Health Metrics Network Governance
HMN adherence to best practice principles for Global Health Partnerships
The Health Metrics Network is adherent and accountable to a set of best practice principles for global health partnerships (GHPs) developed under the aegis of the High-Level Forum on the Health Millennium Development Goals. They require that partnership activities must be consistent with the regulatory framework of the host organization, and include five specific governance principles:
i) To make clear and public the allocation of roles and responsibilities within the management structure of the partnership or fund. The governing board or steering committee should have broad representation and a strong developing country voice.
HMN’s governing Board meets these criteria. This paper describes the Board’s functions and composition, as well as the functions of other bodies in HMN’s management structure.
ii) To make clear and public the respective roles of the partnership and relevant multilateral agencies, including how the partnership relates to the host organization.
HMN is hosted by the World Health Organization.
iii) In the interest of public accountability, to ensure that GHP purpose, goals and objectives are clear; procedures are transparent; and timely and comprehensive information is provided publicly.
HMN will ensure that all key documents are published on its website, including a statement of its goals and objectives; annual plans, budgets and performance reports (including income and expenditure reports); evaluations; standing orders, including Board operating procedures; and papers and reports of key meetings, especially Board and Consultation Committee meetings and teleconferences. Exceptionally, the Chair may determine that a specific item – usually relating to appointments, personnel issues or commercially confidential material – may be treated in confidence.
iv) There should be a strong commitment to minimizing overhead costs and achieving value for money; each partnership should have an evaluation framework.
HMN endorses this principle and is committed to securing value for money. It will be subject to an evaluation after two years of operation.
v) To be subject to regular external audit. For hosted partnerships, the auditing procedures of the host UN organization would apply. A copy of the relevant portion of the external auditors certification of accounts and audit report should be made available to the partnership board.
Since HMN is hosted by WHO, all its income and expenditures are subject exclusively to WHO's internal and external auditing procedures. A copy of the relevant portion of the external auditors certification of accounts and audit report will be made available to the HMN Board.