For Immediate Release: May 15, 2006

MSH Nominated as a Finalist in the International Stockholm Challenge for its Virtual Leadership Development Program (VLDP)

May 15, 2006. Cambridge, MA: Management Sciences for Health is proud to announce the nomination of its Virtual Leadership Development Program (VLDP) as a finalist in the Stockholm Challenge. The Challenge is an international awards program which promotes innovation and knowledge exchange in the IT industry. This year’s Challenge has focused on Information Communications Technology (ICT) solutions for developing and underserved areas of the world. Finalists were chosen from a submission pool of hundreds, each highlighting projects which have provided innovative technology to developing countries and their communities.

MSH’s VLDP, a USAID-funded blended learning program (combines face-to-face and distance learning), extends leadership development opportunities to health managers and professionals, primarily in developing countries. The VLDP provides health professionals an opportunity to use virtual settings to tackle organizational issues online as opposed to time consuming off-site programs. The VLDP helps health teams identify their challenge and address them through the development of action plans and accountability. To date, the VLDP has reached more than 110 teams in Ministries of Health, non-governmental organizations, faith-based organizations, HIV/AIDS commissions, and private-voluntary organizations in over 30 countries, including countries in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.

Finalists met in Stockholm for the Challenge final event, May 8-11 in Kista, north of the Stockholm City centre. Participants connected through workshops and seminars to share and learn more about new innovations in the ICT industry.