In 1994, MHC became Health Alliance International, a name that underscored our dedication to expanding our model and approach beyond Mozambique, and to forging new relationships with the shared vision of health for all. By the end of the decade, HAI had taken on a truly international presence with experience on four continents.

In 1999, HAI received funding to support basic maternity services to women in the newly independent Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and to conduct an assessment of maternal and child health care needs in the country. As the country began the huge task of building a national health system from scratch, HAI worked alongside local health providers and the Minister of Health,, Dr. Rui Maria de Araújo, to provide coordinated, complimentary support. In 2002, following Dr. Rui’s request to the development community to coordinate with the National Health System or leave Timor-Leste, many international NGO’s responded by pulling their resources out of the country.  HAI, on the other had, was pleased to follow local priorities, and provide an example of public sector partnership that has led to two decades of success in improving maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes in Timor-Leste.

What began as a small organization staffed by a handful of Americans working in Mozambique and Seattle, by 2020 had grown into a global organization. Over 90% of our staff were locally-hired public health and nonprofit management professionals leading the highly successful implementation of HAI’s global program portfolio, averaging ~$10 million/year.

For more than three decades HAI successfully built collaborative, productive partnerships with our implementing and funding partners.  At the same time, we invested resources in our country office staff, building their experience and expertise successfully managing and implementing large, complex grants. In 2020, a new decade and a global pandemic presented HAI leadership with an opportunity to reflect on how the organization adapts to change.

With our Côte d’Ivoire program approaching the end of its active funding in 2021, HAI’s board and leadership took the opportunity to consider the future of HAI’s remaining programs. As a result of much thoughtful consideration and planning, in October 2021, HAI once again evolved in service of our mission and values.  At that time, with the support of our funders, HAI-Mozambique programs and staff transferred to Comité para a Saúde de Moçambique (CSM) and HAI-Timor-Leste programs and staff transferred to Asosiansaun Hamutuk Nasaun Saudavel (HAMNASA).

Both CSM and HAMNASA are independent, locally-registered NGOs with a board, leadership, and staff that reflect the communities they serve.  Both organizations—with years of support from HAI—have the systems and structures required to take on a wide range of funding opportunities.  And, importantly, both organizations embrace HAI’s public sector collaboration model and health system strengthening approach.