.
G Bruntland, WHO DG Statement, January 2000.

KEYWORDS: civil society, WHO corporate strategy