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FAMSA through the years

FAMSA through the years

PREAMBLE It is with such great pleasure that I write this message to you as we introduce the first edition of ‘FAMSA thru the Years.’ It’s been a long struggle that has finally paid off and we want to thank everybody who has contributed to making this resource a reality.

At 47 years of age (Established in 1968), volumes could be written about FAMSA though this isn’t the case today. FAMSA has a pretty rich history but little has been passed down to the younger generation of African medical students and stakeholders.

GREETINGS FROM FAMSA

Truly, Lennert Veerman (President-IFMSA 1996) was right when he wrote in the IFMSA Newsletter of 25th June, 1996, “The Federation of African Medical Students’ Associations has quite a long history. It was founded in1968 in Ghana, upon a Ugandan initiative. In the far-from-complete IFMSA archives there is an article inthe “IFMSA news” of 1971 about FAMSA, but apart from that I know of no evidence of interaction between IFMSA and FAMSA. This changed just over two years ago, when Ghana formed a bridge between the two federations, and contact intensified one year ago when the campaign of a regional structure for IFMSA was launched. This is the first time that an IFMSA EB member attended a FAMSA GA (but hopefully not the last)” As a federation, we are more than convinced that developing such a booklet, with as much history of the Federation as we are able to collect is a major stride towards recollecting the scattered information concerning the Federation as we prepare for the 50th Anniversary in 2018.

We are hopeful that this initiative will be able to bridge the gaps in the FAMSA’s history by the 50th anniversary in 2018.

On behalf of the Federation, I wish you a happy time during your reading.

Dr. Ephraim Kisangala (FAMSA President 2014/2015)

FAMSA through the years

FAMSA was founded in 1968 by medical students of the University of Ibadan (Nigeria), Makerere University (Uganda) and University of Ghana.

At a GA in 1977, the Permanent Headquarters headed by the Administrator was established to serve as the Information and Archival Centre for the Federation. University of Ibadan was designated the FAMSA HQ. However, there was a time during the mid 1990’s that FAMSA Headquarters (HQ) was hosted by the University of Cape Town when the federation was experimenting with rotational HQ and we are not sure if this was for more than 5 years.

EXCERPTS FROM FAMSA’S HISTORY

Therefore the HQ has only been hosted by Nigeria and South Africa.

The 21st G.A (in 1996) was hosted by the University of Cape Town (South Africa) and Dr. Geraldine Owor (Makerere University) was re-elected President and University of Nairobi, Kenya hosting thee 22nd G.A in 1997. 24th GA held was hosted by Ibadan in 2001 and Mahamadou Issaka Kamaye (from Niger Republic) emerged as the President. According to the constitution then, the VP’s MSA was to host the 25th GA in Sudan. Due to the crisis in the country, it didn’t hold. At a Regional Conference in Ibadan in 2004, AMSON (Kenya) accepted to host but was unable to do so. Between 2003 and 2010, FAMSA was run by the HQ Board with the successive Administrators acting as the president. Ibadan was reluctant to host the GA again having hosted the 24th GA in 2001 and Regional Conference in 2004.

The HQ Administrators that acted as FAMSA President include Michael Olagbenro (2002-2004), ‘Buchi Akpeh (2005/2006), Laz Ude Eze (2006/2007), Ugochukwu Maduforo (2007-2009), Jide Adeyefa (2009/2010).

25th GA held in Accra, Ghana in 2010 and Ralph Akyea emerged as the President.

Since the 25th G.A in 2010, FAMSA has been holding G.As annually except in 2013 whenUniversity of Cape Town was unable to host.

The 26th, 27th and 28th G.As were hosted by medical schools in Kenya (Moi University) Feb, 2011, Uganda (Gulu University) March, 2012 and Tanzania (Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College) March, 2014 respectively.

The 29th G.A is to be hosted by Benin in August, 2015.

The presidents from 2010 included Dr. Ralph Akyea Kwame (2010-2012), Bagala John Paul (2012-2014) and Kisangala Ephraim (2014-2015).

As compiled by Dr. Laz Ude Eze, Dr. Buchi Akpeh & Dr. Kisangala Ephraim

FAMSA through the years

INTRODUCTION

The Federation of African Medical Students’ Associations (FAMSA) is an independent, non-political associationof African Medical students. It was founded in 1968 to foster the spirit of friendship and cooperation among African medical students. It is a project oriented medical student body.

FAMSA provides a forum where medical students throughout the African continent can discuss topics related to health, medicine education and general global health, formulate action plans from such discussions andcarry out various activities. It not only provides a platform for medical students’ professional exchange but also creation of projects thus remains a versatile advocacy body which sensitizes and redirects African governments’ policies towards a path to sustainable health and development. It also acts as a mechanism for organizations under its membership to raise funds for projects recognized by FAMSA.

VISION

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To become a strong network of medical students, aware of global health issues and responsive to contemporary questions facing the medical profession and global health.

• To project the image of the African medical students both on the continent and international scene • To enhance and broaden the general and special education of member medical students in and about various parts of Africa as a special furtherance of the diligent efforts of the medical schools, and thus to contribute to the improvement of medical education in Africa.

• To establish contact with every Medical Students’ Association in Africa on purely professional matters.

• To promote exchange by way of international correspondence. Publication of news of medical interest through journals and the organization of professional exchange of medical students between various countries.

• To generate initiative in population and Health surveys as well as in bio-medical findings on all matters pertaining to health in Africa.

• To encourage and assist member associations in fulfilling the essence of education, which is to contribute towards the improvement of the health conditions in Africa by rendering help in all projects where medical students can be of assistance.

FAMSA through the years

FAMSA consists of five organs of action. It serves as an umbrella body for their activities – facilitating the exchange of ideas, enabling student exchanges and acting as a collective voice for the African medical students on issues affecting them and the continent.

I. The General Assembly This is the highest authority and policy making arm of FAMSA. The main purpose of the General Assembly is to formulate FAMSA policies, direct her activities and to elect FAMSA officials. It usually holds an annual general meeting at a medical school in Africa selected by the General Assembly.

Scientific sessions are also held on topical health issues, with students and resource persons presenting papers on the theme of the General Assembly meeting. In addition, workshops are held to discuss the issues that emerge in the papers and also to draft the resolution of the General Assembly which are then discussed and adopted at a plenary session.

FAMSA STRUCTURE

Secondly, the General Assembly annual meeting provides the opportunity for FAMSA programs in the preceding year to be evaluated. New programs may also be initiated during the business meetings.

II. The Permanent Headquarters This institution has been hosted by the Ibadan medical school since 1977. It serves as the archival centre, a pivot for membership recruitment, inter-agency collaboration, building of partnerships and fundraising. It assumes the functions of the Executive Council whenever the tenure of an existing one lapses and a new one yet to be constituted by the General Assembly.It organizes the FAMSA General Assembly annual meetings in conjunction with the host medical school.

III. The FAMSA Executive Council This consists of office holders. These office holders are elected at the General Assembly annual meeting and the administrator of the permanent headquarters. The body is charged with carrying out specific duties assigned at the General Assembly.

IV. Medical Students’ Associations (MSA) These are faculty-based association of medical students in the various medical colleges in African Universities. They constitute the membership of FAMSA and are also the body through which FAMSA executes her programmes.

V. Standing Committees There are at present 5 standing committees. These are: I. Standing Committee on Health and Environment (SCOHE) II. Standing Committee on Medical Education and Research (SCOMER) III. Standing Committee on Professional Exchange (SCOPE) IV. Standing Committee on Publication (SCOPUB) V. Standing Committee on Refugees and Population Activity.

FAMSA through the years

Article that appeared in the IFMSA Newsletter of 25th June 1996 GENERALASSEMBLY OF THE REGIONALOFFICE FORAFRICA “IFAMSA” in the FAMSA GA One of the many nice things of being in IFMSA is the opportunity to attend meetings in fascinating parts of the globe. I am now enjoying a holiday in South Africa. While trying to understand this country I will also see how the FAMSA headquarters in Cape Town functions. The reason for my presence here is the 21st General Assembly of FAMSA, which took place in Johannesburg from 30 March to 4 April, now a couple of days ago. It was a wonderful and stimulating experience.

The Federation of African Medical Students’ Associations has quite a long history. It was founded in 1968 in Ghana, upon a Ugandan initiative. In the far-from-complete IFMSA archives there is an article in the “IFMSA news” of 1971 about FAMSA, but apart from that I know of no evidence of interaction between IFMSA and FAMSA. This changed just over two years ago, when Ghana formed a bridge between the two federations, and contact intensified one year ago when the campaign of a regional structure for IFMSA was launched. This is the first time that an IFMSA EB member attended a FAMSA GA (but hopefully not the last).

FAMSA has its headquarters at the University of Cape Town.

The Secretary General and the General Treasurer are always from that university, while the president, vice-president, standing committee directors and regional coordinators can be from anywhere in Africa. This is one of the aspects of FAMSA which remind of what IFMSA must have been like in earlier days.

Another interesting aspect is the emphasis placed on the student scientific research presentations. This meeting was centred on the theme “Challenges facing Health Care in Africa”. A major challenge was AIDS, but tuberculosis, chronic diseases and other topics were also highlighted. Obviously most of the papers focused on public health issues. This was interesting, not only because of the research itself, but also from an organizational point of view. IFMSA could very well organize similar events.

FAMSA through the years

My guess is that IFMSA GAs might have included research presentations in the past, but that the Standing Committee and plenary sessions took up progressively more time, and that it was decided to separate these so-called “technical discussions” from the GA itself; thus creating pre GA workshops such as “Medicine and War”planned for this summer. The content has also changed and includes less presentations of research. Enfin, back to FAMSA. A declaration on AIDS was adopted by the GA, which will guide FAMSA’s activities in that field for the coming year.

FAMSA has three new Standing Committees. Apart from the existing SCs on Refugees and Populations Activities (SCORPA), Publications (SCOPUB) and Exchange and Research (SCOPER), there are now also Standing Committees on Medical Education (SCOME), Public Health (SCOPH) and HIV-AIDS (SCOHA). Excellent news for IFMSA, since FAMSA structure is becoming more compatible with that of IFMSA,which will facilitate contact.

Standing Committees in FAMSA are different from those in IFMSA. The responsible school is the only one working on the committee, and communication with other Medical Students Associations (MSAs) is scarce. So far no GA sessions are dedicated to meetings of the SCs’. Few new projects arise in such a setting. In fact, the FAMSA-IFMSA Refugee Project in Uganda is a breakthrough for FAMSA and an example for the future. It seems, however, that the next GA will allocate time for the Standing Committees to meet; this should help to strengthen FAMSA SCs’.

Another point where FAMSA’s infrastructure has been strengthened this meeting concerns the procedures used during the plenary sessions (business sessions in FAMSA terminology).

Last year procedures were unclear, which caused some confusion and lengthy debates. This time a simplified version of the IFMSA procedures was used, which worked out fine, and possibly next year the IFMSA procedures will be copied in its entirety

by FAMSA. This would have the advantage of clear cut procedures, but also facilitate African participation in the IFMSA meetings because of getting used to the way of handling affairs. Unfortunately IFMSA procedures are by no means a guarantee for short and efficient plenary sessions, as was shown in our last GA.

FAMSA through the years

The Barcelona agreement was amended and accepted including these amendments. This means that FAMSA will propose changes on the document to the General Assembly of IFMSA. IFMSA will have to adopt these changes as well. All proposed changes concern minor points; the only thing that might not be a good idea, however, would be to call FAMSA the “IFMSA Representative Office for Africa” instead of the “Regional Office” as proposed in the unamended document. This amendment would mean different terminology for the different regional organizations.

Unlike IFMSA, where countries have voting rights, FAMSA knows representation per medical school.

In all, 15 universities from the following countries were represented: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique,Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Togo. This is very interesting for IFMSA, as only South Africa and Kenya are represented in our federation at this moment. The delegates of the other countries expressed a vivid interest in attending our GA in Prague, so let’s hope they will manage to find the required funds and visas.

From Charlemagne, the delegate from Togo, I learned of the existence of a cooperation of francophone medical students in West Africa. A meeting was to take place mid April in Mali. Charlemagne would present IFMSA and FAMSA there and invite everybody to the General Assembly in Prague.

Hopefully we’ll soon hear more.

The contact with the FAMSA board has been excellent over the past year; at this meeting we also agreed on increasing cooperation in the future. FAMSA is picking up the things it can use from the IFMSA structure and activities, and IFMSA can gain from fresh African thought. For FAMSA this may mean changes like those concerning procedures in meetings, the structure of Standing Committees, the system of address lists and official forms, etc. For IFMSA I would conclude that we have to pay more attention to research, and a nice idea is perhaps the official swearing in of the Executive Board, which provided a nice official note at the final dinner.

The newly elected officials include two familiar faces: Geraldine Owor from Makerere University in Uganda has been (re-)elected President of FAMSA, and Subash Chirkut from UCT, South Africa, who attended the GA in Barcelona, is the new director of SCOPH. At the moment I am staying with the new Secretary General, Sean Broomhead, and as we were having a beer in the beautiful seaside area of Cape Town I was pretty much voicing my general opinion about the GA and the future of FAMSA when I concluded that “Africa is secure” (which was given the Arrogance Award of the year by Sean).

LennertVeerman IFMSA President (1996)

FAMSA through the years

FAMSA AGENDA The Federation comprises Medical Students’ Associations from across the African continent. FAMSA is the official mouthpiece and platform of the African Medical Student, for the learning, sharing of ideas and experiences and also generating student initiatives aimed at contributing to improving the health status on the African continent.

FAMSA does this by organizing regional conferences,workshops, training seminars, medical exchange programmes and also by engaging the communities in the health promotion activities.

FAMSA represents medical students who are the future drivers, leaders and policy makers of the health sector in Africa.

ACTIONS/ ACTIVITIES:

i.

Advocacy: Advocates to decision and policy makers across African to promote policies and programmes that positively impact the health of Africans. E.g. FAMSA’s Position Statement on Reducing Preventable Morbidity and Mortality 2011, The Airel declaration 2014. ii.

Mobilization: Mobilizes medical students to attend annual General Assembly and International Scientific Conferences, capacity building workshops, community medical outreaches amongst others.

Past themes: ”Optimizing Health care in Resource Poor Settings”, “The Burden of Chronic Diseases in Africa”, and “Promoting Maternal and Child Health in Africa” – with the First Lady of Uganda being the Guest Speaker. iii.

Technical:FAMSA will actively in partnership with other stakeholders contribute to the generation and dissemination of continentally driven, factual and update data on health challenges in Africa.

FAMSA through the years

During the final, concluding and plenary sessions of the 24th General Assembly (Ibadan 2004), the FAMSA delegates with due consideration to the thematic issues of the conference severally made the following resolutions: I. Firstly, to act as arrowheads for a new wave of advocacy for positive reproductive health policies that will promote the quality of lives of the African people.

II. Acting through local Medical Students Associations (MSAs) and the FAMSA as overall umbrella body, to renew their commitments to Village Concept Programmes (VCPs) and community oriented projects, with a view to providing essential, howbeit minimal health services to many African people who otherwise will be unreached by Africa’s inadequate and inefficient primary health care delivery system.

III. To offer supportive and voluntary services to all agencies who are responsible for the management of African refugee populations and simultaneously to promote the concept of conflict resolution and dialogue as plausible alternative to wars and violence.

FAMSA COMMITMENT

IV. To advocate for periodic review of medical schools curriculum to incorporate broader issues of reproductive health, so as to enable African medical students become effective, complete, responsive and responsible physicians equipped to meet new and higher demands of the future.

V. Lastly, using the organs of FAMSA to serve as a rallying point to mobilize African Medical Students, other students and African Youth to participate in the re – emerging pan – African movement, so that they may be empowered to translate the pan – African philosophy into sustainable regional development.

The FAMSA COMMITMENT involves three key issues; 1.

FAMSA commitment to Primary Health Care 2.

Commitment to reproductive health, i.e. maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, unsafe abortion 3.

Commitment to peace and sustainable development in Africa.

These 3 commitments are marshaled under 5 broad components; -Technical support and capacity building -Advocacy -Collaboration with other youth initiatives -Community intervention -Funding initiatives.

This FAMSA COMMITMENT is articulated as The FAMSA Youth Agenda

FAMSA through the years

The FAMSA Youth Agenda is an initiative created to sustain a continental unit of effect consisting of Medical Students Associations determined to carry out responsible youth action to effectively contribute to African healthcare by marshaling concerted youth action in the belief of a manifest destiny for the people of the continent. These medical students associations will be empowered with information, skills, contacts network and resource base to function effectively in respective localities.

The FAMSA Youth Agenda takes cognizance of the non-medical factors that influence health and healthcare and affect the spread of disease and seeks: to develop the attitudes, knowledge and skill that the African medical student needs to be an effective player in the future of African healthcare; to partner with existing initiatives and to undertake youth led, youth motivated and youth executed basic health projects in different African localities with a bias in reproductive health.

THE FAMSA YOUTH AGENDA

The Youth Agenda integrates all public health activities of member MSAs under a common umbrella and with a common focus.

Emphasis will be on the following activities: *Medical Student Associations capacity building. *HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness activities. *Village Concept Projects, VCPs. 1) Identification of small underserved populations where MSAscan make an input 2) Establishment of a MSA Health Post 3) Provision of basic care and referral to higher centers 4) Local health promotion activities 5) Local reproductive health activities.

THE FAMSA YOUTH AGENDA, HOW?

1) Empower medical students with skills needed to take effective action: a) project design, management and evaluation. b)advocacy c) networking and fundraising d) media partnership 2) Provide in-depth training, e.g on HIV/AIDS prevention methods The FAMSA Youth Agenda will be FAMSA’s primary effort in the coming years. It will last Four years in the first instance, and will undergo review and modification as it progresses.

FAMSA through the years

3) Provide handbooks, toolkits and training manuals, e.g. on HIV/AIDS prevention methods 4) Form medical student association HIV/AIDS units.

5) Execute village concept projects.

ACTIVITIES IN 2014/2015

The FAMSA Youth Agenda will be executed in three phases: PHASE ONE a.

Launch of the FAMSA Youth Agenda at the FAMSA Youth Summit on the theme: “Possessing the Future; Africa, Health and the Youth”, and the strategic training sessions at The Permanent Headquarters, UniversityCollegeHospital, IbadanNigeria. b.

1) Regional workshops, training of trainers in five African sub regions i.e. North Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa, West Africa and Central Africa.

2) Production of training handbook on HIV/AIDS prevention methods and programs.

3) Training workshops and manual on Village Concept Projects.

PHASE TWO 1.

Local Medical Student Association training activities.

2.

Assessment of localities for the Village Concept Projects.

3.

Formation of MSA HIV/AIDS unit 4.

Execution of prevention activities 5.

Initiation of the Village Concept Projects PHASE THREE * Evaluation of the program at the annual General Assembly of FAMSA.

1. World Menstrual Hygiene Day and Campaign 1st - 28th May, 2014 FAMSA joined over 150 organizations in over 54 countries worldwide to celebrate the first World Menstrual Hygiene Day Campaign. This was done at KIU western campus under the guidance of the different students’ bodies, Friends of IRISE (Funded by IRISE-UK), FAMSA and AMSKIU. The carried out various activities at the campus and around the district.The activities ranged from menstrual education in schools (primary, secondary and tertiary institutions) 323 pupils and students from several schools and institutions and women groups were educated, training on reusable sanitary pad making, 79 women were trained, marching across the streets, radio talkshows to raise awareness and distribution of free sanitary pads to the pupils.

The schools and groups that took part in the activities include; Basajjabalaba primary and secondary school, Ishaka Adventist Nursing school, Bushenyi Primary school (school for the disabled) and Bushenyi Women’s group.

FAMSA through the years

2. BARHD/BIRD Outreaches and School Programme:JuneJuly, 2014 in South Western Uganda BARHD (Bushenyi Alliance for Rural Health and Development), a USA based NGO and her sister local NGO (Bushenyi Intergrated Rural Development) BIRD operating in South-Western Uganda invited FAMSA to their annual 2 week outreach and medical camp. FAMSA was represented by the president, Ephraim Kisangala and the treasurer, Bonny Seere Godfrey.

Activities; health education, dental care and tooth extractions, medical care and consultations antenatal care, immunization, deworming and HIV and malaria testing.

The school activities were done in done in five schools (4 secondary and 1 primary school) in four districts in South-Western Uganda. They included mentorship, menstrual hygiene, career guidance and health education and management of minor health conditions.

3. 7th PCAF (Pan African PCAF Psychotrauma Conference Theme: Trauma and Community Mental Health Date: 21st – 23rdJuly, 2014 Hosted by Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) at Lake View Hotel in Mbarara (Uganda) Attendance: Over five hundred professionals and students with an interest in mental health and psycho-social support services for people affected by armed conflicts and adversity across Africa.

The conference covered the following topics that are of significant importance to the African continent; Spirit possession and healing pathways in Africa, Conflicts and Mental Health Systems in Post‐conflict settings, Intergenerational Trauma, Sexual & Gender–Based Violence, The 2013‐2020 Global Mental Health Action Plan, potential treatment models & platforms for mental health service delivery, Nodding syndrome.

The presentations were of great and of high quality. I was particularly moved by a randomized control trial study “Group support psychotherapy for depressed HIV infected individuals in post –conflict northern Uganda: A pilot randomized controlled trial” by Ethel Nakimuli‐Mpungu There were Training workshops on Sociotherapy, psychotherapy and Care for Traumatized Individuals Plenary speakers included Dr. Marc van Ommeren (World Health Organisation), Prof. Solomon Rataemane (World Psychiatric Association and University of Limpopo), Prof. Joop de Jong (University of Amsterdam), Prof. David Ndetei (University of Nairobi) Prof. AnnemiekRichters (University of Leiden), Dr. Sheila Ndyanabangi (Ministry of health-Uganda),

FAMSA through the years

Dr. Margaret Mungherera (President World Medical Association), Prof. SyliviaKaaya (Tanzania), SegganeMusisi (Uganda) and Prof. Eugene Kinyanda (Uganda) among others FAMSA represented by the president (Kisangala Ephraim) is proud to have been part ofthis conference.

The next 8th PCAF conference will take place from 13th – 17th July, 2015 in Nairobi, Kenya. (www.petercaldermanfoundation. org)

4. 1st Uganda National Conference on Menstrual Hygiene Management

Took place from August 14th -15th 2014 at Hotel Africana Kampala. The Federation of African Medical Students’ Associations (FAMSA) is proud not only to have participated but to have made a presentation on the role of medical students in the community transformation (using the World menstrual hygiene Day events as a case study).

The aim of the conference was to Break the Silence on Menstruation and Keep the Girls in School. This was in response to responds to the studies (SNV 2012, World Bank 2005) that show girls miss school on a regular basis due to lack of sufficient support during menstruation and that menstruation is a silent affair that has been covered in myths.

This very successful two day conference organized byNetwork for Water and Sanitation Uganda (NETWAS-Uganda) attracted various stakeholders including Ministries of Education & Sports, Water & Environment, Gender Labour& Social Development and the Ministry of Health. Parliamentarians thru the Parliamentary WASH Forum, the National Sanitation Working Group, SNV, IRC, Water Aid, Water for People, UNICEF, Build Africa, AMREF, MakaPads, AfriPads and GEM. The presentations included; • Policy and legal framework on menstrual management in Uganda by Wateraid Uganda highlighted the international and national treaties, policies and laws on MHM that Uganda is signatory to or ratified.

• The Gender Dimension of Menstrual Management in which Maggie M Kyomukama from MGLSD highlighted how gender affected girls attitudes and perceptions on menstruation, participation in different activities especially in school, access and control of resources. She concluded by saying a comprehensive and integrated approach to Menstrual hygiene management should be adopted.

• The Survey on the MHM market in Uganda focussed on Manufacturers/ Importers, distributers, consumer highlights and pricing. Of note was that the obstacle to purchase any sanitary solution is not price, but the gender power imbalance within households and limited availability in remote areas.

FAMSA through the years

Other presentations came from the various stakeholders, players on the market FAMSA was represented by the president Ephraim Kisangala 5.

Open Access week (20th -26th October, 2014): Two universities (one in Tanzania and another in Nigeria) won small grants to carryout Open Access advocacy activities in their respective campuses. This was coordinated by the SCOMER (Standing Committee on Medical Education and Research).

6.

University of Development Studies (UDS) MSA International Conference Held in UDS-international conference centre, Tamale, Ghana from 24th to 27th October 2014 with a theme“Health for All, Community Based Initiatives at the Centre Stage” Federation of Africa Medical Students Associations (FAMSA) was proud to attend this conference not only because it will allow the federation to enlarge but also because FAMSA had been invited last year but did not attend. The UDSMSA students askedto beaffiliated to FAMSA; they have been provided with FAMSA constitution and conditions for affiliation. Under the cover of FAMSA president, the West African FAMSA representative proposed to them to host FAMSA West AfricanRegional conference in 2015 was welcomed. FAMSA was represented by the West Africa regional coordinator HashimHounkpatin 2nd Federation of African Medical Students Association (FAMSA). East African Scientific Conference.

Theme: Working towards MDG 5; the present and the Future of Reproductive Health in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Date: 8th -11th October, 2014 Hosts:Moi University College of Health Sciences.

In attendance were students from Rwanda, Nigeria, Botswana, Uganda and Kenya. The main aim of the conference was to discuss the present and future of Reproductive Health in Sub Saharan Africa and it was impressive how eager the East African and general African medical students are to solve most of the reproductive health problems facing the continent. There were several workshops and debates including a very lively topic on Safe abortion.

The workshop by IPAS played a big role in answering the questions on abortion and reproductive health in general. The common saying“...every pregnant woman in Africa has one foot in the grave,” was frequently recited.

Some of the guest speakers were Dr. Boaz Otieno, the technical advisor HIV Treatment and Care Branch Global AIDs program CDC- Kenya, Dr. Kihara Anne, the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynecological Society Chairperson,IPAS Africa Alliance team (Dr. Abdullah Aziz, Prof. Karanja,Suzanne Majani and VaniaKibui) and IRISE team. There were also paper presentations from students and professionals in the medical field

FAMSA through the years

1. World Health Day 6st April, 2014 and 2015 in Nigeria As it’s usually a tradition, FAMSA joined the rest of the world in commemorating the World Health Day, 2014 under the themes“Small Bite Big Threat” The day’s activities were spearheaded by the Headquarters board located in University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

2012/2013 executive tenure The 2012/2013FAMSA executive was sworn into power during the 27th FAMSA General Assembly and international scientific conference which was held in March, 2012. The following are some of the activities that have so far been carried out.

1.

World Health Day Celebration By Federation Of African Medical Students’ Associations(FAMSA) Headquarters’ Board In commemoration of the annual world health day (April 7th) a day set aside by World Health Organization (WHO) to mark the founding of WHO in 1948, the Federation of African Medical Students Associations (FAMSA) Headquarters Board organized a community outreach to the elderly in Oke-Itunu.

This year’s celebration focus on Ageing and Health with the slogan; “Good health adds life to years”. The focus was on how good health helps older men and women live full and productive lives. Oke-Itunu is a community situated at about twenty minutes’ drive away from University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria (which host the FAMSA Permanent Headquarters). The community was chosen because of its closeness to UCH and the relative high number of old men and women in the community.

The community outreach was postponed to April 14th because April 7th coincided with Easter period which is a public holiday and activities are suspended on public holidays. The outreached commenced by 10:00am with introduction of World Health Day to the community members. A lecture was delivered by Dr L.A Adebusoye, a Consultant Family Medicine at University College Hospital. The lecture was titled Ageing and Health: Ways to healthy living at old age. The lecture lasted for about forty five minutes. Another lecture was delivered by Unibadan Association of Dental Students in the person of Mr. Aremu John on ways of maintaining good dentition and oral hygiene. He also demonstrated proper method of brushing the teeth. The lecture session ended with questions from the audience.

Immediately after the lecture session, checkups were conducted by

FAMSA through the years

FAMSA board members, a member of University of Ibadan Medical Students Association (UIMSA) and four members of Unibadan Association of Dental Students (UADS). The medical checkups included Weight and height measurement for Body Mass Index, Random Blood Glucose check, consultation and dental checkup. The checks lasted for two hours and were interrupted by rain. Almost two hundred people participated in the medical checkups. Most of the elderly seen were pre-hypertensive and hypertensive as hypertension is a common disease of the elderly in Nigeria. Ferrous sulphate and Vitamin C were administered to the elderly. The program was a huge success as we received commendations from all over.

2. Autism awareness walk/campaign Held on 28th April, 2012at the Baden Powell Grounds, Kampala, Uganda.The event was organized by Uganda Parents Autism Association (UPAA).

Autism (sometimes called “classical autism”) is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities and interests.

The event started with a walk around Kampala town to spread awareness.

Different activities including speeches followed the walk/ match. In the speeches, the following were pointed out; • The need for togetherness and unity • Increased understanding of the autistic persons • Experiences (involving challenges and solutions) which were very inspirational for example a parent with a 40 year old autistic son that was now even married and another with 2 autistic children.

• Role of students in dealing with Autism The chief guest was the Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Mondo Kagonyera who emphasized the need for understanding the autistic people and also called for government’s involvement.

Other speakers where Doctors, parents students, counselors and teachers from a school with autistic children (Montessori Academy) As FAMSA, we did pledge to give a hand in raising awareness as well as play a role in medical education and research as regards autism.

FAMSA was represented by John Paul Bagala (President), Cheputyo Priscilla (Treasurer) and Ephraim Kisangala (SCOMER).

FAMSA through the years

3. Reducing Maternal Mortality from Unsafe Abortion Conference Protea Hotel, Kampala 6-8th June, 2012 The 1st National conference on Unsafe abortion in Uganda held in Kampala, between the 6th and 8th of June, 2012 with the theme ‘Reducing Maternal Mortality from Unsafe Abortion’. In attendance were dignitaries from the ministry of health, Uganda, Political leaders (members of Parliament), activists, donor agencies, advocacy groups, FAMSA Executive members etc.

Due to the increasing maternal mortality rate in Uganda due to unsafe abortion, the Ministry of health organized this conference in collaboration with IPAS Alliance Africa, UNFPA and PACE. Heated debates, discussions and suggestions ensued all in view to channel a way forward to reduce the increasing maternal mortality rate in Uganda.

Undoubtedly FAMSA once again showed her zeal to achieving one of her numerous goals which is active participation in health related decision-making and contributing positively to the development of her members and Africa as a whole. The conference also provided an opportunity for international dialogue and sharing of national experience.

Food for thought; “In unequal world, these women are the most unequal among unequal”

FAMSA Executives at the conference; (from right to left) Fauz (sec gen), Priscilla (Treasurer), John Paul(President), midwife, Ephraim(SCOMER chairman), Veronica(LOC chairman at the 27th FAMSA conference) and Juuko(FAMSA regional coordinator).

“Hundreds of pregnant women, alive at sunset last night never saw the sunrise this morning. Some of them died in labour, some died of hemorrhage in hospitals lacking blood, some died in the painful convulsions of eclampsia and some died on the table of an unskilled abortionist trying to terminate an unwanted pregnancy” H.Nakajima, WHO 1999 4.

FAMSA celebrates the African child day (16th June, 2012)

The Day of the African Child marks the anniversary of the Soweto Uprising in 1976. On June 16, 1976, thousands of black South African students joined in a protest against the oppressive education policies of the apartheid regime. Police responded with force, killing an estimated two hundred children. Since 1991, June 16th has been an occasion to honour the courage of the children who participated in the protests, and to advocate for further action to address the physical and educational needs of children in Africa.

This year’s theme was, “The Rights of Children with Disabilities”: the duty to protect, respect, promote and fulfill. In light of this situation, the Federation of African Medical Students’ Associations (FAMSA), which is a project- oriented body of African Medical Students who seek to be actively involved in tackling the peculiar problems of the African continent, especially with regard to health felt compelled to show our support for the disabled in Africa by marking the day with activities aimed at improving the health of and raising awareness about the rights of the disabled in our communities.

FAMSA through the years

MSAMU from Moi University (Kenya) and AMSKIU from KIU (Uganda) carried out the various activities on this day and partnered with various schools for the disabled, Non- Governmental Organisations, corporates and community members.

In Kenya, the main sponsor was Handicap International- Kitale program office, T-shirts were provided by Safaricom and Paul’s Bakery- Eldoret, Coca Cola- Rift Valley Bottlers ltd, Khetia, Suam and Transmatt supermarkets (all based in kitale) provided soft drinks and snacks for the event.

In Uganda, Hunter Fm and TV,Red cross,Pride microfinance, United Faith Chapel, contagious fellowship, Watoto staff, health partners and KIU Western Campus and Teaching Hospital.

The activities carried out included; Disability Awareness Walk, Free pediatric medical camp, Health education at neighboring schools and communities, Fun day and Be a buddy- day.

Recommendations  Be-a-buddy program; it is our recommendation that every Medical Students’ Association in FAMSA endeavor to set up a social responsibility program in their university to enable the medical students to interact with disabled and less-privileged persons of society in their immediate locality.

FAMSA through the years

5.

1st FAMSA East African General assembly and international conference

CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS

Under the theme; “improving the quality of the health in East Africa” FAMSA through Mr. Juuko Abdu the East African regional coordinator successfully organized the 1st FAMSA east African conference in September 2012. It was hosted by the Association of Medical Students’ Kampala international university (AMSKIU) with the aim to promote quality and provide equitable health to all people of East African community. Activities like malaria eradication campaigns, HIV/AIDS awareness, counseling and testing, Promoting family planning were carried out prior to the conference.

1.

FAMSA International Conference and 28th General Assembly 2.

FAMSA International Conference and 27th General Assembly Theme: Promoting Maternal and Child Health in Africa; Gulu University, Acholi Inn, Gulu (Uganda); 26th to 30th March, 2012.

3.

Ipas Workshop: Reducing Maternal Mortality and Morbidity by Unsafe Abortions; Role of the Federation of African Medical Students Associations (FAMSA). Hilton Hotel, Nairobi, KENYA, 19th – 20th August 2011.

4.

FAMSA International Conference and 26th General Assembly Theme: Burden of Chronic Diseases in Africa; The Medical Education Centre, Moi University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya, 16th to the 18th of February 2011.

5.

FAMSA International Conference and 25th General Assembly Theme: Africa now; Optimal HealthCare for Resources-Poor Settings. University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana:16th21st May, 2010 6.

Collaboration with the AU Commission to develop the AU Commission HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan (2005 – 2007) 7.

World Health Day Symposium: Theme: Working Together for Health; April 6, 2006.

8.

Regional FAMSA Conference: War, HIV/AIDS and the African Child (including a workshop on understanding the dynamics and impacts of conflicts); College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. 26th – 29th October, 2004.

9.

FAMSA Regional Seminar. Theme: Role of students in curbing HIV/AIDS. Venue: Faculté de Sciences de Sante, Niamey, Niger République. Date: 22nd -26 May, 2002.

10. FAMSA REGIONAL SEMINAR: Theme: African Democracies, Towards Peace and Health Venue: College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. 26 April 2002 11. FAMSA International Conference and 24th General Assembly.

Theme: Stemming The Tide, Tackling African Reproductive Health Challenges of The 21st Century- Need for Regional Cooperation.

Venue: College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. July 22nd to 28th 2001

FAMSA through the years

SOME INVITATIONS RECEIVED AND CONFERENCES ATTENDED IN THE PAST

12. The 1st FAMSA internet Workshop. The theme: The role of Internet in Medicine and Research at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria – 19th-20th January, 2000.

13. A ruralHealth Awareness Project on prevention of HIV/ AIDS and STDs among secondary school in Oyo State in collaboration with the Action Group on Adolescent Health (AGAH) in June 1999.

14. FAMSA West African Regional Conference on Challenges of Healthcare Delivery in Africa in the 21st Century at University College Hospital in collaboration with IFMSA, University College Hospital - Ibadan and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, Nigeria – 24th – 29th March, 1998.

15. A regional workshop on the theme: Living as an African Doctor in collaboration with the International Federation of Medical Student Association (IFMSA), Suez Canal University, Egypt – 23rd – 28th July 1998.

16. FAMSA International Conference and 22nd General Assembly; Theme; Reproductive Health and Youth at the dawn of the 21st century at Kenya college of communication and Technology 13th-19th April, 1997.

17.

A regional conference on the theme: Environmental Health in Africa – Forum on Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation at WITS Medical School, South Africa, 1st – 8th April, 1996.

18. An international workshop on Primary Healthcare with special focus on women and children at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda in 1995 • Conference of African Ministers of Health Meeting on Sexual and Reproductive health in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; March 2011 • AFRICAN REGIONAL MEETING (ARM) OF THE IFMSAAFRICA, THEME: Save The African Child 16 - 23rd December 2007. Venue: The Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Kwazulu Natal University Durban South Africa • International Scientific Conference on Linking HIV/AIDS & Reproductive Health Needs in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; October 2006.

• XVI International AIDS Conference, (AIDS 2006), Canada; August 2006.

• Conference of African Ministers of Health Meeting on Sexual and Reproductive health in Maputo Mozambique, 2006.

• African Regional Conference of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear Wars (IPPNW) (Students wing) – Jos, Nigeria - 2005 • African Health Ministers Meeting in Botswana in October, 2005.

• The 13th World Congress of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War held Australia. December 4 – 9, 1998.

• The 12th World AIDS Conference held at the Palexpo Conference Centre, Geneva.

•

FAMSA through the years

The 16th World Conference on Health Promotion and Health Education in San Juan, Puerto Rico, June 21 – 26, 1998 • World Youth Forum of the United Nations convened by the United Nations and Portuguese Government on August 2 – 6, 1998 to draft recommendations to the World Conference of Ministers in Lisbon for overall presentation to the United Nations General Assembly

A REPORT OF THE ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE 2006/2007 HEADQUARTERS’ BOARD Prepared By: His Excellency Laz Ude Eze Administrator/Acting President

INTRODUCTION The Board Year lasted from March 2006 to May 2007. At the beginning of the year, we prepared a year plan which contained the activities we wanted to implement. These among others included: • Re-establishment of contacts with MSAs and improvement on communication between the headquarters and the MSAs. • Marking the World Health Days • Organizing of the 25th General Assembly (GA) • Participation in African Union meetings and other international conferences.

• Improving on relationship and collaboration with other international students’ MSAs or NMOs. • Implementation of the FAMSA Youth Agenda • Getting office for the headquarters within ABH In this report, I would highlight the state of FAMSA when I assumed office, our achievements, failures, challenges and recommendations.

FAMSA through the years

FAMSA BEFORE THE INCEPTION OF MY ADMINISTRATION

FAMSA had existed for about 38 years while UIMSA has been hosting the headquarters since 1977. The FAMSA Hqtrs has over the years been performing her primary function. i.e, serving as the information and archival centre and also as a co-organiser of GAs. The 24th GA held in 2001 and the excos elected then left office in 2002. Since then, the headquarters had taken over the functions of the executive pending when a new one would be constituted at a GA. Many member MSAs had started losing interest in FAMSA and the inadequate finances constrained the hqtrs from making necessary travels and also effective communication.

The preceding board which I served as an executive officer could not implement most of her planned programmes due to lack of cohesion between the members which was a consequence of the participation of board members in UIMSA politics. However, my predecessor tutored me on how we can execute the programmes. Unfortunately, we inherited empty treasury. Notwithstanding that, my board members were in high spirit and were eager to work.

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

1.

Improved communication with MSAs During my board year, we maintained contacts with all the Nigerian MSAs and also those of Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan and Kenya. The website was updated regularly.

We participated in many NiMSA activities including general assembly, health week, NEC meetings, etc. we usually update them on the activities of the headquarters at those meetings and also through the NiMSA yahoo group. The improved contact resulted in increased invitations to conferences and other programmes by the various MSAs and NMOs. 2.

Marking the World Health Days Though we took over about four weeks to the 2007 World Health Day, we were able to successfully mark the day with a symposium. The speakers were Professor M.C. Asuzu, National President, Community Physicians Association of Nigeria; MrsJumokeAjayi, Acting. South West Zonal Coordinator, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and Dr Isaac Owolabi, then the Commissioner for Health, OyoState. The special guest of honour was Governor AdebatoAlaoAkala of Oyo State governor represented at the event by the Commissioner for Education, Professor NureniOlawore. The symposium was chaired by the CMD of UCH, Professor AbiodunIlesanmi who was represented by the CMAC, Dr A.O. Malomo. A detailed report of the symposium was published and copies distributed to all Nigerian MSAs, members of the then NiMSA executive, guest speakers, sponsors, African Union, selected UCH consultants, NGOs that participated at the 2006 International AIDS conference in Canada, etc.

FAMSA through the years

We made several efforts to get another MSA to host but all were futile. We hope our successors would make this a priority.

7.

De-politicisation of FAMSA Headquarters Board In order to prevent the recrudescence of disaffection among board members owing to different political interests as was observed in the preceding board year, I banned all board members from holding posts in the executive or legislative arm of UIMSA or ABH while still serving on FAMSA board. The ban also extended to campaigning for candidates during UIMSA or ABH elections.

Board members were however encouraged to join the UIMSA congress and/or Standing or ad hoc committees or any other students’ organization on campus as they so wish.

This move was a success as there was no case of disagreement or lack of cooperation among board members due to political differences. The Board Secretary had to resign his appointment before he contested the post of UIMSA president while the webmaster was expelled when he contested and won election into UIMSA senate without resigning his appointment on the board.

8.

Finances We inherited an empty treasury from our predecessors with a debt of website annual subscription. Our fund raising efforts were aggressive and multi-modal. Unfortunately, the amount we raised was not commiserating with our efforts. In the course of the board year, we received financial donations from the following persons; • Oyo State Government – N100,000.00 • UCH management - N50,000.00 • AlhajiArisekolaAlao – N100,000.00 • Board members who at one time or the other use their personal resources to carry out their assignments.

The expenditure of the income is as contained in the financial report as prepared by the Director of Finance.

I must state that we observed high level of transparency and accountability in all our expenditures. There was no board or PCC member indicted for financial impropriety throughout my tenure.

9.

Contacts with AU and WHO We maintained regular contacts and communication with the African Union and re-established contacts with WHO. Both the 2006 and 2007 World Health Days we marked were publicized on WHO website. We also sent condolence message to WHO after the sudden death of the Director general in 2006, Dr Lee JonWook.

10. FAMSA-IFMSA Collaboration I initiated talks with the IFMSA Africa Regional Coordinator, Mr. Ahmed Alli on the need for collaboration between both bodies.

The terms of collaboration had also be deliberated upon with favourable responses from both FAMSA and IFMSA members.

However, we could not sign the bilateral agreement due to my absence at the 2006 AMSTC in Sudan. My successor should please complete this process.

FAMSA through the years

OUR FAILURES

• Inability to organize the 25th General Assembly • Loss of our website due to lack of funds to pay for the yearly subscription which amounted to N47, 250.00 then. We had earlier cleared the backlogs when we assumed office.

• Inability to participate at African Union’s health ministers meetings and certain international conferences

OUR CHALLENGES

The major challenges we faced were; • Paucity of funds to run the association effectively. This accounted for all our failures • Lack of commitment on the part of most member MSAs • Acts of indiscipline from Board and PCC members.

• Combining our activities with our primary academic programmes.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Our successors should consolidate on our achievements and introduce new innovations as they deem fit to further strengthen the association.

• Organising the 25th GA and FAMSA’s 40th anniversary should be made a priority • Efforts should be sustained on FAMSA Youth Agenda.

• A new website of smaller size and affordable annual subscription should be built.

• The new board should maintain regular contacts with the member MSAs, the alumni, advisory consultants, AU and WHO. • The new administrator should liaise with the incumbent IFMSA Africa Regional Coordinator and sign the bilateral agreement on the terms of FAMSA/IFMSA collaboration.

CONCLUSION I must say that functioning at the capacity of FAMSA Administrator was quite challenging but fulfilling. All our achievements were due to the collective efforts and commitment of the members of my team i.e. both the board and PCC members.

FAMSA through the years

IPAS WORKSHOP: REDUCING MATERNAL MORTALITY AND MORBIDITY BY UNSAFE ABORTIONS ROLE OF THE FEDERATION OF AFRICAN MEDICAL STUDENTS ASSOCIATIONS (FAMSA) 19TH – 20TH AUGUST 2011, HILTON HOTEL, NAIROBI, KENYA Ipas, an International NGO advocating for the protection of women’s health and the advancement of women’s reproductive rights, held a workshop for the FAMSA Executive Council at the Hilton Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya to discuss issues relating to women’s health and reproductive rights, particularly the aspect of unsafe abortions. The African Union Head of Health, Nutrition and Population, African Union Youth Division representative, Ipas Representatives and a 15 member delegation of Medical Students from across Africa comprising the FAMSA Executive Council were present to discuss the global tragedy of unsafe abortions and how it has affected the world’s most vulnerable women.

Facts about unsafe Abortion,  Each year, an estimated 20 million unsafe abortions take place world-wide, 95% occurring in the developing world.  Of the 70,000 estimated annual deaths due to unsafe abortion worldwide, nearly half occur in Asia  An estimated 13% of all maternal deaths in the world are due to unsafe abortion – in Latin America, 21% of all maternal deaths are due to unsafe abortion.  Globally, unsafe abortion causes 57 deaths per 100,000 live births.

WHO, Unsafe Abortion, 1998

The African Union Head of Health, Nutrition and Population, African Union Youth Division representative, Ipas Representatives and a 15 member delegation of Medical Students from across Africa comprising the FAMSA Executive Council were present to discuss the global tragedy of unsafe abortions and how it has affected the world’s most vulnerable women.

Unsafe Abortions contribute 13% of Maternal Deaths globally, with Sub Saharan Africa contributing 204,000 out of the 207,000 deaths in Africa annually. Despite this, legislation in most African countries continues to be strict and in most circumstances does not allow conduction of medical abortions in the hospital setting.

Other countries have more lenient laws on the circumstances allowing for medical abortion and this coupled with appropriate community and policy maker education has discouraged the conduction of unsafe abortions.

During the workshop, FAMSA developed a communiqué on unsafe abortion, which will highlight FAMSA’s beliefs and action areas. This is line with its vision to become a strong network of medical students, aware of global health issues and responsive to the current issues facing the medical profession and global health, especially in this line the maternal mortality caused by unsafe abortions. This communiqué will be circulated to governments, civil organizations, health training institutions, medical students associations and all interested stakeholders and will enable FAMSA to contribute to the improvement of sexual and reproductive health in Africa.

FAMSA through the years

Ipas Workshop attended by: Ipas representatives, African Union Commission representatives and the Federation of African Medical Students Associations (FAMSA) Executive Council, at the Hilton Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, 19th – 20th August 2011.

FAMSA has worked with Ipas and will continue advocating for the advancement of sexual and reproductive health and promotion of women’s reproductive rights, including the reduction of Maternal Mortality through supporting health policy and legal implementations that discourage unsafe abortions as well as reforms that will discourage the same. FAMSA has also developed strong partnerships with the African Union through the Health, Nutrition and Population division as well as the Youth Division and will to continue to expand across the African continent and seek more partnerships with various organisations.

FAMSA has a mandate to make this information known and shared within the ever growing network of Medical Students Associations across the continent as it prepares for its 27th Annual Scientific Conference and General Assembly with the theme, “Promoting Maternal and Child Health in Africa” to be hosted

by Gulu University, Uganda in March 2012 and it is hoped that the upcoming event will have even greater coverage across the African Continent. All medical students associations in Africa are invited.

By Webby Emmanuel Phiri FAMSA Regional Coordinator Southern African Region University of Zambia Medical Students Association (UNZAMEDSA)

FAMSA through the years

FAMSA PARTNERS

FEDERATION OF AFRICAN MEDICAL STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS (FAMSA) Permanent Headquarters C/O Office of the PROVOST College of Medicine University of Ibadan University College Hospital, Ibadan (Nigeria) info@famsanet.org Visit us on the web www.famsanet.org www. Issuu.com/famsanet FAMSA Partners President: president@famsanet.org Secretary General secgen.famsa@gmail.com Administrator : famsaarchives@yahoo.com