TDR strategy 2000-2005

Overview

TDR is now 25 years old. A long history, compared with the lifespan of other health and research initiatives in the UN – but a short one, considering the immensity of the challenges faced by TDR and the resources at its disposal.

Two years ago, the 3rd External Review Committee came up with clear conclusions and recommendations.2 The Report of this committee stressed that “TDR should develop a long-term vision and a strategic plan that would set the overall context for TDR’s priorities”.

The present document is our response to this challenge. It represents the summary of more than six months of discussion, debate and resolution. It was a very stimulating and rewarding process.

TDR decided to formulate the strategy through a participatory process involving all TDR technical staff. TDR had to work in the context of ongoing reforms in two of our co-sponsors – UNDP and WHO. TDR had to be consistent with the new WHO corporate strategy, which was being shaped in parallel.

The Strategy represents an evolution of a highly successful programme. It builds on our previous history and successes and is rooted in the successful recipe that our founders developed 25 years ago.