Why have an HMF?

The IHMF^® is an authoritative voice on issues relating to the management of herpes infections. Since 1993, this major international disease management initiative has contributed significantly to increasing the awareness of herpesvirus infections. This has been achieved through sponsorship of IHMF^® activities by the pharmaceutical and related healthcare industries and is considered by physicians to be a positive association and a valuable service to the medical community.

What are HMFs?

HMFs may cover one country, or they may  represent a geographic region. Each group can support a very different programme of activities that are appropriate for local requirements. The common factors are that all groups use IHMF^® publications and have an independent steering group of nationally respected physicians.

Setting up an HMF

The specific details of how to set up an HMF will vary depending on national circumstances. This is a list of issues you may wish to consider:

Agree concept/scope of local HMF - will the remit be to look at all herpesvirus infections or will it be restricted to specific areas?

Agree charter - the IHMF^® has a charter which you may wish to modify this for your local group (see What is the IHMF?).

Agree general outline of activities/outputs - will you translate/adapt IHMF^® publications? Will you produce patient items, e.g. patient information leaflets?

Agree name and logo - the IHMF^® logo components can be used as part of your material logo to indicate links between the two organizations. The IHMF^® Secretariat can supply artwork on request.

Use of local PR/communications company - a local PR/communications company may be employed as a local secretariat to assist you with recruiting physicians, designing a logo, arranging meetings, etc. However, you may have in-house groups that are able to provide these services.

Invite an HMF Board - to give the HMF credibility a group of national opinion leaders should be recruited. In view of their active participation in developing the national programme an honorarium is appropriate. Ideally the opinion leaders should be able to speak well at meetings and represent the HMF at press activities.

Agree press announcement/launch event - to publicize the establishment of your national HMF you may wish to host a press conference.

Draft proposal review by IHMF^® - a proposal outlining your planned activities should be submitted to the IHMF Board via the Secretariat for their comment, information, and ratification.

Sharing experiences - you may find it useful to contact other HMFs to learn from their experiences. HMFs exist in the following countries. Many of these can be contacted directly from this Internet site (see Global Links):
Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Turkey, Japan, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, South East Asia, UK, Sweden and USA