The McMaster International Women's and Children's Health Network began its activities in 1998 and has been steadily growing.  The IWCH Network is committed to improving the health of women and children in disadvantaged places of the world through leadership development, clinical outreach and research.

NEED

Traditional research and education has neglected women's health issues.  This is particularly evident in the developing world, where the majority of science and research is not related to major causes of morbidity and mortality.  McMaster University has a tremendous potential to change this, and improve the health of many people around the world.  It can do so through newly-focused participation in international health care delivery, education and research.

VISION

The vision of IWCH Network is to improve the health of needy women and children.  It does this by mobilizing professionals, and equipping dedicated students in leadership development, research and education, both at home and abroad.

OBJECTIVES

1) Leadership and Development

• Education and Mentorship: For health care professionals, students and general public around the issues of international women's and children's health

2) Clinical Programs and Outreach to Women and Children

• Members are involved in a variety of projects and countries, including Haiti, Angola, Yemen, Mongolia, and Uganda as well as refugee and aboriginal health in Canada.

3) Research

• Demographic and interventional studies, both locally and internationally.