On September 2025, NCG-hera concluded the first year of implementing the Sida Helpdesk for Global Health and SRHR, which provides short-term assignments in these topics in the context of Swedish development cooperation.
During the first year, the Helpdesk conducted 23 assignments, most were in-depth collaborations of up to 40 hours. Requests came from Sida Headquarters and Embassies around the world, such as in Bangkok, Pretoria, Nairobi, Beirut, and Dhaka — showing strong global engagement. Nearly half of the assignments had a global focus, while others targeted regional strategies. Every request touched on SRHR, with many also addressing the global health agenda, health equity and equality, Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), gender and other related development themes.
The Helpdesk’s first year was met with positive feedback from Sida and Embassies. A user survey showed that 100% of call-off officers found the services and recommendations very useful and expressed interest in using the Helpdesk again. Several embassies even made follow-up requests, highlighting the continued value and trust built through the service.
The Helpdesk will continue to work closely with Sida on important topics for Swedish development cooperation within health and SRHR, looking at ways to engage other international and national stakeholders in the public, private, and civil society arena.
NCG and hera consider the Helpdesk to be a channel with other potentials to be explored, for example in finding synergies and collaborative opportunities with other donors and international organisations.