After a whirlwind of a first day of the assembly, our second day at the WHA
began with a Committee A meeting which addressed WHO Reform and the
agenda item: Programme and Budget. It was interesting to hear individual
countries voice their approvals and concerns regarding the proposed
documents. A common consensus among many of the nations who spoke is that there is a definite need for coordination and communication between the 3
levels of WHO.
The highlight of the day for some of the USC MPH students
was the opportunity to speak with the United States Secretary of Health
& Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius. During our brief conversation with her, Secretary Sebelius mentioned that some top priorities of the WHA were noncommunicable diseases (NCD's),
obesity, LGBT issues, violence against women, and new and emerging
viruses, such as H7N9. It truly was an honor to meet and interview such
an influential leader in the field of health and human services.
After speaking with Secretary Sebelius, we also had the opportunity to interview Dr. Howard Koh, the United States Assistant Secretary for Health and Human Services. Dr. Koh
shared his story of volunteering for the American Cancer Society for twenty years,
completing medical school and working as a physician, and finally pursuing and completing his Master of Public Health degree at age 40. Dr. Koh provided us with the words of wisdom of, "Follow your passion." He emphasized that you can make a difference at any age, as the anecdote of his career highlighted, and encourage us to passionately pursue our goals as we work to better the health of the global population.
We also were able to find some time to interview Sir George Alleyne, who is the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean region. Sir Alleyne's conversation with the MPH students was very informative and thought-provoking. He left us with many points to consider as we continue to contemplate global health issues for the remainder of the week. He stressed the importance of initiating
negotiations between governmental health organizations and private
sector health organizations on the basis of common interest--that
interest being the ultimate desire to improve the health of the
population. Sir Alleyne left us with an important item to consider
throughout the remainder of the assembly, as well as throughout our
public health careers: global health should be viewed as a field of
practice and research directed at reducing inequities of health. He
explained that equal access to healthcare for all people may be a
dream, but it is a good dream. In Sir Alleyne's words: "If you don't
have a dream, you can't have a dream come true." These words will
certainly stick with me, as I'm sure they will with my fellow MPH peers,
this week, as well as for years to come, as I strive to create positive
change and influence as a public health professional throughout my career.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Monday, May 20, 2013
66th World Health Assembly - Day 1
Hi Everyone!
I'm excited to be in Geneva for this year's World Health Assembly for my practicum and want to thank Dr. Wipfli and the USC Institute for Global Health for this opportunity.
Today is the first day of the 66th World Health Assembly and everyone was very excited! This year's topic is on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and plans in the post-2015 agenda. Dr. Shigenu Omi was elected President and spoke on adoption of the agenda and allocation of items to the main committees. Some topics touched on were the coordination of national and international strategies in addressing NCDs, utilizing a multi-sectoral approach in addressing these issues, and moving towards health equality with universal health coverage. At the third plenary meeting, Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan, gave an inspiring opening address. She talked about tackling NCDs as not being easy, especially being amplified by products of economical forces, which translates to political forces. Industries contribute to NCDs, and when there is economic interest, there will be opposition. In this, she reinforced the importance of multi-sectoral approach, on not excluding the role of other industries to reduce NCDs. She gave the example of there is not one country that turn around obesity level in all age groups, reflecting a need to address NCDs. Addressing NCDs depends on prevention and cost-effective clinical care. She stated that: "good health can be achieve at low cost if good policies are in place."
I also attended Committee A on the opening committee agenda items 10 and 13 on NCDs and a side event on "The role of private sector in countering NCDs. Committee A was a discussion on the draft of action plan for prevention and control of NCDs. It was extremely interesting to hear the member states' views on the plan. The discussion was not finished and will continue later in the week. In the private sector side event, food labeling and other innovative instruments for involving the private sector in helping consumer to make healthy choices easier was discussed. Dr. Lynn James of Singapore gave a case-study of the Healthier Hawker Program in engaging the private, public, and the people in reducing the rising trend in obesity in Singaporeans. The Netherlands representatives discussed on Choices Programme, the logo they made to put on products in their program to help consumers make healthier choices received recognition among consumers, encouraged brands to develop healthier options, and encouraged retailers to present healthier options. The important message I got from this side event is again to have a multi-sectoral approach and that countries should learn from other countries by using the examples of other countries to tailor interventions to their own cultural and economic situations.
Overall, it was full first day with lots of information and an eye-opening learning experience for me. I am looking forward to the rest of the week!
Alice Ting
I'm excited to be in Geneva for this year's World Health Assembly for my practicum and want to thank Dr. Wipfli and the USC Institute for Global Health for this opportunity.
Today is the first day of the 66th World Health Assembly and everyone was very excited! This year's topic is on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and plans in the post-2015 agenda. Dr. Shigenu Omi was elected President and spoke on adoption of the agenda and allocation of items to the main committees. Some topics touched on were the coordination of national and international strategies in addressing NCDs, utilizing a multi-sectoral approach in addressing these issues, and moving towards health equality with universal health coverage. At the third plenary meeting, Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan, gave an inspiring opening address. She talked about tackling NCDs as not being easy, especially being amplified by products of economical forces, which translates to political forces. Industries contribute to NCDs, and when there is economic interest, there will be opposition. In this, she reinforced the importance of multi-sectoral approach, on not excluding the role of other industries to reduce NCDs. She gave the example of there is not one country that turn around obesity level in all age groups, reflecting a need to address NCDs. Addressing NCDs depends on prevention and cost-effective clinical care. She stated that: "good health can be achieve at low cost if good policies are in place."
I also attended Committee A on the opening committee agenda items 10 and 13 on NCDs and a side event on "The role of private sector in countering NCDs. Committee A was a discussion on the draft of action plan for prevention and control of NCDs. It was extremely interesting to hear the member states' views on the plan. The discussion was not finished and will continue later in the week. In the private sector side event, food labeling and other innovative instruments for involving the private sector in helping consumer to make healthy choices easier was discussed. Dr. Lynn James of Singapore gave a case-study of the Healthier Hawker Program in engaging the private, public, and the people in reducing the rising trend in obesity in Singaporeans. The Netherlands representatives discussed on Choices Programme, the logo they made to put on products in their program to help consumers make healthier choices received recognition among consumers, encouraged brands to develop healthier options, and encouraged retailers to present healthier options. The important message I got from this side event is again to have a multi-sectoral approach and that countries should learn from other countries by using the examples of other countries to tailor interventions to their own cultural and economic situations.
Overall, it was full first day with lots of information and an eye-opening learning experience for me. I am looking forward to the rest of the week!
Alice Ting
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Akwaaba- Welcome
It has been one jam packed day! Jenn, Austin, and I arrived in Accra last night and were greeted by the CareNet Ghana crew. The airport itself was definitely an experience. We got off the plane onto the runway and the air was comparable to a sauna. Inside, where we were checked by military personnel, was not much better in terms of heat and humidity. Once having our passports and visas checked, we walked into a large room that was termed 'baggage reclaim.' However, it was more like a bunch of people moving around not knowing what to do and instead following the person in front of them, who equally did not know what to do. We claimed our bags and continued to what we thought would be customs, except for we were waived straight through.
Since we arrived late, and Patrick (the director of CareNet) has work to do in Accra, we are staying at the Ecstacy Royal Hotel for two nights. Today, some of the people who work for CareNet were nice enough to take us around the city of Accra! We started our day by driving to the center of the city. On the way we saw a four car pile up at an intersection. Pretty rough traffic accident! The intersections in Accra have traffic lights, but it appears that very few people acknowledge them. When they are used, people stand at the intersections selling snacks and gum or beg for money. Another interesting thing I noticed on the side of the road was the Ghanaian flag painted on walls, everywhere! Even in just my one day in Accra, I have found Ghanaian people to be extremely proud of their country and heritage. Not only was the flag posted and painted all over the city, but so was the picture of the current president. I saw sights such as the Independence Square and the National Museum-- all which celebrated Ghana as an independent country.
The first stop on our tour of Accra was the art center, which was really more of a tourist market. We were brought into many stalls with beautiful carvings, beads, masks, and textiles. In the market, we met a Ghanaian man who could name every capital of every state in America, and he could even name state mottos and other random towns and cities in the states. Impressive! We then walked through the national museum and saw the tomb of Ghana's first president. After lunch we checked out the national soccer stadium and the beach. Let me tell you, the beach in Accra is quite the popular place! Everyone was dancing and swimming and having an all around great time! Accra was definitely a cool place to see and compare to what we, as Americans, think of when we think 'city.' I don't believe I have ever seen a woman balancing a basket of fruit on her head along the roadside in Los Angeles. But, the traffic was at least comparable!
Tomorrow, we will be heading to Akatsi, a village outside of Hohoe in the Volta Region. I am excited to begin my research and immerse myself in Ghanaian village life! I am unsure if I will have any access to internet while in Akatsi, but I will try my best to post any updates on my research as well as life in Ghana!
Since we arrived late, and Patrick (the director of CareNet) has work to do in Accra, we are staying at the Ecstacy Royal Hotel for two nights. Today, some of the people who work for CareNet were nice enough to take us around the city of Accra! We started our day by driving to the center of the city. On the way we saw a four car pile up at an intersection. Pretty rough traffic accident! The intersections in Accra have traffic lights, but it appears that very few people acknowledge them. When they are used, people stand at the intersections selling snacks and gum or beg for money. Another interesting thing I noticed on the side of the road was the Ghanaian flag painted on walls, everywhere! Even in just my one day in Accra, I have found Ghanaian people to be extremely proud of their country and heritage. Not only was the flag posted and painted all over the city, but so was the picture of the current president. I saw sights such as the Independence Square and the National Museum-- all which celebrated Ghana as an independent country.
The first stop on our tour of Accra was the art center, which was really more of a tourist market. We were brought into many stalls with beautiful carvings, beads, masks, and textiles. In the market, we met a Ghanaian man who could name every capital of every state in America, and he could even name state mottos and other random towns and cities in the states. Impressive! We then walked through the national museum and saw the tomb of Ghana's first president. After lunch we checked out the national soccer stadium and the beach. Let me tell you, the beach in Accra is quite the popular place! Everyone was dancing and swimming and having an all around great time! Accra was definitely a cool place to see and compare to what we, as Americans, think of when we think 'city.' I don't believe I have ever seen a woman balancing a basket of fruit on her head along the roadside in Los Angeles. But, the traffic was at least comparable!
Tomorrow, we will be heading to Akatsi, a village outside of Hohoe in the Volta Region. I am excited to begin my research and immerse myself in Ghanaian village life! I am unsure if I will have any access to internet while in Akatsi, but I will try my best to post any updates on my research as well as life in Ghana!
Some new words that we’ve learned…
Good morning- Undi’i
How are you?- eff’wei
Responding to ‘how are you?’- ehh
Welcome- Akwaaba
Stay tuned!
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
A Look Back: My Experience at the Emory Global Health Case Competition
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| The Emory Competition Participants (Credit: Tony Benner/Emory Global Health Institute) |
How many opportunities do you have
to interact with students from various parts of the country as well as the
world on a global health platform? How many opportunities do you have to
present a business proposal in front of prominent international health policy
officials? I’m not sure, but I know that the 2013 International Emory Global
Health Case Competition was incredible.
After
my team won the USC Global Health Case Competition in February, the five of us
worked with the USC Institute for Global Health to prepare for the
international competition at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 23,
2013.
| Downtown Atlanta |
My
team and I woke up at 4:30 am on Thursday, March 21, to catch a flight to
Emory. We got off the plane looking a little haggard from lack of sleep, but
the welcome we got was amazing; Emory greeted us with welcome signs and open
arms. Throughout our time there, they fed us great Southern food (I ate grits
for the first time!) and actually made sure we didn’t forget to eat each meal
on the day before our competition.
Our
presentation was judged by two very well-respected officials—Lincoln Chen,
president of the China Medical Board, and Jaehyang So, the Manager of the Water
and Sanitation Program at the World Bank. I walked into that room terrified,
but I knew that this was a rare and amazing experience. I was proud of how we
performed in such a setting, and we waited until all of the teams had competed.
While
we didn’t make it to the finalist round, my teammates and I greatly enjoyed the
feedback that the judges had to offer. But perhaps the most amazing experience
was watching the finalist presentations. It was incredible to see the parallels
that could be drawn between presentations that made it to the final round, and
those that didn’t. Many elements of our presentation aligned with one school,
and as I later found out, other finalist presentations were very similar to
additional non-finalist competitors. I realized that so many of us came up with
such similar ideas. It was inspiring to know that my ideas were comparable to
the ideas of people who were five, or even 10 years older than me—and
consequently had more life and health experience than me.
| CDC across the street from our hotel |
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| Dinner with Dr. Sara Mirza |
Thursday, April 4, 2013
USC Global Health Film & Photo Contest 2013
Thank you to everyone who submitted to this year's USC Global Health Film & Photo Contest! The judges had a tough time picking the top submissions, but we are happy to congratulate the following for winning first place:
September, 2008
Kolkata, India
An Indian girl living in the slums of Kolkata, India brushes her teeth with her fingers in the public sinks of Sealdah Railway Station. The organization I volunteered for that year provided welfare to children living under precarious conditions. I was the one that gave this little girl a tube of toothpaste and showed her how she should brush her teeth. She had so much fun doing it, that she asked if she could do it again. (1 in 6 Indian city dwellers live in unsanitary conditions unfit for human habitation, according to the 2011 India Census).
1st Place Video:
Interviews at Hermosa Beach reveal who people believe should take responsibility for the obesity epidemic in the US - the individual, government, or industry.
1st Place Photo:
"Brushing Teeth"by Natalia Sejbuk
September, 2008
Kolkata, India
An Indian girl living in the slums of Kolkata, India brushes her teeth with her fingers in the public sinks of Sealdah Railway Station. The organization I volunteered for that year provided welfare to children living under precarious conditions. I was the one that gave this little girl a tube of toothpaste and showed her how she should brush her teeth. She had so much fun doing it, that she asked if she could do it again. (1 in 6 Indian city dwellers live in unsanitary conditions unfit for human habitation, according to the 2011 India Census).
1st Place Video:
"Who is Responsible for the Obesity Epidemic?" by Hadley Greswold
Interviews at Hermosa Beach reveal who people believe should take responsibility for the obesity epidemic in the US - the individual, government, or industry.
Other Submissions:
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Moms United
On my recent trip to Uganda I joined members
of the Twezimbe Development Foundation to visit a number of health clinics in
Mawokota North District west of Kampala. I don’t know what I expected to see –
I had seen pictures of the drab wards and knew there were challenges with
lighting, drug supply, and lack of equipment – and yes, all of these challenges were strikingly obvious and
frustrating.
What I wasn’t expecting was the emotional impact I would
feel as a woman and mom. Each clinic was overriding with pregnant women and
small children – maternity care is, of course, a core function of these rural
clinics. At the large clinic that offers C-sections I witnessed four women going
through stages of delivery. The first woman I came across lay in a rustic bed in
the post-operative corner of the maternity ward with a thin cloth wrapped over
her. She had a small bundle cradled to her breast. When I made eye contact she
lifted her sheet, beckoning me over to gaze on her precious child – her first.
Beautiful, perfect, healthy. She was
lucky – she had been able to get to the clinic and received sufficient
emergency care. She smiled at me, already a proud mom.
The fourth woman I did not actually see - she was in the
operating room have a C-section and as I passed by I heard low moans and she
bore through the process. As a survivor of three C-sections I compared the rustic
environment to my deluxe remodeled maternity wing at my hospital with the fancy
beds, televisions, and drugs. If I was scared there, what would I feel facing
the procedure here where drugs and supplies had run out two months ago?
It is often struggle to get rural women to seek out care in
medical facilities and not rely on trusted traditional birth attendants in
their village. Clearly in this clinic
the ultrasound machine was inspiring dozens of women to come in for care –
and providing them with the special joy of seeing their babies for the first
time. The challenge in this clinic is
that they do not perform C-sections so if a delivery becomes complicated the
mother must be transported more than 10 miles on a rustic dirt road to the
first clinic we visited. The women rarely have access to transport and are most
often loaded onto the back of a motorcycle. Those that do deliver naturally at
the site leave about an hour after delivery – by foot – with their babies in
hand.
Can't Help Being a Mom
The past week has been the most whirlwind experience of my life – and I have had a number! In the past 6 days I have been on 4 continents and slept a total of about 6 hours. By missing a connection in Istanbul my planned 6-day stay in Kampala turned into 4 packed days that left no time for visits to the restroom, much less for eating. Amidst the chaos, there is one story that has left me contemplating myself and my role in global health.
My story came on the last day of our visit. We had gone to the National Referral Hospital to meet with a doctor about his recent research. As is common in Uganda, he was running late so I was hanging out in the breezeway in the HIV ward outside his office suite. I quickly realized a small girl was watching me. I smiled and waved – she smiled and waved back. She came closer, eyeing my phone. I asked her if she wanted to get her picture taken and she eagerly agreed. So I held the phone up and, instead of standing there with a straight face as most of the Ugandan children do, she suddenly struck a pose. I smiled and showed her the picture – she beamed with joy. She was ready for a fashion shoot. Over the next few minutes she struck pose after pose and we pretended to be in Paris or Milan. I then showed her how to take the pictures herself and she became the photographer, clicking off shots like a pro. After a few more minutes she was happy and said bye and ran off down the hall. I went into the waiting area laughing at having met such a cute kid.
A few minutes later I see her head pop up around the corner. She had gone to get a bag of bananas and was back. I smiled and she came over and crouched next to me. I asked her her name – Winnie. How old? 6. She liked school and fashion. Why she was at the hospital? Her mom was sick. How long had she been there? 2 months. Was anyone else with her? No, her brothers and sisters were back in the village and she, the youngest, was sent to care for the mom.
I welcomed Winnie into my lap and after looking through all the pictures on my phone together I opened Subway Surfer – my 6-year-old son loves it, as did Winnie. I tried to show her how it worked – failing miserably time after time – frustrated with my ineptitude, she grabbed the phone and within a minute was well on her way to expert level. Eventually my host came to round us up and I said goodbye to Winnie. I held her in my arms and I told her that I hoped her mom got better and to tell her I said hello. I told her she was beautiful and we hugged.
I don’t know what Winnie thought of me – if she will remember me as a strange white woman that showed up at the hospital – but I will never forget her. Kids all over the world are the same – they love taking pictures, playing video games, and shoes that light up. They also need hugs, preferably from their moms. Winnie found me and helped me find myself. Even at work, I am a mom.
My story came on the last day of our visit. We had gone to the National Referral Hospital to meet with a doctor about his recent research. As is common in Uganda, he was running late so I was hanging out in the breezeway in the HIV ward outside his office suite. I quickly realized a small girl was watching me. I smiled and waved – she smiled and waved back. She came closer, eyeing my phone. I asked her if she wanted to get her picture taken and she eagerly agreed. So I held the phone up and, instead of standing there with a straight face as most of the Ugandan children do, she suddenly struck a pose. I smiled and showed her the picture – she beamed with joy. She was ready for a fashion shoot. Over the next few minutes she struck pose after pose and we pretended to be in Paris or Milan. I then showed her how to take the pictures herself and she became the photographer, clicking off shots like a pro. After a few more minutes she was happy and said bye and ran off down the hall. I went into the waiting area laughing at having met such a cute kid.
(my boys happy to have mom home)
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