2011 marks MSH's 40th anniversary of strengthening health systems for greater health impact in developing countries around the world. Please join us as we reflect and celebrate on four decades of working toward universal access to care for all.

Download the timeline poster: 40 Years of Improving Health: MSH Milestones (PDF)

Our Mission

MSH save lives and improve the health of the world's poorest and most vulnerable people by closing the gap between knowledge and action in public health.

Our Programs

MSH takes an integrated approach to building high-impact sustainable programs that address critical challenges in leadership, management, health service delivery, human resources, and medicines. Wherever our partnerships succeed, the positive impact of good health has a ripple effect, contributing to the building of healthy nations.

MSH works collaboratively with health care policymakers, managers, providers, and the private sector to increase the efficacy, efficiency, and sustainability of health services by improving management systems, promoting access to services, and influencing public policy.

Our History

MSH was founded in 1971 by Dr. Ronald O'Connor, who was deeply inspired by the example of Dr. Noboru Iwamura, a Japanese physician with whom Dr. O'Connor---then a young medical student---worked in Nepal. (Read more)

Our Values

Dr. Iwamura's work was rooted in principles contained in Lao Tzu's ancient Tao of Leadership poem, devoted to mutual respect, human rights, and community participation. MSH continues to build on Dr. Iwamura's inspiration with a staff of over 2,000, many of them local, in more than 60 countries.

Go to the people Live with them Love them Learn from them Start with what they have Build on what they know.But of the best leaders When their task is accomplished Their work is done The people will all remark We have done it ourselves.