Pediatric cardiac NGOs: collaboration and coordination

Abstract

: The steep decline in global childhood mortality has revealed an increasing contribution of congenital heart disease to infant mortality and increases the need to make it a health care priority in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) access to appropriate, quality pediatric cardiac care. Pediatric cardiac non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been working to address barriers to pediatric cardiac care for over 50 years. This review describes different NGO programmatic models, the challenges of the NGO landscape, and offers opportunities for collaboration. Collaborative NGO advocacy based on an agenda rooted in equity and human rights and supported by improved outcomes data, can establish the legitimacy of pediatric cardiac NGOs with policymakers and donors, bring new opportunities for many and save many lives. Whether that is technical assistance and advising on international best practices, strengthening local clinical capacity, or building advocacy skills with patient and family organizations, NGOs can leverage their unique strengths to increase sustainable and equitable access to pediatric cardiac care across the world. Justice and equity focus and linking health to human rights are important synergies for NGOs to assure better health for children in need of heart care.