Table 3

Lessons learned for building cross-border cooperation

Would do the Same
     • Identify a common problem (health condition) and seize the opportunity
     • Identify committed partners and bring them together
     • Stay positive and keep people in the network
     • Maintain symmetry in involvement of all partners
     • Produce tangible and visible results
Would do Differently
     • Build an administrative infrastructure
     • Establish a firm financial basis
     • Include policy makers in the network
     • Keep all the partners in the loop and use their services
Critical Events
     • Involvement of Jordanian Royal Court
          Invitation in 1994 from the late King Hussein to build cross-border initiatives Prince Firas as the Patron of MEHA
     • Steering Committee meetings in the region
          "Attending meetings showed that people can work together regardless of the problems in the region." (P2"
     • Opening of MEHA Regional Center in Amman, Jordan
          "It is a regional Center and a Regional NGO and it is in Jordan. It is very crucial ... seeing is believing." (P8)
To Ensure Future Success
     • Enhance peer recognition through research, publications and scientific meetings
     • Expand the network
     • Establish better human resources and organizational infrastructure
     • Secure stable funding
     • Educate the public about aim and accomplishments

Skinner and Sriharan Conflict and Health 2007 1:8   doi:10.1186/1752-1505-1-8