Auscultate “The official IFMSA publication for the African region”
IFMSA
The mission of IFMSA
was founded in May 1951 and is run by medical students, for medical students, on a non-profit basis. IFMSA is officially recognised as a nongovernmental organisation within the United Nations’ system and has official relations with the World Health Organisation. It is the international forum for medical students, and one of the largest student organisations in the world.
is to offer future physicians a comprehensive introduction to global health issues. Through our programs and opportunities, we develop culturally sensitive students of medicine, intent on influencing the transnational inequalities that shape the health of our planet.
Imprint Editor in Chief Eche Ugochukwu, Nigeria Design/Layout Erick Meléndez, El Salvador Proofreading
Helena Chapman, Dominican Republic Charles Chineme Nwobu, Ghana
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International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations General Secretariat: IFMSA c/o WMA B.P. 63 01212 Ferney-Voltaire, France Phone: +33 450 404 759 Fax: +33 450 405 937 Email: gs@ifmsa.org Homepage: www.ifmsa.org
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publications@ifmsa.org Printed in India
Editorial Dear reader, It is with great pleasure that we bring you this edition of our annual publication from the IFMSA African region: AUSCULTATE. As it has been no easy task putting together a magazine of this magnitude, maximum effort has been invested to ensure that this publication becomes a source of joy and pride for our members and the general public. These brilliant articles have been carefully selected from our members and cover a wide range of health interests and subject areas. On behalf of the Editorial team, it is our delight to publish yet another wonderful, and even more unique, edition of the AUSCULTATE. We hope that you will relish reading it as much as we have enjoyed putting it together. Our profound appreciation goes to the IFMSA Regional Coordinator for Africa for the opportunity and guidance throughout the year as well as the entire Editorial crew for their input and commitment to maximize the content quality. Enjoy Reading! Thank you! Eche Ugochukwu
“A thing of beauty is a joy forever: It’s loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness; but still will keep”- John Keats (1795-1818).
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Table of Contents Message from the Regional Coordinator 5 IFMSA at the UN climate talks: 7 Conference of Parties (COP) 17. Durban, South Africa. World Congress on Public Health: 10 My Viewpoint March Meeting Ghana 2012: A Photo Story 12 ISMOPH 2012: A call for global health equity 18 Waka Waka: 20 This time for genetic drift in Africa Together Against AIDS 21 Tribute to Dr. Segun Toyin Dawodu: 22 Great Alumni and Icon from Africa The "Khat" Controversy 24 Grunt, Grumble or Gratitude 25 Innovative and affordable products for the 26 general public Medical Crossword Puzzle 27
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Message from the Regional Coordinator Dear IFMSA friends, This term, our IFMSA achievements in the African region have been extremely successful and have surpassed any expectations that we could ever have imagined. This year Africa played host to several high-level meetings that cut across important health topics. IFMSA members participated all through the way, making a positive impact as they ensured that their voices were heard and their presence was felt throughout all the events.
the IFMSA world in Africa and to allow our IFMSA members to experience the GA in African style, with first-hand view of the existing economic, social and health situation in Africa. We had the presence of distinguished and renowned international guests, such as Emeritus Professor David Sanders from the Global Steering Council of the People Health Movement; Dr. Eugenio Villa from the World Health Organization (WHO) Department of Ethics, Equity, Trade and Human Rights; Mr. Dominique Kondji Kondji, member of the Executive Committee of the African Federation of Public Health Associations (AFPHA); and the Honourable Minister of Health of Ghana, Mr. Alban S.K. Babgin. Using the theme, “Youth and the Social Determinants of Health,” we promoted the understanding that social determinants of health are conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age, including their health system (WHO) and our discussions and outcomes were all geared towards improving this aspect of health. Our IFMSA sessions and scheduled events all successfully took place in this GA and this was a massive success thanks to the amazing Organizing Committee and the IFMSA officials of this term. Then again, we came back to the eastern region of Africa, where Ethiopia played host to the World Congress on Public Health, and the IFMSA together with our national member, the Ethiopian Medical Students Association (EMSA), helped coordinate the satellite event known as the International Students’ Meeting on Public Health (ISMOPH). This was achieved with the support of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) and the Ethiopian Public Health Association (EPHA). In addition, at Ethiopia, some IFMSA members had the opportunity to attend the biennial International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (ICASA), which took place in Addis Ababa.
We first began in the southern region of Africa, at Durban, South Africa, where the United Nations’ (UN) Climate Change conference, famously known as the Conference of Parties (COP 17), took place. The IFMSA Think Global Initiative team was present in this event and participated in discussions related to the negotiations among youth. We were able to gain publicity and promote our message on the impact of Climate Change on Health through various activities. The IFMSA also presented creative activities that reemphasized our cause and allowed us to achieve as much as we set out to do. We then progressed to the East Africa, at Nairobi, Kenya, where we had our major annual event, the IFMSA African Regional Meeting 2011. This event was hosted by the Medical Students’ Association of Kenya (MSAKE), the MSAKE organizing committee members presented an amazing and successful event. This was by far the most rewarding regional meeting as we had by far the most number of IFMSA officials participating and coordinating this event than we have ever had in history. Not only did we have the highest number of health-related workshops, compared to previous regional meetings, but also we had medical student participation from Botswana, Ghana, Nigeria, Namibia, Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Rwanda and guests from Egypt, Bahrain, Austria, Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Spain and New Zealand. For the first time, we were able to run all IFMSA Standing Committee sessions alongside our Presidents’ session and have a We then redirected our journey back to the southern region of Cape Town, South project fair/presentation for the event. Africa, where the IFMSA participated in From this event, we then moved onwards to the “Third People’s Health Assembly.” the the western region of Africa, Accra, Ghana. largest gathering of health advocates from This was where my national member or- around the world which occurs only every ganization, the Federation of Ghana Medi- five years and this was organized by the cal Students’ Association (FGMSA), hosted People’s Health Movement (PHM). More one of the IFMSA’s greatest events this year: than a thousand global health advocates IFMSA March General Assembly (GA) were in Cape Town to discuss crucial issues 2012. It was a great opportunity to host facing global health today, including the
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Dr. Charles Chineme Nwobu
sociopolitical context and environmental challenges. The IFMSA organized a workshop, “Root Out, Reach Out: Medical Students Taking Action in Addressing the Social Determinants of Health”. This was an opportunity for IFMSA to present our newly founded Global Health Equity Initiative and an opportunity to look for more partners and collaborators that have a keen interest and passion for health equity activities. A few hours from now, as I write this, I will be visiting the beautiful African island country of Cape Verde, which is located along the West African coast. I will be representing the IFMSA at the 8th Africa-Europe Training Course for Youth Organizations, held in conjunction with the 4th African University on Youth and Development in Mindelo, São Vicente-Cape Verde. This Training Course is organized by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe, in collaboration with the Joint Management Agreement between the European Commission-EuropeAid Cooperation Office and the North South Centre of the Council of Europe, and in partnership with the European Youth Forum and the Pan African Youth Union. The course provides an opportunity to strengthen the role of youth leaders and workers from Europe and Africa and to empower and promote the capacity to organize, network, take action and foster their political participation in the Africa-Europe
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Youth Cooperation and Global Youth Work. I am really looking forward to this event, which I know will definitely open many opportunities for the IFMSA African region. As you can clearly see, it has been a successful and rewarding year to the IFMSA African region. At the GA in Ghana, two of our member organizations, the Medical Students Association of Kenya (MSAKE) and the Federation of Uganda Medical Students (FUMSA) became full members. At our upcoming GA in India, three national member organizations from Zambia, Namibia and Sierra Leone, are hopeful to become candidate members and join our IFMSA African family. This active participation clearly shows the amount of development that has occurred in our region, and we are hoping the best for the IFMSA African region in the upcoming years. I would like to thank you all for giving me the opportunity and honour of being your leader for these past years. I wish the best for our new leadership and continual solidification of the IFMSA groundwork that each leader presents. This edition of our regional publication has touched on the previously mentioned events that occurred within our region and much more! I recommend that you take your time and enjoy reading this publication. Best regards, Dr. Charles Chineme Nwobu IFMSA Regional Coordinator for Africa for the terms 2011/2012 and 2010/2011
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IFMSA at the UN climate talks Conference of Parties 17. Durban, South Africa. Jonny Meldrum, United Kingdom The UN climate talks were an exhausting, turbulent and yet thrilling time. On some occasions we tried to find out what was happening in the outside world since we were really immersed with the experience in Durban. Everything centred on the negotiations. We read COP17, we talked COP17, we campaigned COP17, we wrote COP17. My goodness, we even slept COP17! Now, after writing and commentating on the talks for three weeks, it is time to document our journey in pictures.
One of the highlights of the event was an interesting group from Kenya. The Kenyan Youth Climate Caravan (or six trucks to be more precise) travelled from Nairobi to Durban over 42 days, carrying 161 climate activists from 18 countries. On the way, they performed in local concerts and rallies, engaging and mobilizing communities. On their arrival at the Conference of Youth, they entered the room in style to perform to other youth activists from all around the world. Believe me, it was incredible!
Throughout the event, my national member organization, Medsin-UK, worked with other members of the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other international health NGOs, to raise awareness of the massive health impacts of climate change and ensuring that the protection of health is an integral part of adaption measures, where countries prepare for the effects of climate change that we know are on the way. In this photograph, Usman Mustaq, IFMSA Liaison officer to the WHO, is facilitating a session during the Conference of Youth, “Climate=health” workshop, which was organized by the Medsin-UK and the IFMSA.
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Although this photograph may appear as if it were arranged, I can assure you that it was a spontaneous photograph which captured an interaction between some IFMSA members at work in Durban.
This year, we saw the inaugural Climate and Health Summit held in Durban, opened by the South African Secretary of State for Health. It was then followed by a day of plenary and panel discussions with experts from the World Health Organization, Health Care Without Harm and more. The Summit concluded with a Durban Declaration on Climate and Health, signed by hundreds of healthcare professionals, government ministers and summit delegates. This declaration was released in a press conference during which the IFMSA staged a demonstration where we took the temperature of the Earth.
There have been a number of scientific studies showing that climate change will perpetuate and worsen the current HIV epidemic. While in South Africa, a country enduring the AIDS epidemic, we felt that it was of upmost importance to highlight this link. So, to commemorate World AIDS Day, we formed a red human ribbon around the Earth. We gained significant media attention, including CNN coverage and gave television interviews to broadcasters from around the World.
At the end of each day, civil society awards a ‘fossil’ to the most obstructive country in the talks. Countries hate this public shaming and there is often an official response from government ministers. Early in the conference, Canada was awarded first place, for refusing to renew their commitments in the Kyoto Protocol as well as for entering the week saying they wanted to play hard-ball with developing countries whom they were ‘sick of playing the guilt card’. You could not invent this stuff!
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However, the Canadian Youth Delegation, embarrassed and outraged by their country’s behavior, made it clear throughout the conference that their government was acting on behalf of polluters and not the Canadian people. During the opening statement of their Environmental Minister at the negotiating plenary, six young Canadians stood up and turned their back on Canada, and were subsequently ‘debadged’ and removed from the conference centre. Many official government delegates from other countries broke into applause and the Canadian Minister was visibly shaken.
The next day, Abigail Borah, part of the U.S. youth delegation, stood up during the speech of Todd Stern and interrupted this lead U.S. negotiator for an intervention on behalf of the America people: “They cannot speak on behalf of the United States of America … the obstructionist Congress has shackled a just agreement and delayed ambition for far too long.”
On the scheduled final day, Anjali Appadurai, from Earth in Brackets, delivered an impassioned and powerful speech on behalf of the young constituency. Afterwards, she moved away from the podium and shouted ‘mic check’. This prompted fifty young people to spread around the plenary room to stand up and repeat ‘mic check’ in unison. After another ‘mic check’, she shouted the following: (the italics are the human microphone effect in repetition). Yet again, a significant majority of the government ministers in the room stood and this time gave our intervention a standing ovation, sending a clear message for stronger action. Equity now. Equity now! You’ve run out of excuses. You’ve run out of excuses. And we’re running out of time. And we’re running out of time. Get it done. Get it done. Get it done. Get it done.
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On the last official day of negotiations, the civil society took an unprecedented stand in solidarity with Africa and the Small Island States, representing some of the people most vulnerable to climate change. Hundreds of civil society delegates held a massive protest and occupied the conference centre, right outside the plenary room where ministers were negotiating. Government ministers from the Maldives and a number of African countries joined us and we then escorted them into the negotiation session. The momentum generated was incredible, where many negotiators told us that this stand allowed them to push for stronger action inside the hall. Negotiations continued long into the night from the scheduled end on Friday evening, through Saturday and reaching a conclusion around 5am on Sunday. The major issues surrounded the renewal of the Kyoto Protocol and the roadmap to a future climate deal. Previously, the large emerging economies of China, Brazil and India had refused to commit to legally binding targets as part of this future treaty. In the early hours of Sunday morning, the South Africa chair of the plenary asked the EU and India to form a huddle to reach an agreement on the legal status of a future deal. This picture was taken metres from the action. Brazil suddenly came up with the wording, ‘Agreed outcome with legal force’, which was agreed upon by both India and EU (and other countries). Then, the South Africa chair ran off in much relief to adopt the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action. Importantly, this means that a future deal, to have consensus by 2015 and implemented in 2020, will be legally binding for all countries. This is good news considering the expectations going into the final days of the conference. However, it is important to remember that there is still a massive gap in the action required now to safeguard the future survival of millions of people. We are not done yet!
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World Congress on Public Health: My Viewpoint Abdulrazack Mohammed, Ethiopia Growing up my father used to tell me that a medical doctor is the only professional that is always dearly revered and is at the fore-front of every activity. The 13th World Congress on Public Health covered a lot of issues and more than 3000 people were in attendance. These people shared their views on different solutions in attaining equity in the global provision of health care, a task which would be much harder to attain in our continent if we, medical professionals and students, do not make our voices heard at the continental arena. We ought to take part in every activity of the society from health care to politics. The different sessions I took part reminded me of the saying i mentioned above. The 13th global congress was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with the main theme “Global Health Equity: Opportunities and threats” for a duration of five days. The thousands of participants who came from over 160 countries shared their ideas during the event. As an undergraduate medical student, attending the congress by itself was an awe-inspiring experience. It opened and closed many doors in my head. Beliefs I had gained overtime were challenged and put to the test, but in the end I think I have few viewpoints I could say and must share with all of you from an experience which not only showed that “equity” in global health provision is far from being attained but also that it might be an idea that will fail before it is even tested. The practicality of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the opportunities and threats of brain drain, and the role of the “African” medical student in attaining “equity” will be the center points of the text to follow. The prospect of the MDGs, the global progress in achieving those eight heavy goals and the threats to the progress of the MDGs were points of great emphasis and importance in the congress.
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Some claimed that the MDGs from the onset were a set of overly ambitious targets put into place by the wrong people. This claim, which was the center of debate among heads of state and health professionals for years, seems to be fuelled by the day as the targeted year 2015 closes by. Yes, setting up such a target was ambitious and as some might say untimely, but it motivated policy makers for a decade in shifting attention to the importance of health and that is why we should be grateful for the goals. More lives are being saved because of ambitious goals, something I did not see the professionals at the congress recognize. Now all we have to do is fuel the already directed train so that it can carry on the journey and build on the small successes. Yet, the solution in different parts of the world remains different. The African continent where even the infra tructure is not in place, the solutions need to be more and more profound.
The examples of countries like India and China who are managing to wisely utilize the expertise and not only the foreign currency of their citizens in the Diaspora should be a motivation to our policy makers and a helping force to our professionals. On the other hand, Africa is not on track for all of the MDGs. Even more alarming, highly praised strategies which were put in place are not showing fruits because other health determinants such as war and political instability are still major problems. More and more lives will keep vanishing by the day and since our goals are supposed to be about achieving what must be achieved and not what is achievable, the pressure will build on our leaders and health professionals. Congresses like the 13th WCPH will be a place for blames and expression of failed plans. But this is not what we medical students in the African continent should have in mind. The thinking of our forefathers, elites like Kwame Nkrumah, who defied the then mighty colonizing powers singlehandThis is why I think talking little about anoth- edly when most African nations were under er discussion I attended on the opportuni- foreign powers should be an encourageties and threats of brain drain will be useful. ment to us. It is a fact most of us living in Africa would dearly appreciate. A chance to live abroad, Furthermore, our history should be the refurther develop ourselves, and contribute inforcement for our future. The great Afrito the betterment of the lives of our fami- can Author Chinua Achebe once said, “The lies and countrymen; a mere idea that was only thing we have learnt from experience driving professionals away from the conti- is that we have learnt nothing from experinent for decades. Of course not forgetting ence.” That should not be the case anymore. the many push factors in place: wars, cor- A new generation committed to the betterrupt governments, and lack of appropriate ment of her society by changing the tradifacilities. It was presented on the discussion tional way should come to the front, in us. that my country, Ethiopia, lost over 3000 Change starts with the self and we should be health professionals to the US alone in the role models for the society. We should act as past thirty years saving their government that bridge filling the gap between society, more than $100million every year, roughly health care providers, and policy makers. the annual financial expenditure of one re- We should be the advocating voice for our gion out of the 9 regions in Ethiopia. But the society, enabling their problems to be heard thing is it is up to us back home to lure back at higher levels of governance. those professionals who might or might not have established themselves and give them Abdulrazack Mohammed is a fourth-year medical the opportunities, facilities and ultimately student and currently the Vice President – External of Ethiopian Medical Students Associations – the conducive atmosphere to help out. Addis Ababa
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IFMSA March Meeting Ghana 2012: A Photo Story By Erick MelĂŠndez and Charles Chineme Nwobu
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ISMOPH 2012: A call for global health equity
Peter Asilia, Tanzania Three years ago, 100 students of 45 different countries from all corners of the world convened in Istanbul, Turkey, for the first International Students’ Meeting on Public Health (ISMOPH). Through ISMOPH 2009, students discussed relevant topics in public and global health, explored career opportunities in global health, and drafted a student declaration of the World Congress on Public Health (WCPH). ISMOPH 2009, in conjunction with the 12th World Congress on Public Health, focused on the theme, “Making a Difference in Global Public Health through Education, Research, and Practice.” Now in 2012, students from around the globe and from a wide spectrum of academic disciplines that ranged from medicine and the biomedical sciences to business and the health and behavioral sciences gathered once again in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the 2nd International Students’ Meeting on Public Health (ISMOPH 2012). Actively involved in addressing the pressing public health concerns of today’s era, students at different stages of their educational paths and that represented nationalities from more than four continents participated in ISMOPH 2012. ISMOPH 2012 was a satellite event of the 13th World Congress on Public Health, which was organized by the Ethiopian Medical Students Association (EMSA) with support from the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA), the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) and the Ethiopian Public Health Association (EPHA). Like the World Congress on Public Health, ISMOPH 2012 was centered on the theme “Moving Towards Global Health Equity: Opportunities and Threats.”
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With the vision of hosting an innovative global event and colloquium that served as a platform for international collaboration between students and community-based organizations with a public health focus, ISMOPH 2012 was orchestrated by the joint efforts of the IFMSA and students from EMSA as well as various countries from around the world. With this in mind, the sole purpose of ISMOPH 2012 was to provide students with the opportunity to attend a conference for analyzing global health disparities and initiating individual and organizational partnerships to strengthen national public health systems, collaborating for the advancement of future generations of public health professionals, and advocating for greater global health equity. As such, ISMOPH 2012 fulfilled its vision by setting the stage for the formation of an international organization that will unite all students interested in public health around the world, voicing perspectives on student integration into local, national, and international efforts in the field of public health in the form of group and panel discussions, and gaining insights into the determinants of health and global health inequalities through presentations from world-renowned public health leaders.. Some major public health figures that spoke at ISMOPH 2012 included, but were not limited to, Dr. Samir Banoob, President of the International Health Management, LLC in Florida, USA, Dr. Peter Delobelle, EURO Regional Coordinator for the International Union for Health Promotion and Education Student and Early Career Network (ISECN), and Dr. Wendie E. Norris, Editor for the Global Health and Tropical Diseases Bulletin for the Centre for Agricultural Bioscience International (CABI). The most memorable of these public health figures was Mr. James B. Chauvin, who is the Director of Policy of the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) and the VicePresident and President-Elect (2010-2012) of WFPHA. He urged students to get involved with tackling the needs of the public health community, especially through their respective national public health organizations and student organizations, such as the IFMSA, since they represent the future generations of aspiring public health professionals. Considering the wider gap in terms of collaboration among the health practitioners,
the student attendees of ISMOPH 2009, came with an idea of forming a global International association for all the students interested in public health. This organization was aimed at bringing together all cadres of students interested in public health issues in order to aggressively combat the sources and margins of community defined states of ill-health. As a satellite event within the world congress, ISMOPH aimed at bequeathing students with a triumphant event that could offer a prelude to the world congress and create an atmosphere that could cater to their diversity and intellectual, professional, collaboration and capacity building needs. ISMOPH provided a forum which voiced perspectives on student integration into local, national and international efforts in the field of public health. As an event, ISMOPH provided opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate students in various academic disciplines to present their case studies or local public health matters in relation to the theme event and encouraged them to submit their abstracts to the world congress to present their public health researches and interventions. Looking at what was done three years back, this year’s event also revived the idea of forming the students’ international platform. In contrast to the attendance of members who attended ISMOPH 2009, this years’ event did not result in a large attendance of student representatives. With a total of 48 participants, only around 30% of attendees came from outside Ethiopia. It is unfortunate that on this second occasion, the international students’ platform has not been formed. Although there may be genuine reasons to explain this situation, the major point remains in the failure to commit ourselves to such important affairs, which I consider to be part and parcel of the field of public health. Having served IFMSA as the Regional Assistant for the Standing Committee of Public Health, to the best of my understanding, it is only IFMSA and IPSF (International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation) which have a solid foundation and structure for public health initiatives. I have always had a desire to see all the students, regardless of their academic fields, participating in public health issues, whether campaigns again
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st endemic tropical diseases such as malaria or forum attendance such as those which have an objective of determining the social determinant of health or pros and cons of MDGs. This means that if we are to achieve success, we must employ multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary approaches, whereby all bodies and organs could jointly be mobilized to advocate for public health. Public health always starts at home, which is the first school in life, then extends along the spectrum of academic knowledge, including some of our traditional teachings such as good hand washing before and after meals and self cleanliness. In our attempt to formulate the students’ international forum, one of the most critical hurdles that we faced in Ethiopia was how we could enroll the students from all expected members just like IFMSA or WFPHA as defined from its national member countries. Until now, few countries have established students’ public health associations. I believe that if we want to form a stable and well organized global association, we should start to encourage each country to first establish their own local students’ public health associations. They can enroll as many active members as possible and try to involve other disciplines, such as law, engineering, economics, business and social sciences in addition to those completing medical and paramedical courses. If we engage everyone in issues related to public health, we will stand a better chance
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of uniting our forces and win the support from our governments and other external organizations. Moreover, such a multidisciplinary involvement would pave a way towards equitable distribution of health services and problem-solving in our respective countries and entire world. CHALLENGES As the ISMOPH 2015 is expected to be held in India, it is of pragmatic importance to select a few but important challenges encountered in this years’ event. Funding is mentioned to be a major problem. Many students wanted to attend the event, but could not secure enough funds to pay for travel and other expenses. This is mainly attributed to the economic crisis that has swiftly affected many countries. Another challenge could be due to lack of motivation among the students themselves. This means that, many students do not consider such forums to be of value in regards to their clinical studies. This negative attitude and narrow perspective needs to be changed. Currently, only IFMSA is considered to be the prime association in organizing ISMOPH. Despite having such a well elaborated and organized committee in public health, ISMOPH as an event should not only be exercised by the IFMSA alone. To make it more vibrant and fruitful, other students associations should also be deployed and mobilized in the organization of ISMOPH. In this way, many students could easily be reached via information dissemination through their respective associations.
WAY FORWARD As mentioned earlier, there is a great need of forming the students’ international organization in public health. To make this possible, we should immediately commence the mobilization of students in our local universities and help establish students’ public health associations, which in turn would become the member organization within the students’ international association of public health. Likewise, IFMSA and its partner associations should promote and publicize the upcoming ISMOPH 2015 in efforts to maximize attendance. To make it more effective, WFPHA should continue supporting ISMOPH, both technically and financially, whenever necessary. Nevertheless, ISMOPH 2012 could not have become a reality without the devoted assistance of global partners and sponsors. To name a few, ISMOPH 2012 achieved partnership with WFPHA, EPHA, the Public Health Association of South Africa (PHASA), and the Swiss Society for Public Health, the Swedish Association for Social Medicine, IUHPE ISECN, and CABI. This global event was also proudly sponsored by the American Public Health Association (APHA) and the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto. Finally, I kindly encourage all students to take and grow interest in public health, stand in the frontline and participate in the establishment of the students’ international association in public health, which would provide a forum for all our views and opinions to be heard. Peter Asilia, IFMSA SCOPH RA 2011/2012 Former VPE, Tanzania Medical Students’ Association (TAMSA) Final Year Medical Student, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences ( MUHAS) Tanzania.
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Waka Waka: This time for genetic drift in Africa
Danulka Vargas-Torres, Dominican Republic With all the energy leading up to the 2010 Official World Cup song, thousands of people learned and sang the song, “Waka waka”, by Shakira. Waka Waka means Do it, or perform a task, in the Camerounian dialect called fang. With many health projects to be completed, Waka waka is a perfect title for this article. Africa has survived and demonstrated human evolution and natural selection, where genetic variation and relationships among citizens have been enigmatic. The African population has struggled through periods of disasters and epidemics, especially malaria, which has claimed more African lives than any other disease (i.e. HIV/AIDS). Although we are currently limited in vector control strategies, awaiting vaccine development, about 25% of the African population has been diagnosed with malaria, compared to 3% of the global population. Africa is ranked nine out of the ten countries with the highest infant mortality rate. Since malaria and other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) have increased the child and infant mortality rate to 3000 children daily, methods to reduce risk include the purchase of a mosquito net, fumigation or repellent. It is estimated that only 200 million dollars per year could treat NTDs (i.e. leishmaniasis) as well as bacterial or parasitic infections (i.e. malaria). The concept of natural selection relates to genetic diversity, which enables adaptation and persistence of natural populations towards environmental conditions.
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It is influenced by the interaction of a natural population’s dynamics and the surrounding environment. Chromosomal inversions and microsatellite markers are commonly used for studying the structure of Anopheles mosquitoes. One major discovery is that CD36 and HBB are confirmed mutations that confer a degree of protection against malaria.
high-risk malaria regions. This selection was historically important as it is the first documented example of a disease that acts as an agent of natural selection in humans. In addition, this first example of genetically-controlled innate immunity that operates early in the infection process proceeded to adaptive immunity that exerts effects after several days.
These mutations are located in the highly differentiated regions between the African and indigenous African populations. Natural selection has been studied for diseases (i.e. cystic fibrosis) as well as the relation between specific ethnic groups (i.e. Africans).
We should promote waka waka for malaria and improve our health initiatives for communities in need. As a major health problem, vector control for Anopheles mosquitoes should continue while scientists work on clinical trials for an effective vaccine against malaria. Nature protects the population, where the heterozygote advantage is when one allele is advantageous in certain circumstances and will still be prevalent at a certain population frequency.
Some Africans citizens have the sickle cell hemoglobin variant, associated with protection from severe malaria. Through natural selection, the extraordinary polymorphism of major histocompatibility complex genes has evolved by infectious pathogens with “fight of the fittest” to survive the hardships of the environmental conditions. As such, the hypothesis has been proven that whatever a man can do, nature reacts. Malaria and other NTDs have produced increased morbidity and mortality rates for African citizens. The phenomenon of genetic drift can be seen through the increased number of persons with sickle cell disease. Malaria has placed the strongest known selective pressure on the human genome since the origination of agriculture within the past 10,000 years. As a result of the selection exerted by this parasite, several inherited erythrocyte variants are present in former
Since Waka Waka means Do it, we must reflect on nature’s creation of the heterozygous state and associated protection from malaria. At the same time, we must continue to motivate others to play an active role in their own health status. Since Zambo means Wait, we must avoid Zambo because it is our time to react and promote health! Danulka Vargas is a third-year medical student at the Universidad Central Del Este in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic. After receiving Bachelors of Science in Health Education and Masters in Public Health Education at the University of Puerto Rico, she completed various internships in public health and disease prevention within the Unites States and Puerto Rico, including CDC.
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Together Against AIDS Diana Tashkova
Diana Tashkova Project Publications Assistant-IFMSA 2011-2012 Editor ‘‘The SCORPion’’ 2011-2012
The Biennial International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (ICASA 2011) took place at the Millennium Conference Centre at Addis Ababa, the capital of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, on December 2011, under the theme, “Own, Scale-up and Sustain”. This event is Africa’s largest HIV/AIDS conference, bringing together more than 10,000 participants from 103 countries, including scientists, health workers, people living with HIV, policy makers, civil society and nongovernmental organizations, activists and government representatives to share and learn about successes, challenges and innovations in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS. In this encouraging atmosphere, participants, presenters and conference organizers shared concerns about recent announcements regarding cuts in much needed lifesaving funding for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria responses. The financial blow that came from the Global Fund, which suspended normal disbursements until 2014, comes at the worst moment - when the use of antiretroviral drugs for treatment and prevention has dramatically reduced mortality from HIV and reduced the transmission of AIDS. The 16th ICASA did open colourfully in the presence of the Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, former U.S. President George W. Bush, UNAIDS Executive Secretary, Mr. Michel Sidibé, the Society for AIDS in Africa, President Prof. Robert Soudre, and ICASA 2011 President Dr. Yigeremu Abebe, diplomats, invited guests, participants and senior government officials.
Campaign on the closing day of ICASA 2011, demanding financial resources for AIDS in the Millennium Hall and around the buildings.
It is important to note that a decade ago, HIV prevalence among the 15 to 24 yearold age group was 12.4%, which when compared to now, has remarkably reduced to 2.4%, a claim made by the Minister for Health of Ethiopia. This success was further echoed by the common vision of the participants which was, “Zero new infections, Zero discrimination and Zero AIDS-related deaths in Africa”. Throughout the five days of ICASA 2011, over 220 sessions took place, including 16 plenary speeches, over 50 satellite symposia, seven special sessions, 52 oral abstract presentations, 12 oral poster discussions, 37 non-abstract driven sessions,
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seven late-breaker abstract sessions and 42 workshops for community, leadership and professional skills building. There was an awards presentation for exceptional scientific research and work in the field of HIV/AIDS in Africa. In addition, a daily exhibition booth gave over 60 local and international organizations and companies the opportunity to share their work, materials and ideas, and discuss important breakthroughs and activities with ICASA delegates. The presentations and discussions bore majorly on HIV vulnerability of women, children and youths, sexual reproductive rights, rights of people living with AIDS, and rights of minorities and people with disabilities. The unique Positive Lounge, opened through the week, provided a comfortable place for people living with HIV to rest and network, with complementary refreshments, space for informal meetings, and a private area for taking medications. There was catering, transportation, accommodation and security services provided for all participants, including a disability center for those disabled. The Community Village, on the other hand, offered daily interactions and discussions focused on successes, challenges, and concerns regarding the provision of community and home-based HIV/AIDS care. Various activities included a disability networking zone, community dialogue area, a youth pavilion, a ‘Drop-in Center’ to improve the livelihoods of commercial sex workers, and the ‘Condomize’ zone, a UNFPA initiative, launched at ICASA 2011 to provide condom education and promotional materials, including condoms, t-shirts and pins. The Village also provided dancing and singing, coffee ceremonies, and a fashion show. ICASA 2011 served as a platform where many professionals networked, shared experiences and developed their skills and knowledge. It was also accompanied by a declaration that urged donors to continue to invest in global health through contributions to the global fund. It surely was a rich event and did serve as a platform for building knowledge, experience and opportunities for access to HIV prevention, care and treatment, including responses to the need of development, partnership, collaboration and advocacy to intensify the HIV response.
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Tribute to Dr. Segun Toyin Dawodu: Great Alumni and Icon from Africa Introduction by Charles Nwobu, IFMSA RC for Africa Last year, we had the opportunity to honour as an icon, one of Africa’s finest female Professors in Medical Education, Professor Dorothea Baxter Grillo. This year, we pay tribute to one of our greatest IFMSA Alumni and one of IFMSA Africa’s distinguished Icons, Dr. Segun Dawodu. I had the honour and opportunity to have an online meeting with Dr. Dawodu, which was one of the most enlightening and motivating experiences that I have ever had. He is one of our role models from the IFMSA African region, who we admire and hope to achieve as many accomplishments, as we advance in our medical education to become health practitioners. Dr. Segun Dawodu is currently an Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation/Interventional Pain Management at Albany Medical College/Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York, USA. He is a U.S. board-certified specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with a subspecialization and board certifications in Pain Medicine, Spinal Cord Injury Medicine, Sports Medicine and Electro-diagnostic Medicine. He was previously a Clinical Instructor and Attending Physician at Mount Sinai Medical Center and School of Medicine, New York, in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, treating patients with traumatic brain injuries, stroke and musculoskeletal injuries.
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His depth of knowledge related to his specialty was obtained through extensive travel and pursuit of opportunities to further his education. He received his medical degree from the University of Ibadan College of Medicine in Nigeria. He then completed a residency in Orthopedic Surgery at San Fernando General Hospital in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as a residency in Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. He also completed a residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Albany Medical Center, where he was chief resident. In addition to his extensive list of medical credentials, Dr. Dawodu has a Law degree from the University of London, United Kingdom, with an additional qualification LL.M degree specialty in Medical law/ Ethics and Intellectual Property Law from University of London, United Kingdom, and obtained a Masters degree in Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School, in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. He is a pilot and a member of numerous professional and academic organizations, as well as a contributor to several medical journals.
His achievements included increasing the awareness and taking a stance against the apartheid policy then in South Africa, increasing the awareness and addressing issues in relation to refugee problems, advocacy for improvement of the medical school curriculum and rights of medical students in other countries and encouraging medical students to complete clinical electives in Africa. During the IFMSA General Assembly (GA) in 1983 at La Aquila, Italy, Dr. Dawodu submitted his application for the IFMSA presidential elections, although he did not win the international position. Many years later, Dr. Dawodu as an IFMSA Alumni in attendance at one of the GAs, established an IFMSA award under the auspices of the IFMSA Alumni directors. This annual grant, the IFMSA Dr. Dawodu Travel Assistance fund, which he funds personally, supports the attendance of IFMSA medical students from the least developed African countries, so that they may attend IFMSA GAs.
In conclusion, I present one of his most remarkable and interesting articles, which I recommend all to read. We are very appreciative for his support to the region and we recognize his achievement and honour him As a medical student in the 1980s, Dr. Da- in this edition of the IFMSA-Auscultate. wodu was an active IFMSA member from the Nigerian Medical Students Association (NiMSA).
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The Mandate from a Grandfather By Segun Dawodu I have always been taught that life is like a race and sometimes part of that race is like a relay race, in which one generation passes the baton on to the next, ensuring that each person runs the race to the best of his or her own ability, ensuring that the baton is never dropped, and ensuring that one runs the race better than the one from whom one received the baton. I do believe that most people, one way or another, have received such “life” batons and are told to ensure that one runs a good race and ensures that the baton is passed on to the other. I believe that within families, there may be someone who is running a huge race and taking care of the possibility that the person that he will be passing on the baton, may not be able to run the race as well. There also may be others who pass that baton on to someone else outside the family instead in hopes that they will run the race better. My first remembrance of my grandfather, Pa Ehinwinarhinwian Dawodu Osagie, was at about the age of four years, but became more attuned to his philosophy and pep talks around the age of five years. By the age of six years, and already in the second year of primary school, I can clearly remember him asking me if I could read the Daily Times newspaper to him, giving me three pence to buy the newspaper daily to read to him. Being an illiterate business man, he had always wanted to read, even though years of business dealings had given him the opportunity of speaking the English language and understanding it at least at a basic level and also in the process speaking a few words of Yoruba. Despite not having a good understanding of what I was reading, I found it a joy just reading to him after school on a daily basis. I remember that he always emphasized that as the first son of my father and his first grandson, I would have to ensure that my education would be my first priority. He then told me that I needed to practice reading daily. A few years later, I asked him about his fascination with reading and education. He told me a story of his first encounter with educated citizens: He had traveled from Benin to Lagos for his business as he had to seek legal assistance for some contractual issues. He selected a young lawyer, Alakija, who represented him successfully in court. However, he was more fascinated by how the man carried himself and his ability to argue his case.
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After the case ended, his first task was to civil servant cannot afford to buy and read ensure that his son (my father) left Benin to newspapers any more. Even at higher levels move west and attend school. of education, few people have the habit to go to a bookstore and buy a textbook to read. The incessant encouragement for me to read In addition, the current financial crisis has all the time was made easier by virtue of my not improved this situation. A nation that father’s business of managing bookstore neglects the ability of its citizens to read and chains. I become a voracious reader and write is a nation that is being pushed into had access to different books. Later on in darkness. It is imperative that in the light life, in 1994, as my first exposure to the of all negative things happening in Nigeria, internet was with a Windows laptop, I was there is an urgent solution to the problems excited to have access to infinite amounts of of reading and writing. Regular reading sesinformation. I was logged into the internet sions in classrooms need to be enforced. via dial-up modem in London for 24 hours Adequate reading textbooks should be procontinuously, when my monthly bill came vided by the government for students from to almost 700 British pounds. In later years, the primary to the secondary level. Libraries I have learned to read everything that is should be supplied with books and located available online and offline in my quest of in each local government area. Unfortuknowledge. nately, there have been reports of burglarized libraries and stolen books. One alternaThe constant repetition of the need to read tive could be mobile libraries, which can be by my grandfather was directed to being driven to the different schools on a regular comfortable with reading and understanding basis with opportunities for the children to the text. His main goal was preparing my borrow and read books under supervision. education similar to the young lawyer that he met in Lagos many years ago. He After growing up reading and telling people mentioned that the advantages of education that I had the biggest personal library in the are not only for academic success but also world as a kid, based on access to my father’s for community service. An education that is bookstores, I have had an addictive propengained solely for self-achievement without sity towards books. The smell of newness its direct benefit to one’s community is of textbooks gives me a special excitement never the type of education that should be and huge curiosity to find what is between applauded. His friends often chipped in that the covers. Despite internet access for many getting a good education also allows one to books, I have a large book collection on virdemonstrate proper behavior that will make tually every subject matter, including law, one stand out in society. medicine, old religion, philosophy, animals, languages, home improvements and various “This year in January marked the 39th year journals. Since I have had books on the floor anniversary of my grandfather’s death and in my library and bedroom, my wife set the the 44th of my mother’s. It also marks the ultimatum to either order the online journal 86th birthday of my Dad’s. This has given version or move to a larger house. me the opportunity to look at that pep talk and prodding into getting into the habit of At the end, I do remember that this story all reading and also taking it further into com- started with my grandfather and the three munity activism.” The culture of reading is pence Daily Times newspaper. I have this virtually no longer in existence in Nigeria. feeling that my grandfather would be proud Many people graduating from Nigerian uni- that I continue to keep the reading flame versities can barely read and write properly. burning. I also hope that all parents will enIn primary schools, there is less time spent courage their children to read. I am passing on reading for many reasons, including few on my grandfather’s baton to my daughters, teachers, lack of reading textbooks and lack who are enjoying the habit of reading at of a library facility. Outside school hours, home and at the local library. Even the twoparents are not engaged to read to their chil- year-old just mumbles along during library dren at home. trips and when Nanny reads to her. Even in towns and cities where there are libraries, there are no books to read or take home to read. Newspapers are becoming more expensive that the average salaried
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The "Khat" Controversy Daniel Hailemariam, Ethiopia Khat is a small green-leafed shrub-like plant which is endemic to parts of Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti and Yemen. Containing two active substances, cathine and cathinone, its chemical structure is similar to amphetamine, with stimulating properties on the brain. The fresh leaves of Khat, whose active substances are absorbed through the sublingual route, are traditionally chewed by people who live in the horn of Africa and Yemen as a recreational drug. With a long history in the eastern part of Africa and Yemen, the major consumption of Khat is limited to these geographic areas. In Ancient Egypt, it was regarded as a divine food. Currently, different societies and religions have integrated Khat as part of their festivities. Globally, it is estimated that approximately ten million people chew Khat daily. Although chewing this plant produces milder effects than amphetamine, the immediate effects may include increased alertness and concentration, euphoria and excitement. Other short-term effects may include hallucinations, manic behaviors, insomnia, irritability, breathing difficulties, constipation and tachycardia. Some longterm effects may include decreased appetite, depression, hypertension and other adverse outcomes like stomach ulcer, erectile dysfunction, tooth decay and liver pathologies. Although Khat use has not been associated with physical withdrawal symptoms, it may create psychological dependence, which is characterized by lethargy, mild depression, irritability nightmares and slight tremor.
risk for HIV acquisition. Moreover, within society, the demand for Khat consumption has affected many agricultural workers in Africa. Since the horn of Africa is frequently affected by droughts, Khat agricultural growth prevents other crops from being cultivated. Since Khat must be cultivated with large amounts of water, ground wells have been constructed in some arid areas (e.g. Yemen) to facilitate plant growth. On the other hand, proponents argue that Khat is a relatively mild drug, unduly given a bad reputation, which may be utilized in pharmaceutical developments pending future research. Theoretically, because of the similar chemical structure of Khat with amphetamine, it may be used to treat attention deficit hyperactive disorder and narcolepsy. Even more promising, Khat may be used to fight the obesity epidemic, since it is a strong appetite depressor.
Therefore, Khat leaves cannot be transported to far away areas. Even after Khat leaves are harvested, they are bundled in fresh banana leaves to keep their moisture. Khat has historically been used in its endemic areas of growth, but there is a rapid increment in use among the youth. It appears that Khat is an “old” concept during festivities that has been “rediscovered” by the youth for recreational substance abuse. Although the economic gains appear attractive, one must also consider the detrimental health effects on the user as well as the negative social impact. If policy makers do not manage to curb its fast popularity for recreational use among the youth, Khat use can become a regional threat. However, researchers should continue to investigate the possible medical benefits of Khat as a pharmaceutical component.
Daniel Hailemariam is a medical student in EthiWith its stimulating properties and high opia and is the head of the Project support division of the Ethiopian Medical Students Association.
risk of abuse, one may wonder why Khat use has not reached beyond the eastern Africa and Arab peninsula region. The demographic distribution of Khat chewing is the result of the chemistry of the more potent stimulant, cathinone. Cathinone is an unstable compound that quickly changes to cathine, a less potent stimulant, especially if the Khat leaves are dried.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has described Khat as a drug of abuse, where it is banned in many countries. The United Kingdom, most notably, has not criminalized Khat possession and chewing. Its huge demand in the Arab peninsula has created a lucrative Khat trade from the horn of Africa to Yemen. Over the past decades, it has been one of the top five export items, earning foreign currency in Ethiopia and exponential economic profits in Khat export. It is estimated that an average Yemenis family spends 17% of the total income on Khat. However, Khat has been abused by young adults in many countries, especially Ethiopia. In one study among Ethiopian adults, it was shown that Khat chewing was associated with multiple sexual partners and high
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Grunt, Grumble or Gratitude Lynette Abag-Dem Aboliwen, Ghana Have you ever wondered why people go to restaurants? Probably because they are hungry or they want to eat something different! Whatever the reason may be, people order a meal, get served and pay for the service rendered. If people stop going to restaurants, there will be no customers for the restaurant, which means no job or income for the staff (e.g. server, chef and cleaning team). Therefore, each staff member of the restaurant should show their best attitude, service and care, toward customer satisfaction. This is not any different from those employees at banks, hotels, shops, salons and other customer-serving institutions. Abag-Dem Aboliwen Lynette is a sixth-year medical student at the University for Development Studies, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tamale.
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to return and hear the first attendant say that he is taking a break. Then, the next attendant annoyingly insists that he has to pray. To your relief, the next attendant starts processing your folder, then puts it aside to watch a soap opera on the television. Now, your patience is waning, and yet your folder is not ready! You become inpatient and ask, “Madam, what is happening?” She then retorts rudely, “Are you trying to teach me my work? Patients are very ungrateful!” Did she just say that you were ungrateful? Finally, you have the folder in your hand! You meet the nurse, who instructs you stand on a scale. As you move, she screams, “Take off your shoes!” She puts a cuff around your arm, inflates it so tight, without even saying sorry. As if that is not enough, you are blamed for reporting late and made to feel as if you deserve to suffer. You may be given multiple instructions at the same time, most of which you may not even comprehend well, and eventually may suffer serious consequences. You may wait for hours in lines or grim conditions, only to discuss your health concern or problem with a health professional.
Have you ever walked into an office where you were warmly welcomed and given a comfortable seat in an air conditioned room while you waited your turn to be served? How did that make you feel? Even though you realized that you had a while to wait, you had all the confidence in the quality of service that you were about to receive. Finally, although your turn approaches and someone receives you with dignity and respect, you realize that surprisingly you did not get what you wanted; however, you felt satisfied, thanked the attendant and walked away feeling happy. What is my point? There are some careless, negligent and arrogant health care workers, Have you ever walked into a health care fa- with poor attitudes and behaviors, which cility, knowing that health care delivery is make hospital visits unbearable and can not free, armed with your national health even worsen a sick person’s condition. Howinsurance and cash for these services. You ever, there are many responsible, dedicated may be met by the old disgruntled security and skillful health care workers, who care guard at the entrance. You may lose your for patients with respect and commitment. way around the facility and the older lady I salute every committed person in the field behind the information desk surprisingly of health care delivery, as God will reward yells, “Go back! Go back!” Then, you meet each person abundantly. a gentleman in white and even before you could initiate a conversation, he says, “Look It is time that patient satisfaction be is conhere, I have closed for the day. Wait for the sidered as optimal priority, including the next person.” You stand confused, until implementation of the art of care and the another female employee tells you, “Go to introduction of customer care and respect the Records Department and get a folder.” for clients. I motivate all health care workWhat if you do not know how to arrive to ers at our local, national and international this department? Muddled in all this chaos, institutions, to exercise their duties with you still find your way, only to be met with responsibility, dedication, decency, empaa noisy, disorganized line, where the young thy, loyalty and a God-fearing attitude. The man preceding you has a wound that is Holy Bible teaches in Colossians 3: 23 that: emitting a foul-purulent odor. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Now, your turn approaches! As it is your Therefore, let every patient receive tender turn to pick a folder, the man behind the loving care, regardless of their name or oricounter requests a photocopy of your iden- gin. Always remember that without the patification card. How were you supposed to tient, there is no health care facility; without know? You cross the street in the scorching the health facility, there is no job for you. sun, nearly run over by a “motorking,” only
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Innovative and affordable products for the general public Mberimbere Pasteur, Burundi
participants.
In Burundi, medical students spend most of their clinical hours at the University Hospital of Kamenge, where they aim to improve health promotion and disease prevention. Since diabetes is the third cause of hospitalization within this hospital, our SCOPH team desired to increase knowledge and awareness about the prevention of diabetes to the public, including high school and university students.
With over 3,000 participants, we asked basic questions about the individual’s and family’s medical history, measured their blood pressure, height, weight and abdominal circumference, and educated them about diabetes and possible complications as well as their risk factors.
In 2008, Handicap International (HI), an independent international aid organisation that works in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict, and disaster, launched the “Diabetes East Africa Region (DEAR) Project,” in order to improve the quality of life of diabetics and to reduce the incidence of diabetic complications within East Africa region. With their continual project success, our SCOPH team collaborated with HI on two original activities.
Overall, both health collaborations between our SCOPH team, HI and the Ministry of Health, were successful and made a positive impact on educating the public about diabetes and risk factors for developing the disease. Implementing these health activities were inexpensive methods to detect risk factors (e.g. obesity, hypertension) and educate about the importance to adopt healthy lifestyles to reduce risk to this chronic metabolic condition.
In the first activity, our SCOPH team recruited several schools in Bujumbura to participate in our health activities. At each school, students conducted health awareness sessions regarding diabetes statistics, disease and possible complications. Following these sessions, our SCOPH team assessed students’ knowledge about diabetes, based on an innovative game, “Budding Geniuses,” specifically created for this activity. Schools are grouped into separate pools (e.g. A, B, C, etc.) and subjected to a series of question and answer sessions on various diabetes topics. The school that won the most points for correct answers was awarded a prize as the “Best School.” This creative activity, which integrated the aspect of competition, greatly enhanced learning and increased student participation. In the second activity, in partnership with HI and with support from the Ministry of Health, our SCOPH team organized a health campaign at a large public square, the Palace of Arts and Culture, in Bujumbura, to detect risk factors for diabetes and motivate citizens to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Since our team did not promote the activity in advance, our first day had little public attendance. However, as we invited the media to assist with promoting the activity, our third day had 1,000 participants each day, when we had only expected 400
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SCOPHian measuring a patient
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Medical Crossword Puzzle!
ACROSS:
DOWN:
1. An epidemic beyond geographical boundaries.
1. Urinary tract infection with systemic manifestations affecting the kidneys and ureters.
2. A rare genetic disorder characterized by numerous bone abnormalities as well as loss of vision and audition.
2. Using hands to assess during a physical examination.
3. Intravenous.
7. Bundles of………...
4. The region in which this publication belongs.
12. A type of suction aspiration used to remove uterine contents through the cervix.
5. Auto-antibodies directed against the contents of the cell nucleus. 6. The official IFMSA annual publication from the African region. 8. A urological operation used in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia. 9. Pus. 10. Nothing by mouth. 11. A differential diagnosis in a patient presenting with terminal hematuria. 20. Before meals.
13. An infection present in a community at all times but in relatively low frequency. 14. International Federation of Medical Students Associations. 15. A place for critical care management. 16. A cyst in the eyelid due to inflammation of meibomian gland. 17. A small elevation of skin containing purulent material. 18. Vagina.
25. Emergency room.
19. Large loop excision of the transformation zone used in remedy of abnormal cervical cell changes.
26. A flat skin lesion that is usually less than 10 mm wide.
20. Accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
27. Spraying the inside of dwellings with an insecticide to kill mosquitoes that spread malaria.
21. Isoniazid.
28. Prescription abbreviation used by pharmacists to de note teaspoon. 29. Left eye abbreviation used in ophthalmology. 30. Currently, the most powerful and easily available malaria control tool developed.
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22. Three times a day. 23. A congenital heart disorder where the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth. 24. Abbreviation for cancer.
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