This CHA resource, developed in 2015, offers Catholic health ministry leaders and others who participate in international projects with six Guiding Principles for Conducting International Health Activities.

Background
Compelled to continue Jesus’ mission of love and  healing today, U.S.-based Catholic health care organizations are reaching out to our brothers and sisters around the world to improve their health status and quality of life. This tradition of international ministry is a testament to the commitment of associates from across Catholic health ministry to live up to the Gospel mandate to provide compassionate care, with special attention to  those most in need.

International projects, like those in the States, call for careful consideration. Through technological advances, increasing travel infrastructure and even social media, we are making more global connections. These tools may make it appear as though it could take no more than passports and plane tickets to provide medical services, deliver surplus equipment or provide financial support to communities halfway around the world, but we know better. Ours is a ministry  with deep roots in assessment and evaluation as important components of responding to identified needs.

These principles were developed by gathering wisdom from many sources, including Catholic social tradition, and are offered to open up conversations around why and how we conduct international projects.

Guiding Principles for Conducting International Health Activities includes four sections:

1. The Guiding Principles
2. A Modern Day Parable – this parable will help individuals and groups consider the opportunities and challenges of international projects
3. Questions to Consider – this section provides questions organizations should ask regarding each of the principles
4. A conclusion