Survey respondents, including those from the business community and academia, also provided examples of progress through innovation. Innovation and research are essential aspects of the work being undertaken to achieve the objectives and targets of the EWEC Global Strategy. Two thirds of respondents (60) reported progress on a wide range of innovations. New health technologies, including 18 eHealth and mHealth technologies, were the most frequently reported innovations. Others included advances in education curricula, service delivery approaches, advocacy and policy, and clean energy/climate, water and sanitation.
For example, Plan International is collaborating on the introduction of a cost-saving stainless steel telescopic rod for use in the long bones of children with osteogenesis imperfecta, and a smartphone application for skilled birth attendants that provides direct access to evidence-based and updated clinical guidelines on basic emergency obstetric and neonatal care.
Commitments from CSOs and NGOs focus particularly on service delivery, education and training, research, and health system strengthening. Overall, survey respondents reported substantial efforts in the training of health-care personnel: according to the information provided, 0.7 million family planning counsellors, 0.5 million community health-care workers, 11000 nurses and midwives and 1000 doctors have been trained.
Box 10 highlights the progress made by international NGOs in implementing their commitments, and their impacts. Box 11 describes a partnership between a Nepalese youth-led organization and a local NGO to address identified reproductive health needs through education and advocacy.