Maria Ines Esquivel Panama

DESIGNING AND IMPLEMENTING EFFECTIVE PARTNERSHIPS: 

DESIGNING AND IMPLEMENTING EFFECTIVE PARTNERSHIPS María Inés Esquivel, M.D. Ministry of Health - University of Panamá Panamá

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FACTS Country approach for the management of chemical substances: MINSA: Health policies MIDA: Agricultural development policies ANAM: impacts on the environment FIRECORP: Responds chemical events CUSTOMS PRINCIPLES Each institution within its objectives has responsibilities shared The action of one can not restrict objectives of others Sharing Information Empathy Transparency Confidence Goal: EQUAL HEALTH TO ALL

Designing and implementing effective partnerships: 

Designing and implementing effective partnerships MIDA-MINSA Partnership is a mandate (Law) PRINCIPLES A goal that includes interests of many institutions. Team Work to reach the same goal Under which condition?: Everybody must agree with the program by consensus. Goal: EQUAL HEALTH TO ALL Working together: This kind of work attracts new partners: NGOs National Government Local Government Industry

Example 1 – Inspections : 

Example 1 – Inspections Background Common inspections Chemical storage conditions Verification of registration licenses Labelling of products Actors National Government Local Government Industry Labor authorities Outcome Team work/ trust Improved safety in workplace and for consumers Enforcement of legislation

Example 2 – Training programs : 

Example 2 – Training programs Background Training Good practices for pesticide use Poisoning prevention Alternatives to pesticides Actors Industry NGOs Government Consumers Banana and coffee workers unions Outcome Increase in consciousness (right to know) about chemicals Increased number of complaints, demands, actions to redress pollution Industry assumed their responsibility in law enforcement

Example 3 – Legislative developments : 

Example 3 – Legislative developments Background Decree Import controls for 600 chemicals Ban all chemicals banned in at least 4 countries Actors Government – decided alone Industry – not involved NGOs – supporting government Outcome Court case (Industry) Non enforcement of legislation Lost trust and time Lessons learned Need to consult with stakeholders before taking a decision Need to assess all impacts for stakeholders Need to increase communication channels

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Government Develop a risk communication strategy; Increase capacity for cost benefit analysis based on sustainable development Industry Create win-win situations to trigger industrial involvement with the general interest. NGOs and labor organizations strengthening capacities in specific topic of interest in Chemical management; involve these groups from everyday Chemical Substances Management activities at the local level to involvement at the policy level. Possible scenarios 1

Possible scenarios 2 – Partnerships with university and other actors : 

Possible scenarios 2 – Partnerships with university and other actors