actual and active recognition of the missions and objectives for which they were created, as well as consistent support of their activities. These steps should also include avoiding the duplication of effort and wasting of money and other resources that can occur when confusion exists about the specific roles and tasks that each institution should have and accomplish. Empowerment of institutions also protects MN health initiatives and research efforts from situations of political instability and helps to ensure their continuity.

The impact of one government\'s initiative to strengthen MN health institutions is described by a Peruvian stakeholder who spoke of the importance that the Peruvian government\'s political and financial support had in carrying out epidemiological studies in several cities in the country: *\"The Ministry of Health made it possiblelittle was known about its characteristics or its determinants. In this context, the Social Defense Secretary, at the request of the city mayor, asked the municipal civil guard to look at patterns in criminal activity/behavior in the city. This research showed that most violent acts were committed during night hours and were largely associated with alcohol consumption. With this knowledge, the city government decided to pass a law prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages after 23:00.

City leaders sought the full participation of the community and its leaders, as well as bar owners and their regular clients in promoting and complying with the new law. The campaign to disseminate information about the law included distribution of attractive and colorful brochures describing it and the reasons for its implementation, in