Technical cooperation (Resolution)

REPORT OF THE REGIONAL COMMITlEE 43 (b) prevention and control of communicable diseases, (0) nutrition; (2) that stress be laid on the desirability of the Executive Board selecting topics which may evoke a deeper appreciation of the changing role and wider involvement of WHO in the development process, as well as the forging of closer links with other organizations in efforts towards socioeconomic development. Fifth meeting, 10 September 1976 WPR/RC27.R18 'IECHNICAL COOPERATION The Regional Committee, Having considered the nature of technical cooperation in connexion with the review of the Proposed Programme Budget Estimates for 1978/1979; Being convinced that a common definition, and acceptance of. the term "technical cooperation" should be used throughout the Organization; COMMENDS to the Executive Board the definition and explanation of technical cooperation set forth in the statement attached as Annex 1. Sixth meeting. 10 September 1976 ANNEX 1 'lECHNICAL COOPERATION Technical cooperation may be described as: Any activity of WHO. particularly if jointly developed by WHO and a Member State(s). which increases the capability of the Member State(s) to carry out its own programmes within the health field. Such an activity should be mutually conceived and/or mutually agreed to by WHO and Member States. Any acti vi ty which achieves this result could be said to be of direct benefit to that Member State. 1. Activities conferring direct benefit include: (1) the provision of supplies or equipment; 44 REGIONAL COMMI'l"lEE: 'lWENTY-sEVENTH SESSION (2) the increase in local skills in a Member State by means of training programmes, (a) conducted in the country itself, (b) conducted abroad - these could be WHO fellowships for study abroad. or participation in interregional and regional seminars and workshops; (3) advisory services to specific programmes of Governments of Member States by means of WHO short-term consultants and regional and Headquarters permanent staff. aoting in an advisory oapacity; (4) the WHO country representatives. 2. Activities oonferring an indirect benefit should also be included as technical cooperation. Activities oonferring an indirect benefit include: (1) the information-gathering services of WHO and its activities as an information clearing house; (2) epidemiologioal advice and informat1on. including the Weekly Epidemiological Record; (3) the evolution of skills and techniques and strategies which. developed within WHO. are available for use if required by various Member States; (4) Expert Committees and Expert Advisory Panels; (5) general planning activities of WHO; (6) attendance of delegates at World Health Assemblies. Executive Boards and Regional Committee meetings; (7) general coordination by WHO of health activities and WHO's activities in bilateral and multilateral aid programmes; (8) development and support of research programmes. 3. Expenses NOT usually included under the heading of "Technical Cooperation" are-those of a purely administrative nature; such as: (1) maintenance of Headquarter~ and Regional Offices; (2) salaries of maintenance staff; (3) salaries of finance and administrative staff at Headquarters and in Regional Offioes.