International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications
60 St Aldates, Oxford OX1 1ST, UK
Tel: +44 1865 249909 Fax: +44 1865 251060
E-mail: inasp@inasp.info

Launched in July 2000 in collaboration with the World Health Organization, HIF-net is an email discussion forum where more than 1300 people from around the world share ideas and insights on ways to improve access to relevant, reliable information for healthcare workers and professionals in developing countries.

Beginning in July 2005, the Global Forum for Health Research is partnering with INASP and members of this loose-knit community to explore how enhanced research and information exchange can help the international health community reach its development goals. Moderation and day-to-day management of HIF-net is undertaken by the Global Healthcare Information Network, led by Fred Bukachi, Neil Pakenham-Walsh and Rachel Stancliffe. The list is currently supported by the Global Forum for Health Research and past sponsors include the BMJ, Exchange/Healthlink Worldwide, International Institute for Communication and Development, and Wellcome Trust. 

Further information and archives are available at: http://www.dgroups.org/groups/hif-net. 

(Add your comments about HIF-net - send an email to ) 

"This forum offers a real opportunity for many more significant stakeholders … to offer their opinion on theoretical and practical interventions to health system development.... this forum is all about constructive empowerment." Dick Hooper, Medical Officer, Peace Corps, Morocco [2004]

"HIF-net has played a crucial role to give as the right answers about what and how our colleagues are doing during their daily practice. I think this is very important to build bridges of connection among us all over the world." Albert Leka, Medical Doctor, Albania [2004]

"HIF-net is the highest quality, most valuable resource I have found in my work. Apart from the diverse scope of people participating and range of experience and perspective represented, I find it to be the best run (i.e. moderated) e-list I've encountered... It provides a consistently high level of discussion on diverse topics among informed colleagues. The information exchanged is valuable, as are the connections that are made among people and programs." Catherine Coleman, ProCOR, USA [2004]

"HIF-net is the best list that deals with health information... in many ways. Its membership is of very high quality, serious people, active people, people who seem to have a mission in delivery of health information." Dr. Najeeb Al-Shorbaji, WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean [2003]

• How to use HIF-net