Table 3 Lessons learned for building cross-border cooperation

   • Identify a common problem (health condition) and seize the opportunity

   • Identify committed partners and bring them together

   • Stay positive and keep people in the network

   • Maintain symmetry in involvement of all partners

   • Produce tangible and visible results

Would do Differently

   • Build an administrative infrastructure

   • Establish a firm financial basis

   • Include policy makers in the network

   • Keep all the partners in the loop and use their services

Critical Events

   • Involvement of Jordanian Royal Court

Invitation in 1994 from the late King Hussein to build cross-border initiatives Prince Firas as the Patron of MEHA

   • Steering Committee meetings in the region

"Attending meetings showed that people can work together regardless of the problems in the region." (P2"

   • Opening of MEHA Regional Center in Amman, Jordan

"It is a regional Center and a Regional NGO and it is in Jordan. It is very crucial ... seeing is believing." (P8)

To Ensure Future Success

   • Enhance peer recognition through research, publications and scientific meetings

   • Expand the network

   • Establish better human resources and organizational infrastructure

   • Secure stable funding

   • Educate the public about aim and accomplishments