Student Global Health Conference Inspires Advocacy and Action
When citizens think about movements they generally recall the women’s suffrage, civil rights, and anti war movements. However, the world has shrunken with the advent of the internet, increased travel, and evermore accessible telecommunications. This has created the ability for larger movements but also allows for some to get lost in the fray. Facebook causes, mass emails, blogs, and twitters have created an overwhelming abundance of information and myriad issues to track. At times what is missing is the commitment to action – arguably the most important step.
It was in this spirit of expanding upon a movement that the Students for Global Health Conference (SGHC) achieved its objectives – increase attention, focus advocacy efforts, and commit to action. Held at Boston University School of Public Health the day after the Partners in Health (PIH) symposium, the conference offered a chance to both students and young professionals to network, learn, and be inspired at what can be achieved together.
The conference began as an idea by a group of PIH interns to run after their positions ended. The small and dedicated group planned, programmed, and ran the conference as students and young professionals volunteering for a cause they believe in. With over 200 students pre-registered and speakers from PIH, Harvard’s FXB Center for Health and Human Rights, and Physicians for Human Rights the days event were beneficial to all in attendance.
The final piece of the conference saw small groups of students coming together based on issues and producing tangible commitments in the given field. My group (Women’s Health Equity) chose to raise funds and awareness for kiva.org (a highly effective and popular microfinance organization) and start a letter campaign to promote full appropriations for the PEPFAR reauthorization bill. Eleven students from seven schools can hopefully create a network that achieves what I call the AAA: attention, advocacy, and action.
Curtis Peterson, the conference leader, had much to smile about at the end. The conference proved yet again to him that the commitment and investment from people is out there. Movements require masses of people from all walks of life working in concert toward a common cause and goal. What I might add is that we are in the midst of the next great movement – rights based healthcare – and weekends like these have helped and continue to help rally different paths to the same goal.
If you would like to join our group (SWEET= Students for Women's Economic Equity Today) on Kiva.org, make a small microfinance loan, or simply view our goal - click here. Thank you
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Addressing the Problems of Poverty
Partners in Health’s 15th annual Thomas J White Symposium
In the storied walls of Harvard’s Memorial Hall, Partners in Health (PIH) held their 15th annual Thomas J. White symposium and reaffirmed their commitment as an organization driven by a preferential option for the poor – a phrase and meaning developed by the Jesuit Gustavo Gutierrez during the liberation theology movement in Peru. From the first speaker to the last, the day’s agenda was clear – clarify the mission and build on the movement.
The founding of PIH and the story of their early work is best illustrated in Tracy Kidder’s Mountains Beyond Mountains, but at this symposium the characters leaped off the pages utilizing humor, sincerity, and a clear rationale that runs throughout the organization’s work. Ophelia Dahl, daughter of famed writer Roald and executive director of PIH, started by stating what may not be obvious to an outsider. Although PIH is internationally renowned for their HIV work – they are not an HIV/AIDS organization. The title would be limiting because the heart of their work is based on addressing the problems of the poor. These problems, which certainly include HIV/AIDS, are rooted in economic and social human rights violations. Is it a coincidence that people without access to clean water, adequate shelter, or jobs (let alone healthcare) are the ones most affected by the major diseases of our world? The PIH answer is simply no.
PIH has long held a rights based approach to healthcare that attempts to correct the root causes, such as poor housing or access, while addressing the symptoms, like malnutrition or HIV infection. At their core they are community builders and focus their attention and resources on the two pillars of any society – health and education. Fundamentally they profess the commonalities between all people and dispel “the accident of where we are born” should dictate who suffers, who is oppressed, and who dies.
On paper what PIH has accomplished is clear. They have established centers in 7 countries in 5 global regions. They see millions of impoverished or marginalized people as patients, and they have taught, trained, and employed the locals to effectively assume the majority of the operational tasks. However, a similarly vital success has been the overall movement – a word heavily emphasized throughout the speakers. PIH’s revolutionary approach changed the mentality that high level healthcare could not be achieved in poor settings. They are, dare I say, true mavericks. The ripple effect was best portrayed in the event’s four keynotes. The first two were former refugees who are now doctors. They have both returned to their homelands to start similar rights and development based clinics, Tiyatien Health in Liberia and Village Health Works in Burundi. The other two keynote speakers represented the student movement. First was Dave Ryan, the president of FACEAIDS (an advocacy and fundraising student group highly featured in this blog) who spoke of the importance of initiative, action, and results. A similar message was espoused by Matt Cone, a high school professor of contemporary issues at Rock Bride High in Missouri. His class has not only raised over 100 thousand dollars for PIH, but it has done so by incorporating a sense of attention, advocacy, and action in the curriculum of the course.
The movement has already formed and focuses people on the economic and social justice path to creating change, development, and dignified living. The tangible results are there – Adeline Mercon, a Haitian mother, spoke through an overqualified translator (Dr. Farmer) and stated I am the 2nd Lazarus and I am celebrating the 10th year of my second life. Her story started with her father asking Dr. Farmer for money to buy his daughter’s coffin and ended with her strong enough to work and care for her children. Somewhere in Peru, Gustavo Gutierrez is nodding his head in agreement because the movement is growing and the results are adding up.
Please refer to the photos on the sidebar and blog entries from April for my experiences documenting Partners in Health in Rwanda.
In the storied walls of Harvard’s Memorial Hall, Partners in Health (PIH) held their 15th annual Thomas J. White symposium and reaffirmed their commitment as an organization driven by a preferential option for the poor – a phrase and meaning developed by the Jesuit Gustavo Gutierrez during the liberation theology movement in Peru. From the first speaker to the last, the day’s agenda was clear – clarify the mission and build on the movement.
The founding of PIH and the story of their early work is best illustrated in Tracy Kidder’s Mountains Beyond Mountains, but at this symposium the characters leaped off the pages utilizing humor, sincerity, and a clear rationale that runs throughout the organization’s work. Ophelia Dahl, daughter of famed writer Roald and executive director of PIH, started by stating what may not be obvious to an outsider. Although PIH is internationally renowned for their HIV work – they are not an HIV/AIDS organization. The title would be limiting because the heart of their work is based on addressing the problems of the poor. These problems, which certainly include HIV/AIDS, are rooted in economic and social human rights violations. Is it a coincidence that people without access to clean water, adequate shelter, or jobs (let alone healthcare) are the ones most affected by the major diseases of our world? The PIH answer is simply no.
PIH has long held a rights based approach to healthcare that attempts to correct the root causes, such as poor housing or access, while addressing the symptoms, like malnutrition or HIV infection. At their core they are community builders and focus their attention and resources on the two pillars of any society – health and education. Fundamentally they profess the commonalities between all people and dispel “the accident of where we are born” should dictate who suffers, who is oppressed, and who dies.
On paper what PIH has accomplished is clear. They have established centers in 7 countries in 5 global regions. They see millions of impoverished or marginalized people as patients, and they have taught, trained, and employed the locals to effectively assume the majority of the operational tasks. However, a similarly vital success has been the overall movement – a word heavily emphasized throughout the speakers. PIH’s revolutionary approach changed the mentality that high level healthcare could not be achieved in poor settings. They are, dare I say, true mavericks. The ripple effect was best portrayed in the event’s four keynotes. The first two were former refugees who are now doctors. They have both returned to their homelands to start similar rights and development based clinics, Tiyatien Health in Liberia and Village Health Works in Burundi. The other two keynote speakers represented the student movement. First was Dave Ryan, the president of FACEAIDS (an advocacy and fundraising student group highly featured in this blog) who spoke of the importance of initiative, action, and results. A similar message was espoused by Matt Cone, a high school professor of contemporary issues at Rock Bride High in Missouri. His class has not only raised over 100 thousand dollars for PIH, but it has done so by incorporating a sense of attention, advocacy, and action in the curriculum of the course.
The movement has already formed and focuses people on the economic and social justice path to creating change, development, and dignified living. The tangible results are there – Adeline Mercon, a Haitian mother, spoke through an overqualified translator (Dr. Farmer) and stated I am the 2nd Lazarus and I am celebrating the 10th year of my second life. Her story started with her father asking Dr. Farmer for money to buy his daughter’s coffin and ended with her strong enough to work and care for her children. Somewhere in Peru, Gustavo Gutierrez is nodding his head in agreement because the movement is growing and the results are adding up.
Please refer to the photos on the sidebar and blog entries from April for my experiences documenting Partners in Health in Rwanda.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Commitment - The Key to Change
Clinton Global Initiative Places Change Makers, World Leaders, and Funders Together
Commitment [kuh-mit-muh nt]: involving yourself, pledging support, the most necessary step toward action. A college professor, and long time United Nations insider, once told me the General Assembly opening session speeches are a nice part of the United Nations, but the real work goes on in the small meeting rooms nestled in the nooks and crannies of the famous building. It represents one of the rare opportunities heads of states get to talk national interest agendas and weigh support of foreign policy issues face to face without the media or work up of official state visits. In the professor’s words, “It’s where the ball really gets rolling”.
Bringing these world leaders together is a great benefit unfortunately at times missed by mass media. Some reporters and news outlets focus attention on President Bush and President Ahmadinejad speeches billing the headline as “The Great Showdown”, as if Monday Night Football coverage translated to the diplomacy and international relations arena. These two speeches, though important, and excerpts of interviews with Ahmadinejad were ubiquitous across media channels as the only coverage of the day’s events north of Houston Street in New York City. Nonexistent is coverage for a four day conference this
week that takes advantage of the UN’s high ranking guests and gets the ball rolling on the critical issues that face our world.
“Over 80 former and current heads of state, hundreds of top CEOs and non-profit leaders, major philanthropists, and 10 of the last 16 Nobel Peace Laureates” will attend the Clinton Global Initiative meeting this year and focus on four of the great challenges of our time and world: education, poverty alleviation, global health, and energy & climate change. At this invite only conference leaders of the different sectors gain the ability to meet, view, and discuss concrete opportunities through panels, breakout sessions, and an internet platform that allows for a free flow of ideas, dialogue, and support.
What this conference seeks to build and guarantee is commitment. Since starting in 2005, “CGI members have made nearly 1,000 commitments valued at over $30 billion to improve more than 200 million lives in over 150 countries.” It places together innovative and highly effective change makers and non-profits with the people who are enablers. Nothing gets passed with more success through any government or corporation than a bill the president is moved to create or support. He or She will find the funds when they see results are attainable. Getting these types of members on board, talking, and part of the equation are fundamental to the creating the success the Clinton Foundation strives to develop. Former President Clinton established the CGI to “help turn good intentions in to real action and results.” He understands the essential nature of this link and his post presidential legacy will be cemented through the works and actions of his foundation and centered of the most important word – commitment.
The CGI meeting is viewable by internet. Schedule. Featured Commitments.
Commitment [kuh-mit-muh nt]: involving yourself, pledging support, the most necessary step toward action. A college professor, and long time United Nations insider, once told me the General Assembly opening session speeches are a nice part of the United Nations, but the real work goes on in the small meeting rooms nestled in the nooks and crannies of the famous building. It represents one of the rare opportunities heads of states get to talk national interest agendas and weigh support of foreign policy issues face to face without the media or work up of official state visits. In the professor’s words, “It’s where the ball really gets rolling”.
Bringing these world leaders together is a great benefit unfortunately at times missed by mass media. Some reporters and news outlets focus attention on President Bush and President Ahmadinejad speeches billing the headline as “The Great Showdown”, as if Monday Night Football coverage translated to the diplomacy and international relations arena. These two speeches, though important, and excerpts of interviews with Ahmadinejad were ubiquitous across media channels as the only coverage of the day’s events north of Houston Street in New York City. Nonexistent is coverage for a four day conference this
week that takes advantage of the UN’s high ranking guests and gets the ball rolling on the critical issues that face our world.
“Over 80 former and current heads of state, hundreds of top CEOs and non-profit leaders, major philanthropists, and 10 of the last 16 Nobel Peace Laureates” will attend the Clinton Global Initiative meeting this year and focus on four of the great challenges of our time and world: education, poverty alleviation, global health, and energy & climate change. At this invite only conference leaders of the different sectors gain the ability to meet, view, and discuss concrete opportunities through panels, breakout sessions, and an internet platform that allows for a free flow of ideas, dialogue, and support.
What this conference seeks to build and guarantee is commitment. Since starting in 2005, “CGI members have made nearly 1,000 commitments valued at over $30 billion to improve more than 200 million lives in over 150 countries.” It places together innovative and highly effective change makers and non-profits with the people who are enablers. Nothing gets passed with more success through any government or corporation than a bill the president is moved to create or support. He or She will find the funds when they see results are attainable. Getting these types of members on board, talking, and part of the equation are fundamental to the creating the success the Clinton Foundation strives to develop. Former President Clinton established the CGI to “help turn good intentions in to real action and results.” He understands the essential nature of this link and his post presidential legacy will be cemented through the works and actions of his foundation and centered of the most important word – commitment.
The CGI meeting is viewable by internet. Schedule. Featured Commitments.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
A Game Changer in HIV Education
Culturally Sensitive and Scientific Approach to HIV Education
My question, “What would the reaction here in India be if schools taught a culturally sensitive science and fact based approach to sex education”. I had asked the question in all five countries to officials, doctors, and the directors of each organization covered. The responses always extolled the great impetus such an approach could have at removing stigma, creating understanding, and empowering a population with life saving knowledge. However what usually follows is the realization that such programs or practices simply do not take place in large scale. The reason is steeped in taboos stemming from culture, religion, or governmental bureaucracy and no example was more palpable then in India.
Although India is the world’s largest democracy and developing at a pace nearly unforeseen, it still has traditions that some interviewed referred to as “backwards”. Whether it is divorced or widowed women completely ostracized from the community, or raped women thought to be worthless and ill suited for proper marriage, women’s rights is a hard fought battle in India. Furthermore, premarital sex is almost unspeakable and “a big No-No”, which comes across slightly innocent given the provocative nature and displays of sexuality in the highly popular Bollywood scene. Of course it was with this reality that I awaited the answer from the director of the Community Care Center (CCC).
The response, “For god’s sake if you even utter sex education they will chase you out and throw you into the river!” Despite the taboos the organization pursues a course of action. “Call it health education or life education and then go in and teach them whatever you’d like. This is what we do and it works.” The need for HIV education is desperately there. In their 2006-7 “Needs Assessment Study” the Gujarat State Network of Positive People (GSNP+) reported 70% of the 766 people living with HIV interviewed knew nothing of HIV before testing positive. How does one protect himself or herself from a virus they have never heard of - let alone understand how it transmits?
It is corporations’ social responsibility programs, such as the CCC, and non governmental organization, like the GSNP+, that are left with much of the responsibility in educating the population on HIV/AIDS. Through awareness outreach, solidarity programs, and advocacy campaigns the state of Gujarat is slowly showing changes in levels of understanding on HIV. However there may be a game-changer. Whereas my question was only hypothetical, it has now become a reality through Stanford University and the hard work of Piya Sorcar. Their model teaches the issues through facts and a culturally sensitive approach. It absorbs the culture and integrates it into the material without sacrificing the essential messages. Their three point mantra is the foundation everything is built on. The HIV virus spreads from only three mediums: sexual fluids, breast milk, and blood. The beauty of the program is the simple and clear language and the utilization of graphics and media works to both engage the audience and reflect culture. Lastly, it even comes in Indian male and Indian female versions to address some of the hesitancies and sensitivities within the various religious orders within India.
Besides India my research has also taken me from the hills of Rwanda to the golden coast of the United States and the heat of Nicaragua to the temples of Thailand. The potential for teachaids.org’s programs can be tweaked and geared toward each of these countries garnering tangible results. Each country has its own culture and that is the beauty of the program; keep the facts and alter the dressing. Experts talk about the two sides of the HIV/AIDS epidemic as treatment and prevention. Both go hand in hand, especially in developing countries where costs of treatment can be a pressing issue for both patient and government. This computer based model can make a great difference in addressing one of the biggest issues concerning HIV – awareness, prevention, and understanding.
For more blogs about the CCC, GSNP+, or India please go to February and for photos see sidebar.
My question, “What would the reaction here in India be if schools taught a culturally sensitive science and fact based approach to sex education”. I had asked the question in all five countries to officials, doctors, and the directors of each organization covered. The responses always extolled the great impetus such an approach could have at removing stigma, creating understanding, and empowering a population with life saving knowledge. However what usually follows is the realization that such programs or practices simply do not take place in large scale. The reason is steeped in taboos stemming from culture, religion, or governmental bureaucracy and no example was more palpable then in India.
Although India is the world’s largest democracy and developing at a pace nearly unforeseen, it still has traditions that some interviewed referred to as “backwards”. Whether it is divorced or widowed women completely ostracized from the community, or raped women thought to be worthless and ill suited for proper marriage, women’s rights is a hard fought battle in India. Furthermore, premarital sex is almost unspeakable and “a big No-No”, which comes across slightly innocent given the provocative nature and displays of sexuality in the highly popular Bollywood scene. Of course it was with this reality that I awaited the answer from the director of the Community Care Center (CCC).
The response, “For god’s sake if you even utter sex education they will chase you out and throw you into the river!” Despite the taboos the organization pursues a course of action. “Call it health education or life education and then go in and teach them whatever you’d like. This is what we do and it works.” The need for HIV education is desperately there. In their 2006-7 “Needs Assessment Study” the Gujarat State Network of Positive People (GSNP+) reported 70% of the 766 people living with HIV interviewed knew nothing of HIV before testing positive. How does one protect himself or herself from a virus they have never heard of - let alone understand how it transmits?
It is corporations’ social responsibility programs, such as the CCC, and non governmental organization, like the GSNP+, that are left with much of the responsibility in educating the population on HIV/AIDS. Through awareness outreach, solidarity programs, and advocacy campaigns the state of Gujarat is slowly showing changes in levels of understanding on HIV. However there may be a game-changer. Whereas my question was only hypothetical, it has now become a reality through Stanford University and the hard work of Piya Sorcar. Their model teaches the issues through facts and a culturally sensitive approach. It absorbs the culture and integrates it into the material without sacrificing the essential messages. Their three point mantra is the foundation everything is built on. The HIV virus spreads from only three mediums: sexual fluids, breast milk, and blood. The beauty of the program is the simple and clear language and the utilization of graphics and media works to both engage the audience and reflect culture. Lastly, it even comes in Indian male and Indian female versions to address some of the hesitancies and sensitivities within the various religious orders within India.
Besides India my research has also taken me from the hills of Rwanda to the golden coast of the United States and the heat of Nicaragua to the temples of Thailand. The potential for teachaids.org’s programs can be tweaked and geared toward each of these countries garnering tangible results. Each country has its own culture and that is the beauty of the program; keep the facts and alter the dressing. Experts talk about the two sides of the HIV/AIDS epidemic as treatment and prevention. Both go hand in hand, especially in developing countries where costs of treatment can be a pressing issue for both patient and government. This computer based model can make a great difference in addressing one of the biggest issues concerning HIV – awareness, prevention, and understanding.
For more blogs about the CCC, GSNP+, or India please go to February and for photos see sidebar.
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