Vector Issue 12 - 2011

alexandra
f r a i n
& l u k e
hamilton
co-convenors
global health
conference
executives
The enthusiasm and inspiration of over 430
medical students from Australia and the
Asia-Pacific region intersected in Hobart from
July 1 to 4th, for the 6th Annual Australian Medical
Students’ Association Global Health Conference.
The theme was ‘Small Steps, Big Picture’, with a
focus on empowering students with knowledge about
issues that impact on health around the world, whilst
equipping them with practical skills to get involved
in advocacy and activism at a grassroots level.
Delegates were addressed by Dr Helen Caldicott
on the medical implications of nuclear power, by
Reverend Tim Costello on child and maternal health,
and by Professors Tony McMichael and Colin Butler
on Climate Change and Health, just to name a few.
The stream program provided delegates with an
overview on issues such as water quality and access,
refugee health, sexual health, Indigenous health and
resource allocation. With over 66 speakers and tutors,
it is impossible to convey the amount of information
that was packed in to four days at the University of
Tasmania, and even more impossible to describe the
intangible benefits of having 430 motivated students
in one place, with one growing global conscience.
As well as being addressed by some of the most well
respected figures in global health in Australia, some
of the most profound learning came from our peers.
Ten students from developing nations joined us
through the AusAID International Seminar Support
Scheme, and we were enlightened by what they could
share about health in their countries. Workshops
were also run by students, for students, through the
AMSA Training New Trainers and Think Global
initiatives. These programs allowed delegates to
develop skills in leadership, advocacy and project
management.
The conference was also very lucky, with the support
of the University of Tasmania, SecondBite, Scolorest
and the Salvation Army, to be able to contribute to
the local community through a food rescue after
lunch each day. Delegates were so inspired by this
that many of them returned breakfast foods for
distribution after the conference as well.
We certainly learned that the issues facing the health
of the world are undoubtedly huge, and require action
of a similar magnitude. We were powerfully urged
by Nick Bearlin-Allardice in the closing address of
the AMSA GHC to remember that it is not enough to
simply attend a conference. There is so much work
to be done in the realm of global health, as evidenced
by the array of topics covered over the four days of
the conference. If you are interested in putting the
passion and excitement generated at the AMSA GHC
to good use, please consider joining the Global Health
Group at your university, or joining an advocacy group
like World Vision, Oaktree, RESULTS, the Global
Poverty Project or the Doctors for the Environment
Australia. We hope that the AMSA Global Health
Conference will be the springboard for many people,
including you, into making a real, tangible difference
in global health.
www.ghn.amsa.org.au
vector FEB 2011
37