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