The Medicus Mundi International Network

The MMI Network members share the vision of access to health and health care as a fundamental human right (“Health for All”). 

While recognizing that poverty, inequality, violence and injustice are at the root of ill health and death in many low-income countries, MMI Network members are convinced that

• accessible, equitable and affordable health care is essential to the improvement of global health, fighting diseases and reducing poverty;
• the major challenge is to keep basic health care sustainable and affordable;
• the key strategy is to strengthen the health system as a whole;
• the private not-for-profit health sector is an essential actor that needs to be considered while strengthening the health care system;
• users of health services should have the opportunity to contribute to the development, management and monitoring of health care policies and services.

The MMI Network aims at promoting access to health and health care, supporting the efforts undertaken in this respect by the Network members.

The Network supports its members’ efforts to achieve the shared vision of Health for All through a set of specific contributions:

• undertaking advocacy and sensitization activities at an international level;
• enhancing communication and the exchange of knowledge and know-how between members;
• enhancing cooperation, coordination of activities and the development of joint activities;
• fostering the development of common policies and practices

MMI is a Network of private not-for-profit organizations (NGOs and NGO Networks) working in the field of international health policy and advocacy.

The main rules and rights regarding MMI Network membership are defined by the statutes.

• are working in the field of international health cooperation and advocacy;
• share our vision of Health for All;
• are committed to joining forces toward achieving shared goals, participating in Network activities and contributing to the development of the Network;
• are able to fulfill the related duties.

The Network’s joint expertise is based on the “field” experience of its members and the members’ partners, which are mainly small and medium-size institutions in the field of private not-for-profit health care provision, and on the Network’s close links with a series of academical institutions.

The pluralism of the members’ approaches to international health is an important asset of the Network. Together they have knowledge of all aspects of health policy and cooperation, primary health care and emergency aid.

1. Become part of a strong Network of private not-for-profit organisations working in the field of international health cooperation and advocacy. The pluralism of its members’ approaches to international health is an important asset of the MMI Network. Together they have knowledge of all aspects of health policy and cooperation, primary health care and emergency aid.
2. Enlarge your institutional and personal networks: Medicus Mundi International is a living community where you find others who come together to share and develop knowledge, solve common problems and develop joint activities.
3. Become more effective: The Network helps to establish partnerships, create synergies and avoid duplication of efforts. The Network fosters the development of common policies and practices. Have a look at the MMI Network Strategy 2011-2015 which explains how the Network shall pursue its vision and carry out its operational mission during the coming years.
4. Become more visible: Your organisation’s profile, activities, projects, events and statements will be published on the electronic platform and in the monthly e-Newsletter of the MMI Network. This is an exclusive service for Network members.
5. Become an owner of the Network: As a member, you can define what you want the MMI Network to do. Members are systematically involved in the development of the MMI Network’s policies, strategies and work plans.
6. Get involved, but remain independent: Medicus Mundi International is just a Network, not an “umbrella organization”, and therefore not imposing leadership, coordination or representation on you. For every joint activity of the Network, there is the same rule: Take it – or leave it!
7. Get in official relations with WHO. The MMI Network and its members are invited to participate in and submit statements to the World Health Assembly and the meetings of the regional committees of the WHO.

José Utrera, Cordaid: “Through the Medicus Mundi International Network and with the other Network members Cordaid has access to global fora such as events organized by the World Health Organisation, which provide us with a broad platform for advocacy. Through doing activities together with other Network members, including documenting best practices and joint activities, we have a wider reach, better quality and bigger impact.” (Foto: José Utrera at the workshop "quest for quality", a side event to the World Health Assembly 2009, organized by Cordaid and the MMI Network)

MMI Network members: ePlatform
MMI Network documents: ePlatform
MMI Network topics: ePlatform

MMI Network Policy: PDF
MMI Network Strategic Plan 2011-2015: PDF
Seven good reasons to join the MMI Network: PDF

The criteria and procedures of becoming a new member of the Medicus Mundi International Network are defined by the statutes and the network policy of MMI. Please contact the MMI secretariat if you intend to become a member.

> Read more