The Regional Committee,
Having considered the nature of technical cooperation in connexion with the review of the Proposed Programme Budget Estimates for 1978/1979;
Being convinced that a common definition. and acceptance of, the term "technical cooperation" should be used throughout the Organization;
COMMENDS to the Executive Board the definition and explanation of technical cooperation set forth in the statement attached as Annex 1.
ANNEX 1
TECHNICAL COOPERATION
Technical cooperation may be described as:
Any activity of WHO, particularly if jointly developed by WHO and a Member State(s), which increases the capability of the Member State(s) to carry out its own programmes within the health field. Such an activity should be mutually conceived and/or mutually agreed to by WHO and Member States. Any activity which achieves this result could be said to be of direct benefit to that Member State.
- Activities conferring direct benefit include:
- (1) the provision of supplies or equipment;
- (2) the increase in local skills in a Member State by means of training programmes,
- (a) conducted in the country itself,
- (b) conducted abroad -these could be WHO fellowships for study abroad. or participation in interregional and regional seminars and workshops;
- (3) advisory services to specific programmes of Governments of Member States by means of WHO short-term consultants and regional and Headquarters permanent staff, acting in an advisory capacity;
- (4) the WHO country representatives.
- Activities conferring an indirect benefit should also be included as technical cooperation. Activities conferring an indirect benefit include:
- (1) the information-gathering services of WHO and its activities as an information clearing house;
- (2) epidemiological advice and information, including the Weekly Epidemiological Record;
- (3) the evolution of skills and techniques and strategies which, developed within WHO, are available for use if required by various Member States;
- (4) Expert Committees and Expert Advisory Panels;
- (5) general planning activities of WHO;
- (6) attendance of delegates at World Health Assemblies. Executive Boards and Regional Committee meetings;
- (7) general coordination by WHO of health activities and WHO's activities in bilateral and multilateral aid programmes;
- (8) development and support of research programmes.
- Expenses NOT usually included under the heading of "Technical Cooperation" are-those of a purely administrative nature; such as:
- (1) maintenance of Headquarters and Regional Offices;
- (2) salaries of maintenance staff;
- (3) salaries of finance and administrative staff at Headquarters and in Regional Offices.