Afromedica 2014

AFROMEDICA ISSUE 6

JULY2013

MARCH 2014

www.famsanet.org

FAMSA Federation Of African Medical Students’Association Federation of African Medical Students’ Associations (FAMSA).

Established in 1968, the Federation of African Medical Students’ Associations, FAMSA, is an independent, non political Federation of Medical Students’ Associations in Africa. FAMSA was founded in 1968 as a Nigerian, Ghanaian and Ugandan initiative to foster the spirit of friendship and cooperation among African medical students. FAMSA is a project oriented medical student body and is recognized as the official international forum of African medical students.

FAMSA Is the forum for medical students throughout the African continent to discuss topics related to health, education and medicine, and formulates action plans from such discussions and carries out appropriate activities. It has a mechanism for medical students’ professional exchange and projects and remains a versatile advocacy body which sensitizes and redirects African governments’ policies towards the path to sustainable health and development. It also acts as a mechanism for organi zations under its membership to raise funds for projects recognized by FAMSA. FAMSA represents medical students who are the future drivers, leaders and policy makers of the health sector in Africa, being prepared to address contemporary challenges around various

Medical Students Across Africa

Imprint Editor-In-Chief Dorcas Naa Dedei Aryeetey, Ghana Content Editors Animasahun Victor Jide, Nigeria Tade Adesoji, Nigeria Stanley Binagi, Tanzania Jihad Abdelgadir Imam,Sudan Photographic Editor Moiz Adamji, Tanzania Design / Layout Ibrahim Kandeel, Egypt

This is a FAMSA publication © Portions of this publication may be reproduced for non political , and non profit purposes mentioning the source provided.

Diclaimer

This publication contains the collective views of different contributors, the opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of FAMSA. The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers’ products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by FAMSA in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned.

Notice: All reasonable precautions have been taken by FAMSA to verify the in-

formation contained in this publication However, the published material is being kind,either expressed or implied. The responsibility for the interpretation and use of the material lies with the reader. In no event shall FAMSA be liable for damages arising from its use. Some of the photos and graphics use d are property of their authors. We have taken every consideration not to violate their rights.

www.famsanet.org

Proofreading Helena Chapman, Dominican Republic Kingsley Njoku Kalu , Nigeria Poonanmjet Loyal, Kenya Publisher Federation of African Medical Students’Associations c/o Bagala John Paul (President), The FAMSA Secretariat, Gulu University Medical Students’ Association(GUMSA), Gulu University Faculty of Medicine, Gulu, Northern Uganda.

Mobile: +256787498587 Email : secgen.famsa@gmail.com Homepage : www.famsanet.org Contacts : scomer2012@gmail.com

AFROMEDICA ISSUE 6

JULY2013

CONTENTS Editorial; Words from the Editor in Chief ................................................................................................ 4 President’s Message; Message from the FAMSA President ..................................................................5 Welcome to the 28thFAMSA Conference and Summit in the Rainbow country...........................................6 Articles on the theme of the 28th FAMSA GA and Summit ......................................................................7 SCOPA; Meet SCOPA heroes who save a number on the continent through their Population ..................12 Millennium Development Goals In Africa : Where Are We In 2013 ?................................................14 Activities as we also close a chapter on MDG’s 1 & 2 ..........................................................................16 SCOPE; Pass through MDG’s 3& 4 and go travelling with SCOPE on their professional exchanges .........23 Welcome to Suid-Afrika Culture as we sail through MDG’s 5 & 6 ............................................................24 SCOMER; Learn from the geeks in Medical Education and Research and join then in the chapter on MDG’s 1,2,3…6,7,8..........................................................................................................................35 Pojects Bulletin ; Read about FAMSA’s local, national and transnational projects...................................44 SCOPUB; draw your pen, join SCOPUB and share your stories .............................................................49

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 3

Federation Of African Medical Students’Association

Dear reader, welcome to the 6 Edition of Afromedica.

Medical Students Across Africa

Editorial

In this issue we take a closer look at the Millennium Development Goals in Africa , and WhereWe Are In 2013 towards its achievement ; thus the same theme as for the 28 FAMSA the General Assembly and Summit in Arusha in Tanzania slated from the 15th to 19th March, 2014.

This theme was chosen by the 2014 Host University ( Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College ) and also adopted by the editorial team because we recognize the importance that the youth have in the shaping of a country’s’, continent and world health. As future physicians and health care leaders, it is essential for us to embrace the need to contribute to the reaching of it.

This edition of Afromedica will reflect various medical students’ and health professionals opinions, thoughts and analyses on this topic of increasing importance and review.

Since they were first adopted, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have raised awareness and shaped a broad vision that remains the overarching framework for the development activities of the United Nations. At the September 2010 MDG Summit, world leaders put forward an ambitious action plan — a roadmap outlining what is needed to meet the goals by the agreed deadline of 2015. The information presented on the following pages demonstrates that this can be done if concrete steps are taken. Next year’s United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development — Rio + 20 — is an opportunity to generate momentum in this Direction, which is vital for achieving the MDGs. Between now and 2015, we must make sure that Promises made become promises kept.

I know that readers perusing the pages of this magazine who also work with will various organizations and advocacy groups will find many facts that have been overlooked or over emphasized made clearer and new information exposed for reviewing the Millennium Development Goals and in implementing what global health advocates focus may be beyond 2015.

This edition of the Medical Student International is unique in that it is our first “integrated” publication, comprising articles not just on the theme of the 28 TH FAMSA General Assembly and Summit ; Millennium Development Goals In Africa ; Where Are We In 2013 , but also we have featured the Standing Committees, Projects carried out in the course of the year and also the African Culture zooming in on Tanzania.

It is my sincere hope that you will refer to this magazine in the years to come, whether it be for a fresh dose of inspiration or a bit of light reading. Afromedica is a tribute to all those who strive towards the improvement of health in Africa.

Every awesome, innovative and inspiring magazine is really the product of many people, and I take this oppotunity to thank everyone who has been involved in producing this wonderful publication, to all of the excellent team members and cherished authors for their input , for taking time off the tight medical school schedule e to make this edition an amazing reality.

Special thanks to Ephraim Kisangala and to everyone who worked on previous editions of the SCOMER Newsletter and again to the incredible international editorial team of this edition of Afromedica, thank you,for your editorial skills and design in helping me make sure that ‘’ what is said is what is said and what is meant is what is seen in writing, pictures and colour’’

Enjoy reading !

With much love and best regards, Dorcas Naa Dedei Aryeetey.

Editor-in-chief, 6th Edition Afromedica dorcasita@gmail.com

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 4

Reference 1. Statement by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon in the 20112 Report on the MDG

AFROMEDICA ISSUE 6

JULY2013

President’s Message Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Africa, Where are we as at 2013? And what is next, post-2015?

These are very crucial questions that come at such a critical moment and a ver y opportune time. Hence, requiring us to bring on board; new ideas, plans and strategies and take appropriate actions to have them answered. Much has been said, lot has been done but the world and Africa in particular puts its eyes in one corner to see what comes next when the set timeline for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals hits. It’ s just a hand full of days to hit the 2015 deadline. This is a very crucial moment for the entire African continent, the different African Governments, stake holders and support organisations, every individual wherever he is, be it at house hold level, to sit and reflect on what has been achieved in the ‘then 13 years’, since the journey started way back in 2000. To what extent have we achieved whatever we have achieved? How much have we sowed or invested to harvest what we have now? What haven’t we done and what have been the obstacles or the cause for the pending gap in the achievement of the MDG 2015 target? What is the significant impact of what we have achieved to the community that we serve?

And how are we rating our progress? How can we streamline all our failures and look at ourselves as not being failures but people who can strive harder and put right what went wrong in improving the social and economic conditions of Africans? However, not forgetting the effective monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the recommendations that we lay with a focus on identifying and overcoming bottlenecks to MDG achievement.

The overall assessment of Africa’s progress toward the MDGs reveals that, while progress has generally been positive, performance has been mixed across indicators and countries, and based on current trends, the overall pace of progress is insufficient to achieve the MDGs by the target date of 2015. Indeed, the recent progress towards achievement of the MDGs occurred against the backdrop of a number of crises like global food, fuel, and financial crises among others. Depending on national capacities to design and implement effective counter- cyclical measures, these crises invariably had adverse effects on a wide range of MDG indicators.

Notwithstanding these crises, African countries have in recent years generally been on a steady path toward achievement of universal primar y education and the empowerment of women. However, progress on health indicators has generally been weak. Significant progress has been made in the fight against HIV and AIDS, focusing on behavioural change and the promotion and use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) but several related targets have still not been met. A number of challenges and barriers have surfaced in the area of maternal and child health, eradication of malaria and tuberculosis. These are partly due to weak primar y healthcare infrastructure, inadequate levels of medical personnel, lack of access to affordable drugs in a number of African communities, inequities in access to public services (such as education, health, water and sanitation) which has resulted in the further marginalization of excluded groups.

As the Federation of African Medical Students’ Associations, FAMSA, we can’t seat back and fold our hands; we must join the entire African continent and the world in the struggle. Proper and appropriate strategies in our capacity as medical students have been laid to get ourselves involved and actively engaged in the different activities of health service delivery in the different communities and the different corners of this continent where the respective medical institutions are. However, we can do little alone. Therefore, we call for increased partnership and joint efforts to work with other institutional members, African Heads of State, the MDG Africa Working Groups, ministries of health and stake holders to support a strong push to implement MDG activities.

Finally, I want to seize this opportunity to thank all those involved in the preparation of this edition of Afromedica on the side of the Federation; the Standing Committee for Medical Education and Research (SCOMER) and the Standing Committee for Publication (SCOPUB), the different organizations and agencies, development practitioners, researchers and other stake holders that have supported this noble cause. It is our hope as a Federation that this issue will galvanize action and help to ensure that the benefits of the development process of the different African Nations are shared more equally and that concentrated actions are taken to accelerate progress towards the MDGs as we move towards 2015 and beyond.

“Towards the Improvement of Health in Africa” John Paul Bagala FAMSA President www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 5

Federation Of African Medical Students’Association

Medical Students Across Africa

Articles www.famsanet.org

AFROMEDICA ISSUE 6

MDGs 2015! SHALL WE GET THERE?

JULY2013

By Ephraim Kisangala (MBChB-IV), Kampala International University Western Campus (KIU-WC) Uganda Chairman- Education & Research at FAMSA

It is 2013 and everybody is looking at 2015. Therefore, any issue concerning Millennium Development Goals is essential specially at the time when everybody is trying to make their final touches to the pledges they made concerning this subject.

The MDGs, as doyens would agree; are a limited set of numerical and time-bound targets and are perhaps the most important pact ever made for international development . Their impact is seen in that they have helped to lift millions of people out of poverty, save lives and ensure that children attend school. They have reduced maternal deaths, expanded opportunities for women, increased access to clean water and freed many people from deadly and debilitating disease. It’s also well known that the MDGs have made many organizations and governments including those that had points of disagreement more or less share the same table.

On this note, I will focus my attention to give a synopsis on Africa’s performance on MDG 1 and 7.

MDG 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger Generally, the poverty rate reduced from 45% in 1990 to 27% in 2005.

2 East Asia specially China experienced the fastest growth and sharpest decrease in poverty thus East and South East Asia have already achieved this target. China’s poverty rate is expected to fall to less than 5% by 2015.

2 Poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa by and large reduced from 58% to 51% between 1990 and 2005. However, the number of poor people in the region increased by 25% between 1990 and 1999 (or an average of 6 million people becoming poor annually) and if this trend continues, then Africa will be the only region where the number of poor people in 2015 will be higher than in 1990. Despite significant reduction in extreme poverty, the proportion of people in developing nations who were malnourished stagnated at 16% between 2000 and 2007.

2,3 In Sub-Saharan Africa, the proportion of underweight children decreased from 27% in 1990 to 22% in 2009, though actually the situation is worsening in some countries, the UNDP and UNICEF report in 2002 showed that East Africa had a 5% increase, to reach a prevalence rate of 375 in 2000 .

2,3 In Uganda between 1995 and 2006, the proportion of underweight children reduced from 25.5% to 20.4% while the proportion of the population unable to meet the recommended food caloric intake increased from 58.7% in 1999 to 68.5% in 2006. Overall, Sub-Saharan Africa is struggling to achieve the first goal and it may remain a dream if the economic crisis, escalating food prices, conflicts, climate change and rapid population growth are not flagged.

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 7

Federation Of African Medical Students’Association

Medical Students Across Africa

MDG 7: Ensure environmental sustainability Whereas African economies largely depend on biological diversity, the continent is losing its resources at a relatively fast pace. For instance, about 1.3 million hectares of forests are depleted annually and 65% of agricultural land is affected by soil erosion.

The global greenhouse emission is on the rise and Africa contributes 3.5% of the carbon dioxide emission. 2001-2010 was the warmest decade since 1880 in terms of average global temperatures.

3 The continent’s coastal area also has conflicting priorities such as oil and mineral extraction, costal development, fishing communities that are challenged by the lack of capacity in ensuring biodiversity and fishing stocks for sustained development.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) indices showed that, the population and varieties of certain species are declining while others are moving towards extinction.

3,4 Shifting attention to clean water coverage, considerable progress has been registered globally. The coverage increased from 77% in 1990 to 87% in 2008. If this trend continues, the MDG drinking water target of 89% coverage will be met and likely surpassed by 2015. At the current rate of increase, the goal of reducing by half the proportion of people without access to improved water will not be achieved until the 2050s.

2,3 My conclusion is general for all the goals. The progress has been very significant, though “patchy” and “uneven” as some have described. Some countries have put most of the attention on a few and somewhat ‘neglected’ others.

1 The good news is that several countries have demonstrated that progress is possible, thus efforts need to be intensified so that they must also target the hardest to reach: the poorest of the poor and those disadvantaged because of their sex, age, ethnicity or disability. Disparities in progress between urban and rural areas remain daunting.

References

1. Jeff W. et al, 2010.

The Millennium Development Goals: A cross-sectoral analysis and principles for goal setting after 2015.

Lancet and London International Development Centre Commission. Published Online ( www.thelancet.com ) in 2010 DOI: 10.1016/S0140- 6736(10)61196-8.

2. United Nations. The Millennium Development Goals Report 2011.

New York: United Nations, 2011; Pages 6-15, 48-57 3. UNDP and UNICEF. The Millennium Development Goals in Africa: Promises and progress. New York: 2002 ; Pages 6,7,20,21 4. Assessing Progress in Africa towards the Millennium Development Goals R eport 2008. A report presented during the first Joint Annual Meetings of the AU Conference of Ministers of Economy and Finance and ECA Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Addis Ababa; Page 17-18

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 8

AFROMEDICA ISSUE 6

JULY2013

KNOWLEDGE The acquisition of it is tasking and costly, it’s application is with care, it’s maintenance is with diligence; yet it’s possession delineates a whole lot of pairs of extreme. It is permitted for a child to be born ignorant of all things. But as he grows, ignorance becomes a crime he struggles not to commit.

For everything he is ignorant of, he becomes a dependent to those who know it.

Knowledge is a totality of perception, learning and reasoning. Knowledge is incomplete when any of these (perception, learning and reasoning) is lacking. However, learning is central to the acquisition of knowledge. Perception has to do with recognition or the awareness of one’s present state. It doesn’t matter one’s status quo, there is a place called ‘THERE.’ Knowledge comes with the percep- Oso,Temiloluwa Ibiyinka tion of a position and a need to take a step further.

People who do not have a good perception often celebrate trash as treasure and even take platforms as their position.

Learning involves a whole lot of submissiveness. It is truism that learning may be achieved personally, but there are levels that can only be attained when tutored. A baby starts crawling by intuition, he starts walking by observation, an athlete builds his speed by practice, but a pilot learns how to fly by instruction. Intuition, observation, practice and instruction all guarantee movement but then, one has to do decide what speed he wants to move with.

It lies in the poverty of our mentality as Africans sometimes to believe that knowledge isn’t a profitable field to sow in.

No one invests in knowledge and loses out. As long as it is acquired, it has an effect. For every volume of air that enters a balloon, it has a corresponding consequence on how high it can float. Have you ever considered that the main difference between a producer and consumer is knowledge? The producer knows what the consumer needs. The consumer is always in a struggle to get what he needs.

Therefore a pressure gradient is made and the consumer is at the top of the struggle but the producer gets the resources passively from the consumer. Age mates do not end up as mates and even classmates don’t end up in the same class, it is what you know per time that defines you.

A head without knowledge is a burden for the neck. While men were suffering from the burden of moving loads with their effort, Archimedes understood that there was no way he could overcome his load with his own efforts at a high pace. His right perception paved way for knowledge. He got a lever, then, a fulcrum and with little efforts, he was able to efficiently move his load at a greater pace. Not just that, he also moved the world. To improve the quality of our lives, refine our communities and heal our world; we must remember that knowledge is the fulcrum. Let us strive to know, so that posterity would thrive on our application of knowledge.

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 9

Federation Of African Medical Students’Association

Medical Students Across Africa

Nutrition In East Africa

by Dr. Charles Mugisha ( PhD) ( Nutrition Consultant )

Let thy food be thy medicine and let thy medicine be thy food (Aristotle, 400+ BC; Hippocrates, Circa 431 BC).

Nutrition relates the human body’s ability to utilize food appropriately to meet the daily demands for growth and development, tissue repair, reproductive tissue maintenance and biochemical (metabolic) processes in the body. The human body is a miracle of creation, replacing 99% of its cell mass annually. (Mugisha, Personal communication 2012). Therefore, health is inextricably linked to optimum nutrition which props up robust immune system (the natural body protection system) against external and internal challenges. Thus, it is important that one eats and drinks right, as exemplified by the Balance of Good Health Plate model (Portion Side).

• Fruits and vegetables - 33% (alkalizing food) • Whole grains/cereals -32% • Legumes/oil seeds/ nuts -15% • Meat/fish/eggs/milk -12% (acidifying foods) • Sugar, sweets, oil -08% Total = 100% The required amount of water is 1ml per 1Kcal Eating and drinking are integral to survival and quality of life. Tell me what you eat and I will tell you who and what you are l body protection system) against external and internal challenges.

Gerson (a German dietitian/physician) in the C19th postulated that diseases occur as a result of toxin accumulation in the body and designed the Gerson diet rich in anti -oxidants.

His postulate has been proven correct to date. Once the nutritional state depreciates,toxins accumulate, organ dysfunction sets in and diseases occur and eventually death if the disease process is not arrested.

The most critical period of human growth and development is the “First 1000 days of life” (i.e. from conception through pregnancy, birth and up to two (2) years of life). Therefore, maternal and early childhood services should be comprehensive enough to avoid irreversible damage during this critical period.

The quality of the growth and development during this period (conception to 2 years of life) determines the pattern of disease in adulthood. Therefore the background to health and disease in adulthood is laid in early childhood.

Thus the susceptibility to develop diseases of adulthood such as overweight/obesity, diabetes mellitus (type 2), heart diseases, immune system disorders, osteoporosis and cancer, is determined by risk factors such : • Nutrition in those 1000 days of life

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 10

AFROMEDICA ISSUE 6

JULY2013

• Genes (genetic susceptibility to diseases) • Exposure to toxins (external and internal) • Other environmental insults ( eg. Environmental pollution) • Life style of both parents (e.g. smoking both active and passive, alcohol).

Addressing the above risk factors will greatly improve the quality of health of people all over the world. Sub-Saharan Africa is bedeviled by conflicts, poverty and disease. The above ‘Trio’ is crowded by Poor Governance, Food insecurity and disaster (natural and manmade), fuelled by the narrowing Global Finance System and the ‘Off-shore tax havens’.

Malnutrition for the under five year-old children and women of the reproductive age bracket (15-49) in SSA are: 35% of the children are stunted (170 million children 15 years are stunted worldwide, 2.5 million die per year).

20-30% of the children are underweight.

10% of the children are wasted.

60% of the children are anaemic.

50% of the African population is at risk of iodine deficiency.

10-20% of the African women are underweight.

42% of African women are anaemic.

50% of the pregnant/lactating women are anaemic.

2.5 million Malnourished children die annually (SCF, 12.08.2012).

The above statistic of Sub-Saharan Africa malnutrition compare favorably with the Uganda /Kenya / Tanzania / Rwanda / Burundi (East Africa Statistics on malnutrition)There, preventing and controlling malnutrition through “Food Based Action”, namely diet diversification, food fortification and nutritional supplementation, are applicable over the Sub-continent (They are now a Must-Do).

The anti-hunger/malnutrition campaign requires the necessary political will to galvanize the available resources and potential to come up with amicable solutions to end hunger and malnutrition worldwide (PM David Cameron, BBC News, 12.08.12).

In a wider public health context, environmental and personal hygiene are very effective, economical tools to manage infectious diseases especially among children If we eat wrongly, no doctor can cure us, however if we eat rightly, no doctor is needed (Victor G. Rocine, Circa 1930).

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 11

Federation Of African Medical Students’Association

Featured Standing Committee;

Medical Students Across Africa

SCOPA

SCOPA – Standing Committee On Population Activities The Standing Committee on Population Activities (SCOPA) is the arm of FAMSA saddled with the task of activities that deal with ways and means of keeping the population growth at a level compatible with high quality of life and therefore deals with solving the problems of population dynamics, family planning, and sexual and reproductive health. SCOPA does these through advocacy, public campaign, consultations, organizing and attending rural outreaches, training sessions, conferences and seminars, publications etc.

The vision of SCOPA is to, in collaboration with other relevant agencies and institutions, deliver an Africa where: ….No woman shall die giving life ….Where every pregnancy is wanted, every child birth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled ….Children are by choice and not by chance ….And the population grows at a rate that guarantees high quality of life

THE TEAM

The SCOPA team is peopled by vibrant young men and women with a burning desire to contribute to a better health status in Africa. They include but not limited to: Mr Ifeanyichi Martilord, Chairman; Mr Njoku Kingsley, Secretary, and Chairman of the LOC of the 2012 SCOPA ICPHD; Miss Kossy Orajiaka, Director of Projects and Planning; Mr. Nwekpa William, Treasurer; Miss Onyeagba Chidinma, Director of Outreaches; Mr. Nnamani Ejike, SCOPA Liason Officer for Nigeria, and Chairman of the LOC for the upcoming 2013 SCOPA ICPHD and Family Planning Summit

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

So far, despite severe challenges, the current SCOPA team has recorded numerous life impacting activities. Some of which include; FAMSA SCOPA International Conference on Population, Health and Development (ICPHD)/Family Planning Summit This programme has remained our biggest legacy. The SCOPA ICPHD was designed in line with the 1994 UN International Co ference on Population and Development (ICPD). The first edition which turned out a monumental success was held from 22nd – 26th February, 2012 at the prestigious Golden Royale Hotel, Enugu, South East Nigeria, with the theme – The MDGs in a World of 7 Billion; the African Experience. Suffice to say that the Position paper and action plans generated from the event have been duly communicated to the African Union and some ministries of health across Africa where they are used in policy formulations for the improvement of health in Africa. Also, the numerous reproductive and public health enthusiasts churned out from the quality trainings/ workshops organized in the event have already started working actively towards the improvement of health in Africa.

Currently, the FAMSA SCOPA team is working round the clock to deliver the 2nd/2013 edition of the FAMSA ICPHD. This is scheduled for 22nd – 26th May, 2013, at the Villa Toscana Hotel, Enugu, Nigeria. The theme for this year’s event is - Family Planning; the Roadmap to the MDGs in Africa. This event must have taken place by the time you are reading this article.

It’s our hope that the next SCOPA team will continue with this lofty yearly event which has gained wide acclamation and endorsement.

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 12

AFROMEDICA ISSUE 6

JULY2013

Urban and Rural Outreaches

These offered us opportunities to visit the rural women in the villages, the market women, and secondary school teachers – to conscientise them on benefits of good child spacing and the need for effective birth control. While we distribute free contraceptives, we also educate them on the simple and common birth control techniques and link them up to our partner health facilities and NGOs for further professional support as may be needed. Radio/Print Media Public Enlightenment Campaign; We alongside our partners have hosted a number of live audience participatory radio programs on the dangers of poor child spacing/family planning, and the socioeconomic implications of a rapid population growth, while we maintain a reasonable print media (newspapers) presence with the same message. These have been possible because of the relationship we have built with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN (Enugu National station) and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Youth Trainings and Workshop These are particularly designed for the youths, since we recognize the place of youths in sexual and reproductive health issues. Along with our partners, we have organized a handful of practical training sessions for undergraduate boys and girls on modern birth control techniques and sexual and reproductive health and rights generally.

CONCLUSION:

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” - Mother Theresa of Calcutta We alone, in just months, cannot change Africa. However, we are strongly convinced that 2011-2013 FAMSA SCOPA team has cast a stone in the waters, and the ripples will continue to be felt across Africa.

To our noble federation - FAMSA- we shall ever remain helplessly bankrupt in gratitude, for the opportunity to serve, and impact.

And children are by choice, and not by chance - spread the word.

IFEANYICHI MARTILORD Chairman, FAMSA SCOPA (2011/2012, 2012/2013)

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 13

Federation Of African Medical Students’Association

Medical Students Across Africa

2013?

WHERE ARE WE IN

MILLENIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN AFRICA,

By IFEANYICHI MARTILORD Chairman, FAMSA SCOPA (2011/2012, 2012/2013)

At the United Nations General Assembly in 2000 (the Millenium Summit) – the largest gathering of world leaders to date - heads of state agreed on a set of goals - the Millenium Development Goals - to reduce poverty, improve health and foster economic developmentby 2015.

Hence, for more than a decade now, the MDGs have unified, galvanised, and expanded efforts to help the world’s poorest people.

“Millennium Development Goals in Africa, Where are we in 2013?” With barely two and a half years to the deadline, this question is not just apt but pertinent. This is so as the question provides a veritable opportunity for not just a retrospective scrutiny but also an introspective analysis of how well we (Africans) have fared in meeting the targets. It also brings to the front burner the commitments and the sincererity of the various African governments towards these goals. The activities of the various development partners, agencies, NGOs, etc have to be reappraised. With about 1000 days left till the 2015 target date, experts must exchange views on what has worked and what has not so far, as well as explore acceleration efforts that would be undertaken in this last stretch.

The UN reports have indicated some progress in the MDGs. Extreme poverty in Sub- Saharan Africa for instance, has declined from 58% in 1999 to 48% in 2008, and primary education enrolment has witnessed big jumps in Africa. Maternal and Child health have recorded a particularly outstanding improvement in Africa since the last decade. Quite regrettably however, an honest answer to this question leaves a sour taste in the mouth, as the improvement remains grossly statistically insignificant, isolated, sluggish and at best, marginal. This is even more worrisome when compared with the indices obtainable in the developed world. While some other western nations have achieved substantial part, if not all, of the targets and are preoccupied by the post 2015 development agenda, the Sub Saharan Africa is still lurching and groping helplessly with the MDGs. Justice wouldn’t be seen to have been done to this all important question without an attempt at exploring the ways out of the current doldrums.

This is where population dynamics comes in, an area where we in SCOPA have been working assiduously. Population dynamics is the single most important factor affecting all the 8 items of the MDGs. Their achievement is largely influenced by changes in population dynamics including size. Experts agree that effective family planning and population control remains one sure way to the MDGs. Sadly, Africa has the highest birth rate of any continent. Indeed, the ticking population bomb in Africa is a threat to “a healthy and sustainable Africa”.

According to the UNFPA report released on 26th October, 2011, “The State of the World Population 2011”, Africa’s population is expected to rise from the current 1billion to 3.6 billion by 2100. Population growth in Africa is indeed worrisome.

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 14

AFROMEDICA ISSUE 6

JULY2013

Women in Sub –Saharan Africa bear an average of 6 children each. Life expectancy is low (Sierra Lone: 34years, Zambia: 37 years, other countries 40-49 years) compared to the developed countries. The fastest growing region on earth, Africa faces the most serious shortage of food, water, health care services and education. In fact, studies have shown that Africa lies behind in many basic human needs and of course the MDGs - just 2 years to go.

Universal access to reproductive care for the population (as defined at International Conference on Population and Development, ICPD, 1994), is therefore a key intervention to address causes as well as consequences of population growth.

Recent studies indicate that widespread access to family planning, information and training and would drop the population to manageable level, as well as improve the health of mothers and children and the general quality of life. Increased focus on reproductive health will therefore accelerate achievement of all MDGs. Unfortunately, surveys have shown that Africa is especially deficient in areas of reproductive health crucial for the meeting the MDGs for child and maternal health. Of the 186 million pregnancies in developing countries in 2008 for instance, 75 million were unintended, and 35million ended in abortions (UNFPA). In sub-Saharan Africa, only 23% of married women are using family planning - 18% with a modern method and 5 % with a traditional method.

However, an even larger percentage of women - 25% - report having an “Unmet need”, meaning that they would prefer to stop having children or delay their next birth but are not using any method of family planning.

Even as 2015 approaches - the target date for achieving the MDGs - meeting this unmet need is an important step towards improving reproductive health, especially increasing family planning, reducing child and maternal mortality, and slowing the spread of HIV/AIDS. All hands must be on deck to sustain the modest gains, accelerate the progress and strive to close the widening gap in the progress of the MDGs between Africa and the developed countries.

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 15

Federation Of African Medical Students’Association

Medical Students Across Africa

CONTRACEPTIVE ADMINISTRATION: WHAT ARE WE MISSING?

By Dr. Mburu N. Edwin, MBCh.B (MU-Kenya) www.edwinmburu.blogspot.com 54.5%1 of women of reproductive age are not on contraceptives according to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey. With 45.9%2 of the population living in poverty, a dependency rate of 82%3, Infant and maternal mortality rates at 55 per 1,000 and 530 per 100,0004 respectively, the prevalence of malnutrition at 7%4 and doctor-to-patient ratio at 0.14 per 1,0005 in Kenya, family planning stands as an important tool to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

The big question therefore is: Are Health Care Providers doing the best they can to take advantage of Family Planning? As I write this, 40.4%1 of women between 15 and 49 years do not intended to use it. For 30%1, this is driven by fear of the side effects and health concerns. This fear, coupled with high annual discontinuation rates, will lead to an increase in the number of persons not using contraceptives unless we identify and address the problem. As a matter of fact, only 51.9%1 of women receive adequate information about side effects of the contraceptive they opt to use while about 61%1 get adequate information on other available options. Vanessa Cullins, in her article Counselling women seeking hormonal contraception6, says ‘Dialogue about contraception is a conversation between two experts: the woman and the health care provider’. She continues to say that the health care provider is the medical, technical expert; while the woman, the expert about her needs. The client’s desire should therefore never be sidelined.

The first step every health care provider should take is to work towards understanding the client’s self-defined contraceptive goals. Factors such as6,7 personality, child bearing goals, attitude about becoming pregnant, frequency of sexual activity, partner influence, socio- economic status and prior method-specific experiences are key and influence the client’s decision.

The next step should be to avail information on the various available methods. Emphasis should be paid on issues such as6,7 efficacy, duration and mechanism of action, ease of reversibility, privacy of use, protection against sexually transmitted infection, convenience, side effects and ease of repeated access while trying to keep the information as simple as possible. Allowing clients adequate time to ask questions plus scheduling follow up visits regardless of the method would go a long way in reducing fall outs and improving success rates.

Data from the 19th edition of Contraceptive Technology8 showed that correct condom use resulted in a drop of failure rates from 15% to 2%. In the case of oral contraceptive pills and depo-provera, the fall was from 8% and 3% respectively to less than 1%8. Reliable contraceptive use improves client confidence in family planning re sulting in lower discontinuation rates and an increase in client referrals. Currently, 36 out of 1001 people will stop using contraceptives within the next 12 months.

Providers, unfortunately, have slowly watered-down the content of information shared with clients. This is often the case in a continent where a significant number of the population is illiterate. In Kenya, these numbers stand at 15%1 for women and 9%1 for men. We have focused on faster service provision in order to cope with the high demand for health care in exchange for poor quality service.

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 16

AFROMEDICA ISSUE 6

JULY2013

The result: poor compliance, increased failure rates and a myriad of myths and beliefs that render it more difficult to advise contraceptives to the next client.

My recommendation is that a counselling session should never be considered complete until the gap of information is filled. Therefore, illiteracy should never be considered an excuse to give less information but a demand for more.

References 1.Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and ICF Macro. 2010. Kenya Demographics and Health Survey 2008-09. Calverton, Maryland: KNBS and ICF Macro.

2.WHO Data Banks. Kenya. http://data.worldbank.org/country/kenya (accessed 30th April 2013) 3.WHO Data Banks. Kenya. http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.DPND (accessed 30th April 2013) 4.UNICEF. Kenya. www.unicef.org/infobycountry/kenya_statistics.html (accessed 30th April 2013) 5.http://www.africapedia.com/DOCTOR-TO-PATIENT-RATIO-IN-AFRICA 6.Venessa Cullins. Counselling women seeking hormonal contraception. UpToDate Ver. 17.3; May 2009 7.Mimi Zieman. Overview on contraception. UpToDate Ver. 17.3; Oct 2009 8. Robert A. Hatcher et.al., Contraceptive technology. 19th Ed. PDR Network Publishing; 2007

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 17

Federation Of African Medical Students’Association

Medical Students Across Africa

ABORTION- THE SILENT GENOCIDE

by GILDAS M. NGMAN-WARA (School Of Medical Sciences – KNUST, Ghana) “Is life worth living? This is a question for the embryo, not man!”

-Samuel Butler In the clandestine squalor of some rumble run-down structure safely hidden against the denigration of society or in the posh corridors of a fertility clinic basking in the vehement patronage of the law- hideous as it sometimes appears in its many forms, somewhere in the large capricious expanse, that is the earth, probably sits a lass. She appears persuasively coy at a glance with her folded hands propped and dropped onto her tight lap, an aura of profound serenity engulfs her and if care is not taken, one might even perceive a halo around her head and assume her as another Madonna. Do not be deluded though, for the most impertinent forms of malevolence come coated with the deception of innocence. A closer look will reveal something else; the suggestive raunchiness of her skimpy skirt makes mockery of her piety and the large luxuriously moist eyes are nothing but an outlet for obdurate defiance and a conscious intent to indulge once more in debauchery, for she is nothing but a vicious murderer, or more leniently an abettor, for just then appears the grinning gentleman in the white coat with a stethoscope strapped proudly around his neck.

In his diabolic delight at the prospect of cashing in on an unfortunate embryo, he forgets the oath he had so solemnly sworn to preserve and save all human lives regardless of odds suggesting otherwise.

In a few minutes another being would have been squashed into pulp and flashed down the drain - the cruelest form of execution no doubt; executed albeit for a crime not committed. Heinous is but an understatement.

Abortion is the practice of killing the weakest and most defenseless among us. It is an act ofabsolute, unrepentant and unadulterated savagery and barbarity. About 44 million abortions are performed each year worldwide or 28 per 1000 women.

To comprehensively appreciate the gravity of this, it is worth noting that this saddening figure grievously approaches the total number of casualties the maddening brutality of the Second World War recorded in the span of six years (1939-1945). No single genocide in the despondent history of mankind has resulted in so many deaths, at least annually, and mind you, the world has had its fair share of horrors. Abortion, like the inherent turpitude of human folk stretches back into antiquity. It can be traced back to ancient civilizations like China under Shennong, Egypt with its Ebers Papyrus and the Roman Empire in the time of Juvenal; abortifacient herbs, sharpened instruments and abdominal pressure were methods used to terminate pregnancies.

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 18

AFROMEDICA ISSUE 6

JULY2013

Having said this, it is worth mentioning that the methods employed to terminate pregnancies in contemporary times are equally inhumane; abortifacient pharmaceuticals like mifepristone and methotrexate and surgical procedures like vacuum aspiration, dilatation and curettage, and intact dilation and extraction (IDX) are utilized. In the medical profession, safe abortions are among the safest of surgical procedures. This assertion is however erroneously inconsiderate. Ultrasound evidence has now revealed the gapping mouth of fetuses being aborted - especially in the third trimester of pregnancy when IDX is the main method deployed. This has been dubbed the ‘silent scream’ by pro-life campaigners as the fetus is in obvious distress and wailing unheard and unheeded f or its life.

Aside the life of the gravid mother being in imminent danger (high-risk pregnancy), the indications and justifications for abortions are flimsy, senseless and a gigantic jumble of absolute abracadabra. Such irrational excuses like unpreparedne ss are unjustifiable. As the maxim goes; one who is not prepared to get wet should never attempt to cross a river.

Some feminists remark with total absurdity and with consistent, unwavering and intransigent superciliousness, that it is the right of the woman to decide whether to carry the pregnancy to full term or not. They however forget (even though others might disagree) that the embryo/fetus evolve to exist as a single living separate entity that should be accorded the right to decide on its own future. This boils down to pure selfishness.

Unfortunately, the legalization of abortion has gained momentum and its proponents are quite tenacious in the achievement of their purpose such that most countries in the West have now legalized it and pressure is mounting on the third world, especially Africa to do like wise.

Besides the datum that unsafe abortions (which are mainly performed in developing countries) cause 70 thousand maternal deaths and 5 million disabilities per year1, ethically, the respect for life under God is fundamental. The entire process of conception right up to the point of delivery is transcendent. Hence, any undue disruption of this process is sacrilegious; a defilement of the divine and a deflowering of fine beauty. We were disgusted when the Turks drowned a million Armenians in the Black sea; we were horrified by the holocaust when six million Jews were gassed to death in gas chambers; were appalled when Hutus hacked 800 thousand Tutsis to death; and yet this heinous crime is allowed to continue - I wonder what the distinction really is. The earlier the fetus is recognized as a living being, the better.

Ultimately, it is the law that decides what to do with its unborn population, but for now the decision lies with us in the medical profession. Our sole purpose is to conserve and save lives at all cost. This should be our unwavering creed which invariably leads to incalculable fulfillment. For to take another’s life (which we cannot give) perversely, is the most grievous transgression imaginable. What will be our justification for partaking in such bestiality when we stand trembling before the biblical ‘Great White Throne?’ Paraphrasing the Holy Qu`ran; the death of one innocent human being is the death of all mankind!

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 19

Federation Of African Medical Students’Association

Because I am a

Medical Students Across Africa

Boy

Over the years, governments and institutions have been allocating resources to the girl child which is good, actually very good. The girl child in the past had been neglected and looked down upon. To some; she was a piece of decoration for the home, a child bearing machine or better still, the man’s property. Emphasis was placed on educating and empowering boys, which led to a surge of professionals, who were predominantly male. The solution to that was empowering girls.

Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) sprang up and collaborated with government, and finally, the voice of the girl child was heard. Opportunities were presented to girls and they excelled. The girls eventually became women - strong, educated African women. They have thrived economically, professionally and even emotionally and are doing wonders in their careers and in the world.

But what happened to the men? Somewhere along the line, the boy child was neglected. While girls have opportunities at education, with scholarships and bursaries to boot, boys are left on their own to fend. Education improves children regardless of their gender. When boys and girls are educated, they are more knowledgeable, have good careers and live a good life. But when society prioritizes the education of the girl at the expense of the boy, it is akin to taking two steps backwards and one forward. You still make reverse moves.

Supporters of this ill-informed strategy argue that when you educate a woman, you educate the society. This needs to be questioned; perhaps this cliché was useful in mobilizing support for the girl child then, but not today. Which society exists without men? Which one prospers without men? Men are the fathers, the brothers, the husbands and the uncles we need in our society. And we need these men to be what they are; ‘MEN’, that are strong, respectable, fruitful, determined and people of integrity.

A classic example of discrimination of the boy child has been in the health sector. Who cares when a boy is raped? Can a boy be raped? Who cares about the boy’s sexual growth and his understanding of his sexuality? Nowhere is this discrimination against the boy child more pronounced than in sexual health programs. Men and boys are viewed as the enemy and this has been potentiated by the over aggressive feminist movement. A proper way of looking at boys would be as clients and supporters of women’s health agenda. Boys recognize that their lot is much better with empowered sisters. It is a fact that for every man who violates a woman and beats her up, there is a boy who cringes at the pain and suffering that he sees the mother and sisters undergo.

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 20

AFROMEDICA ISSUE 6

JULY2013

In the present day, women will be anything they want to be. We have them as engineers, military officers, doctors, police officers, lawyers, teachers and so on. The distinction between feminine careers and masculine jobs today are ‘as clear as a line drawn in water.’

Previously, the men were viewed as the bread winners, and this position continues to be challenged by the independent single mothers. While we sa lute these numerous strong women, we must remember, that mothers do not only bring up girls, they also bring up boys. Also, the reason there are many single mothers is because there was a man somewhere who decided to abscond his responsibilities. The question to be asked is why is it so? Why should a man refuse to accept his responsibilities? We have men who do not believe in themselves and result to alcoholism, battery, drug use, escapism (running away from realities), illiteracy, all because they have not been taught to believe in themselves. It’s a cycle that’s hard to break. Is it because they have not been trained and mentored? And who will train and mentor them for this shift in mindset and opportunities? Support groups for boys must come up with speed, today and not tomorrow to help in this adjustment.

While I will not make a case for the superiority of the boy child over the girl because that simply does not exist, the boy child needs attention as the girl does too. The meagre facts that a boy is born in a patriarchal society is not reason enough to push their needs and wants to the periphery and treat them as second class citizens. The role of society must remain that of the athletic adjudicator: ensure all athletes are at the start line, fire the gun, and make sure that each athlete stays on their lane. Whether one wins or loses should be the sole result of their many hours of practice and stamina. And all of us are invited to stay by the touch lines as we celebrate the girl run alongside the brother, the boy child.

by Brenda Mobisa

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 21

Federation Of African Medical Students’Association

Medical Students Across Africa

A medical students view on the MDGs with emphasis on reducing under 5 child mortality rate (target no.4)

Catherine Mbeseni & Helga Mutasingwa Hubert Kairuki Memorial University Tanzani

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 22

The MDGs are the first universal time-bound benchmarks to hold governments accountable.

Achieving MDGs in Tanzania has brought significant change in statistics showing improvement in this aspect. In Tanzania most deaths for children are due to malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea, malnutrition and complications of low birth weight as well as HIV and AIDS. Malnutrition is the underlying factor owing to 50 per cent of child deaths. So is neonatal deaths accounting for 50 per cent of infant mortality. Census data and those from surveillance sites suggest a decline in both infant and under-five mortality rate. Hope is given from a report stating that child mortality, measured as deaths of children under 5years of age per 1000 born, has dropped in Tanzania.

1995: 155 deaths per 1000 born 2010: 76 deaths per 1000 born Tanzania´s average annual rate of reduction of child mortality over the last 15 years was 4.6 %. The Millennium Development Goal rate set by UN is an annual average rate of reduction of 4.3!

What is our government doing?

The Tanzanian government has developed strategies that aim at reducing infant mortality and child mortality rates. These Programmes include: i. improved immunization coverage, ii. availability of services including drugs at the time of need, iii. Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) rolled-over to all districts, iv. efficient implementation of planned programmes; v. malaria control through use of mosquito nets particularly insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). Also, Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) during pregnancy and immediate medical treatment of malaria for children under five years within the first 24 hours of the onset of symptoms. vi. Vitamin A Supplementation (VAS), vii. Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMCT) of HIV; viii. promotion of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of infancy; and ix. effective management of childhood diarrhoea.

What are the challenges we are facing?

Our biggest challenge to date is our economic status, (think of a game of dominoes) it affects the whole system from infrastructure to working tools, human resource (medical staff even the cleaners at the hospitals!), lack of drugs and specialized care.

We live in an era where every day things are rapidly changing in the field of Medicine, technologies upgraded and people are advancing, something which we can’t keep up to, due to our poverty. Other challenges are that we are faced with are endemics like HIV/AIDS and Malaria and the huge socio-economic differences that worsen the already weak system. Lack of provision of services and work force in rural areas, the education status of the mothers and families and dangerous cultures and traditional practices; all play a role to our challenges.

AFROMEDICA ISSUE 6

Featured Standing Committee;

JULY2013

SCOPE

– Standing Committee On Professional Exchange I have had the extreme honor of working, for the past year, as the chairperson of FAMSASCOPE. Standing committee on professional exchange in FAMSA, has the vision of bringing together African medical students in a professional capacity to mainly experience the medical profession of various parts of the continent.

During the past year we have had the honor of: 1. Working in conjunction with FAMSA SCOMER in commemorating The Day of the African Child 2. Forming ground work for exchange with medical universities in South America 3. Forming a partnership with Electives Ghana, and now, hopefully, working on the first batch of exchange students The Rwanda country SCOPE representative is Claire Umuhoza.

Oundo Emmanuel Owiti, SCOPE chairman, scope@famsanet.org Moi University, Kenya.

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 23

Federation Of African Medical Students’Association

Medical Students Across Africa

MAKAMBAKO CITY FM STUDIO: 1000 DAYS TOWARDS POST MDGs 2015:

Marko C.Hingi, 3rd YEAR Medical Student Ulumbi Ezra,2nd yr BPHARM Student Catholic University Of Health And Allied Sciences Bugando-Tanzania

Announcer: welcome back to your favorite radio station, Makambako city Fm studio 123.5FM.today we will explore on four, five and six MDGS in sub-Saharan Africa, 1000 days before post MDG-2015 and I’m proud to be with Tanzania youth cultural group as our sponsor together with my quests.

Sponsor: Tanzania is composed of more than 120 tribes which speak different languages but Tanzanians speaks Swahili as a national language. We will pass through different greetings with their translation in English, welcome.

Announcer: our discussion today’s is based on MDG’s four, five and six in sub-Saharan Africa, and it’s a pleasure to have with us in the studio today, honourable guests who will enlighten us ; Dr.Herman from Uhambule University,Prof Tulanukila and Dr Basil from Mlowa and Idete university respectively. I am glad to welcome you all.

Quest: Thank you.

Sponsor: Kibena language is spoken in southern Mufindi in Iringa,Njombe rural -Tanzania.

Lamweekay yuve?

How are you?

Ongo Fine Tuhongiche Thanks Announcer: Mmh that is kibena, ok let’s start our discussion, Dr. Herman can you give us an overview of the MDGs. Dr. Herman: the MDGs are the world time bound and quantified targets for addressing pertinent issues the world as a whole is challenged with in this millennium, comprising in its many dimensions- poverty, hunger,income, disease, lack of adequate shelter and exclusion while promoting gender equality, education and environmental sustainability, they are also basic human rights, the right of each person on the planet to health, education, shelter and security.

Announcer: these are internationally agreed framework of 8 goals and 18 targets which are complemented by 48 technical indicators to measure progress towards the millennium development goals.

Sponsor: Kigogo is spoken in Dodoma district, central- Tanzania.

Mbukwenye!

Good morning!

Mbukwa (response) Masinuka!

How did you wake up?

Welaa!

Salaam! (Response) Asande Thanks Announcer: Asande! Ok let’s carry on; after having the brief about MDGS. Dr Basil can you point out the fourth, fifth and sixth MDGs and their targets briefly.

Dr. Basil: ok thanks, the MDG goal number four is to reduce child mortality and its target numbered five is to reduce by two-third, between 1990 and 2015,the under five mortality rate.

Goal number five is to improve maternal health and its target is sixth target; which is to reduce by three-forth between 1990 and 2015 the maternal ratio and goal number sixth is to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases and it has two targets, that is target numbered seven which have halted by 2015 and begun to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS and target 8 have halted by 2015 and begun to reverse the incidence of malaria and other major diseases like TB

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 24

AFROMEDICA ISSUE 6

JULY2013

Announcer: everything by 2015, 1000 days left to go.Let’s take a cup of coffee, we will be back to discuss the current situation on implementation of MDGS after this jingle from FAMSA about the 28th FAMSA GA and Summit which will take place in Cape Town, South Africa from 30th June to 6th July,2013 . Don’t touch the button; keep on listening 123.8FM Makambako city FM. Sponsor: Kibarbaig language is spoken in Singida central Tanzania Gegalieni where are you going?

Gilabieni where are you from?

Gajero nyeno idu let’s meet later on Announcer: be carefully with kibarbaig your tongue! Professor what are your thoughts on MDG number four.

Prof. Tulanukila: ok thank you and I can say child mortality is deeply interlocked with all the other MDGS; extreme poverty, gender inequalities in education, inadequate sexual health education for girls and women, the spread of HIV/AIDS and other diseases, non-sustainable environmental practices. Each one is a major contributor to poor and dangerous living conditions for children.

The target is somehow stroked as child mortality rate have declined from 1.2% a year in 1990-2000 to 2.4% in 2000-2010.

Generally the progress has been slow but there are some countries which have done a great job to reduce child mortality rate in sub Saharan African like Madagascar 55.7%,Malawi 55.7%,Eritrea 51.7% Liberia 51%,Niger 44.7% and Tanzania 47.4% but some of the sub Saharan Africa countries still are in millipede motion. These countries include Somalia 0%,Cameroon 1.2%,Zimbabwe 1.9% DRC 4.3% and Mauritania 6.3% Announcer: thanks Prof for your brief overview; sure we will get more and more from you. from our facebook page makambako city Fm. Ulumbi from Ke nya congratulates the guest speakers for the brilliant contribution also Cephas from Malawi says he won’t touch the button until the end of the discussion while Goodluck from Burundi enjoys local languages from Tanzania.

Sponsor: Kinyakyusa language is spoken in Mbeya-Tanzania.

Utwambombo?

How is work?

Ena very very good Ndaga thank you Announcer: Ok its language learning through Tanzania youth cultural group and we are landing on “1000 days towards post MDGs 2015”.i would like to shot this to Dr Herman .Can you talk briefly about MDG number five.

Dr Herman: I can say decrease in maternal mortality are far from the 2015 target as reduction in adolescent childbearing and expansion of contraceptive use have been continued, but at a slower pace since a decade after the year 2000. Also maternal mortality is due to multitude factors including too few health services and providers, poor infrastructure and transport and low empowerment of women.

According to UN report of 2011, the continents average maternal mortality ratio was 590 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2008.this means that in 2008, a woman in Africa dies from pregnancy or childbirth every 2.5 minutes that’s 24 per hour,576 per year and 210,223 per year.

Announcer: even though the progress is slow, there are some countries in Africa which did well on contraceptive use in 2000. The prevalence has been ; Rwanda 36.4%, Ghana 23.5%, Nigeria 14.6%, and Sierra Leone 14.6% also Niger, Chad and Mali are leading countries in adolescent birth rates at 199,193 and 190 per 1000 births. Yet antenatal care coverage in Africa remains very low, overall about 79% of pregnant African women attend at least one antenatal check up but fewer than half of pregnant women in Africa attend the recommended four.

Sponsor: Kimalila language is spoken in Mbeya region-Tanzania Mwagona hey Ninza good Tusheehewelve fine Announcer: Welcome back again to our hot discussion on “1000 days towards post-MDGs 2015” post your comment in makambako city fm page and I am proud to have Tanzania youth cultural group as sponsor and hope our listeners are still with us and enjoying the program so far.

www.famsanet.org

AFROMEDICA | 25

Federation Of African Medical Students’Association

Medical Students Across Africa

Dr. Basil: On MDG number six where we look at combating HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases. Africans progress towards this goal is encouraging, although the burden of HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB on health systems and populations health status is still heavy.

Even though some countries have done a very great job on reducing prevalence among population aged 15-24 years like Botswana, Malawi, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, this is according to UNAIDS report of 2011.Although malaria is preventable and curable, the world in 2010 saw over 200 million cases and 650,000 deaths. Most deaths worldwide still occur among children in Africa. Positively, malaria mortality has fallen by more than 33% in the continent since 2000-much faster than the global rate of 25%-basing mainly from stronger prevention and control measures. Because TB is the most common opportunistic infection, controlling this epidemic is closely linked to controlling the HIV epidemic. The number of new cases of TB has fallen and TB prevalence was lower in 2010 than 2005 in all Africa’s sub-regions.

Announcer: thanks Dr. Basil for the overview on MDG goal number six. We are left with 1000 days for transformation from MDGs to POST MDGs. We have discussed a bit about the MDGs its time now to look at POST MDGs, a while for our sponsors, we will be back soon.

Sponsor: Kisambaa language is spoken in Usambara Mountains, Tanga-Tanzania.

Wenukezeze!

Good morning!

Tizenuka(wedi) (response) Uhumwezeze!

Good afternoon!

Tizahumwa (wedi) (response) Ongamshi!

Good day/evening!

Niwedi!

(Response) Announcer: Now we transform to post MDGs 2015 Prof. what are opini ons.

Prof. Tulanukila: thanks from our discussion today, generally the MDGs are doing well not too bad so I’m suggesting we keep on with these goals but then it needs more time to reach the targets, we need to concentrate more on employment creation, rural development, increase food security and promote agricultural activities through these goal number 4,5 and six and we can make a great step ahead.

Dr. Herman: Actually post MDGs will be more powerful than MDGs I would like to see a great promotion on education and technological innovation through strengthening quality and access to basic and tertiary education, investing in secondary, tertiary and vocational education also investing research and development; these will help to hit the 18 targets of all MDGs. Sponsor: Kiiraiqw is spoken in Manyara and Karatu district-Arusha-Tanzania.

Laugute Good morning Lautsindo Good evening Xwera hhoa Good night Tiho Fine

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 26

AFROMEDICA ISSUE 6

JULY2013

Dr. Basil :To cover all the MDG targets, this calls for a multidimensional approa ch. We need to promote human development first through empowering of women in all endeavour, protecting human rights and justice and equality, promoting access to social protection and promoting maternal and child health through these four aspects and post MDGs coverage will be successful.

Announcer: From our face book page Haruni from Tanzania is glad to hear the different taste of tribal language, much thanks to Tanzania Youth cultural groups who did a great job to translate these languages. We are coming to the end and I would like to thank my listeners from different areas within and beyond Tanzania, my guests who contributed as much as they can to make the session taste good and lastly to the Tanzania Youth Cultural groups who made this session happen.

Finally I would like to quote some words from the UN general secretary Ban Ki-Moon and I dedicate these to post MDGs 2015,”…working together, government, the united nations family, the private sector and civil society can succeed in tackling the greatest challenges. As the 2015 deadline is fast approaching, we must be united and steadfast in our resolve to accelerate progress and achieve the MDGs”.

See you.

Sponsor: Kinyiramba is spoken in Iramba – Singida Tanzania Mbii!

Hellow!

Iza fine Songela thanks

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 27

Federation Of African Medical Students’Association

Medical Students Across Africa

A MOTHER HAS A RIGHT TO LIVE: THE NIGERIAN STORY

A n i m a s a h u n , Victor Tade, Adesoji mailvickyjay@yahoo.com & sojitade@gmail.com Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria

The Millennium Development Goal 5 (MDG-5) aims at improving maternal health. The two targets for assessing MDG 5 are reducing the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) by three quarters between 1990 and 2015, and achieving universal access to reproductive health by 2015.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines maternal death as the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management but not from accidental or incidental causes.

As 2015 approaches, we need to evaluate where we stand on our journey to reducing m ternal mortality by 75%. We also need to ensure we are on the right track so as to decide whether to increase our gear or turn our steering to another course. Factors identified in maternal mortality can be categorised into four; Reproductive factors, obstetrics complications, health service factors, socio-economic factors.

However the major direct causes of maternal morbidity and mortality include haemorrhage, infection, high blood pressure, unsafe abortion, and obstructed labour.2 Any effort by the government to drastically reduce maternal mortality rates must address the root causes of delays in s eeking health care, accessing healthcare and receiving help at the centre While an annual decline of 5.5% in maternal mortality ratios between 1990 and 2015 is required to achieve MDG 5, figures released

by WHO, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the World Bank show an annual decline of less than 1%. In 2005, 536 000 women died of maternal causes, compared to 576000 in 1990. 99% of these deaths occurred in developing countries.3 Eleven countries accounted for almost 65% of global maternal deaths in 2005. India had the largest number (117 000), followed by Nigeria (59 000), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (32 000 and Afghanistan (26 000). 3 The probability that a 15-year-old girl will die from a complication related to pregnancy and childbirth during her lifetime is highest in Africa: 1 in 26. In the developed regions it is 1 in 7300. 3 This compendium of statistics shows evidently that our dear country, Nigeria still has a hard nut to crack and therefore fasten its seatbelt as we journey towards achieving MDG-5 by 2015. United Nations Development Programme, Nigeria, 2011 posited that recent progress towards improving maternal health in Nigeria is promising and, if the latest improvements can be sustained at the same rate, Nigeria will reach the target by 2015. 4 Maternal mortality fell by 32%, from 800 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2003 (at the time one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world) to 545 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2008.

4 But this beaming hope is not in consonance with the alarm raised by Okonofua F. that; there is a growing concern that Nigeria may not achieve the maternal mortality reduction aims of the Millennium Development Goals, if the present trend continues. This trepidation has created an emergency need for programs and policies aimed at accelerating progress towards addressing the problem. 5 However, the proportion of births attended by a skilled health worker has remained low and threatens to hold back further progress. An innovative Midwives Service Scheme is expected to contribute substantially to on-going shortfalls but its impact has yet to be reflected in the data. 4 If the scheme is expanded in proportion to the national gap in the number of midwives, this will further accelerate progress. In addition, more mothers will be covered by antenatal care as access to quality primary healthcare improves and incentives attract health workers to rural areas, indicating that Nigeria will turn progress to date on this goal into a MDG success story.

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA |28

AFROMEDICA ISSUE 6

JULY2013

The bottom line still remains that either there is a good or seemingly doubtful prognosis as Nigeria aims to improve maternal health by reducing maternal mortality by 75%, all hands must be on deck to ensure that all the policies on paper are put to practise such that both the pauper and the privileged benefit from its implementation.

Let us always bear it in mind that; ‘giving life should not be a death sentence’, our mothers have a right to live.

REFERENCES 1. World Health Organisation. 2013. MDG 5: Improve maternal health. www.who.int/topics/milenium_development_goals/maternal_health/en/ 2. Adetoro O.O. 2007. Maternal Mortality: The Way Forward. World Health Organisation. http://www.who.int/topics/ maternal_health/nigerianpresentation.pdf/ 3. United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). 2007. Maternal Mortality Declining in Middle-income countries; Women Still Die in Pregnancy and Childbirth in Low-income Countries. www.unfpa.org/public/News/pid/332 4. United Nations Development Programme, Nigeria. 2011. MDGs in Nigeria: Current Progress. www.ng.undp.org/mdgsngprogress.shtml 5. Okonofua F. Editorial: Reducing Maternal Mortality in Nigeria: An Approach through Policy Research and Capacity Building. African Journal of Reproductive Health Sept. 2010 (Special Issue); 14(3): 12

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 39

Federation Of African Medical Students’Association

Medical Students Across Africa

Millennium development goal 5: Challenges in Nigeria Eight international developmental goals were officially established during the millennium summit of the United Nations in September 2000, and thereafter the adoption of the United Nations Millennium declaration. All 193 United Nations member states and at least 23 international organizations had agreed to achieve these goals by 2015. Progress towards reaching the goals has been uneven, as some countries have gone ahead to achieve these goals while others are lagging behind. Countries such as China whose poverty population has reduced from 452 million to 278 million are on their way to achieving their goals.Most countries Tizhe Wakwanje Nuhu lagging behind in achieving these goals and improving their quality of life are mostly found Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, Nigeria in the sub-Saharan Africa regions. Nigeria is an example found in West Africa with maternal health as one of its major challenges. Improving maternal health is the fifth goal of the eight Millennium development goals (MDGs).

Maternal health is measured by the rate of maternal death, which is defined as the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days after termination of pregnancy irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management but not from incidental or accident causes. (WHO 2002). Maternal death globally is about 585,000/year and in 2010, about 287,000 women died during pregnancy and after childbirth. The average maternal mortality rate in Nigeria is 630/100,000 live births with regional variations5,7 . Nigeria constitutes about 1.7% of total world population but yet contributes more than 10% to global maternal mortality, the second largest contributor in the world.5 The high maternal mortality in Nigeria is as a result of various factors such as; medical factors, socio-cultural factors, reproductive factors, health service factors and poor political will. These factors are the major reasons why Nigeria cannot achieve goal 5 of MDGS by 2015.

Medical factors include obstetric hemorrhage (25%), infections (13%), eclampsia (12%), obstructed labour (8%), malaria, HIV and anemia (20%). Socio-cultural factors are an important underlying factor in maternal mortality as 6% of mothers under 15 years of age account for 30% of maternal mortality.5Other related social factors include; status of women- subordination, discrimination, poverty, illiteracy, religion, attitude; this involves lack of adequate knowledge about pregnancy, labour and labour complications.

There is a wrong perception that has been given to these women where they boastfully say that women who deliver vaginally and at home are stronger and more of women than those who come to the hospital or have a caesarean section.

So, women who deliver in the hospital or deliver by caesarean section are regarded in the society as reproductive failures.

With such believes, even in presence of complications which are not usually noticed by the attending traditional birth attendant, these mothers are encouraged or forced to push further leading to exhaustion and most times death of fetus or mother or both. There is also a general poor health seeking behavior as a result of lack of knowledge. Some women have no say in their homes or lives as if they are subhumans and not valued and so consent for seeking and receiving health care must be given by their husbands or head of family and this leads to poor health decision and late medical interventions.

Mothers fail to attend antenatal care and even with complications go against medical advice. This is mostly practiced in northern Nigeria causing a great increase in rate of maternal mortality. Little efforts are geared towards public enlightenment against these harmful practices and attitudes by the agencies of government. Unless this is done nationwide and aggressively too, the reduction of maternal mortality will be a mirage in Nigeria not only by 2015 but thereafter as well.

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 30

AFROMEDICA ISSUE 6

JULY2013

Poor health service is a major contributor to maternal death in Nigeria. Accessibility to health facilities is a major challenge which worsens by the day. There is lack of proper obstetric care, lack of access to family planning, availability of drugs, equipment, blood in hospitals especially in the rural areas which are more populated, lack of communication and good transportation system (roads), utility facilities ( electricity, water) which are most times not available. If health facilities are available, there are inadequate skilled attendants to attend to these women. Studies have shown that women <15and>35, those with too frequent delivery and too many deliveries are at a higher risk of maternal mortality.5 Child marriages are typically practiced in Nigeria especially in the northern region, which results contributes to the high mortality rate. These teenage mothers usually have under-developed pelvis, not exposed to skilled health care during pregnancy and most often are made to deliver at home hence, they are predisposed to cephalo-pelvic disproportion during labour resulting in obstructed labour with its attendant sequelae. Those that survive the delivery most often sustain serious morbidities including vesico-vaginal fistula. Also, harsh economic conditions lead to women focusing more on school to reach the peak of their carrier, with the bad educational system in the country, most finish school at late ages, get married late and become elderly primigravidas with increased risk of complications.

Poor health education and poor health care delivery such as inadequate antenatal care and lack of family planning services result in too many deliveries and too frequent delivery which are high risks for maternal mortality. The root of this failure is strongly sourced by waste and corruption on the part of the government and until this is eradicated and their minds opened to fresh ideas, success cannot be achieved.

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 31

Federation Of African Medical Students’Association

Medical Students Across Africa

Nigeria is a country blessed with abundant natural resources such as oil, rich agricultural farmland, low incidence of natural disasters but yet have failed to achieve a good health indices due to the high rate of corruption and neglect to health matters.

Universal coverage involves the implantation of right to health and equity both for the poor and well to do. It is a home grown thing that involves the political leaders and citizen of a country to understand their health system abilities, find what works for them and pull resources together and participate with othe r countries to share their best practices which allows the government design their own system. It is not only about saving lives but improving the health of a country and the world at large.

It is something we all have in common, whether we live in a city with economic power or low economic status, or in a city or country side, we need health services somehow. It is good to note that the status of women’s health will not improve until the status of women improves both educationally and economically. Nigeria needs to a take a huge step towards e ucating and empowering women so as to help reduce maternal mortality drastically in the country.

References 1. Conde-Agudelo A, BelizanJM, lammers C. martenal-pperinatal morbidity and mortality associated with adolescent pregnancy in Latin Ameriica. Cross-sectional study. Am J ObstetGynecol 2004; 192: 342 – 349.

2. Maternal Mortality in Central Asia, central asia review (CAHR), 2 JUNE 2008 3. HoronIL,cheng D (November 2005). “under-reporting of pregnancy-associated deaths” Am j public Health 95(11): 1879; author reply 1879-80. Doi;10.2105/AJPH.2005.072017 PMC 1449445. PMID 16195505 4. NourNM(2008). An introduction to Maternal Mortality’. Reviews in obGyn1; 77-81 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maternal_deaths 5. WHO Unive rsal health coverage http://www.who.int/universal_health_coverage/en/index.html assessed 14th April 2013 6. http://www.indexmundi.com/nigeria/maternal_mortality_rate.html 7. B. Ekele, J.A.M. Otubu . Maternal and perinatal mortality in Akin Abgoola (ed) Textbook of obetetrics and gynaecology for medical students, 2nd edition. Heinmann Educational Books (Nigeria) plc, 2006, page 526.

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 32

AFROMEDICA ISSUE 6

JULY2013

Featured Standing Committee ;

SCOMER

SCOMER ; Standing Committee On Medical Education and Research SCOMER is one of the five standing committees under the Federation of African Medical Students’ Associations (FAMSA) and functions mainly to promote medical education and research among medical students in Africa. The committee is run by a team of committed students from several universities across the different regions of Africa.

OBJECTIVES

Promote Medical Education and research among medical students in Afric Encourage and stimulate original thinking and initiatives by medical students To coordinate researches (especially for medical students) and provide guidance for such undertakings To promote sharing of information and friendship among the medical students in Africa

SOME ACHIEVEMENTS

Malaria Eradication Campaign Autism Awareness Campaign African Child’s Day (16TH JUNE, 2012) Regular newsletters Medical education (including Radio Talk-shows in several countries etc) Research Workshop at Kampala International University To achieve all these, we been in close collaboration with the following among others; NB: We have identified sponsorship of eight disabled children at Ruhandagazi Primary School, of whom two have completed primary school.

Lastly, I would like to thank the team I have worked with for the whole year, they’ve been such a committed team despite their busy academic schedule in their different medical institutions. It is with therefore with great appreciation that I mention their names below; Chidinma Peace Ohachenu (Vice chairperson), Ham Wabwire, Elisabeth Ochola, Ann Amate, Abel O. Maar, Lucky Murangi, Ekiti Martin, Adulf Sempijja, Joy W Kamau, Arowolo Azzurrilippi, ChiamakaIlechukwu, Kayaya Joseph, TinuadeOkoro, AvokaCephas, Opejo Pius, Dorcas Naa Dedei Aryeetey,Tezita Alex Its my prayer that the almighty God replenishes their strength and above all reward them abundantly in all their endeavors; A special thanks to all those not mentioned but worked with us in different capacities to see that SCOMER achieves all it did.

Many thanks once again

Ephraim Kisangala (MBChB-IV)

Chairman-SCOMER Vice President-Rotaract Club of Kampala International University Western Campus (KIU-WC) ephraimkis@gmail.com +256-701-763763 or +256-777-763763 For more information about SCOMER and its activities, www.famsanet.org www.isuu.com/famsanet.org (reports, releases, newsletters) www.flickr.com/famsanet (photos and videos) http://cit4.mak.ac.ug/std_projects/bmutebi/ccdi/index.php/ www.famsanet.org SCOMER DAC-Reports (Uganda, Kenya) scomer2012@gmail.com or scomer@famsanet.org

AFROMEDICA | 33

Federation Of African Medical Students’Association

Medical Students Across Africa

The Menace Of Pernicious Politics On Health In Africa She held her baby in her arms, pressed fondly against her wiry frame. It looked emaciated and yet it was not breastfeeding. The woman was ‘glamorously’ clad in rags and to tell the truth was not thriving herself. In the noisy, often overcrowded and overwhelmingly sweltering nature that is the order of Africa’s hospitals, it struck me as odd that I took notice of that rather desolate spectacle. They stood out like a sad illumination in an all engulfing darkness. Her child was dying. I was not a stranger to death; what struck me was not the inevitable path to expiration that had consumed this infant, it was rather the stare in the eyes of its mother. I had never beheld anything like it; I could neither be defined as sadness nor bewilderment. It was not even a stare of resignation. Her stolid countenance denoted an all-knowing aura which could have unsettled anyone. I could not help but wonder what thought went on behind those dark, swelling inscrutable eyes of hers.

Something crawled within me and I knew in that instant I had lost a part of my soul as I learned her sick child had passed the point of salvaging because she had no means to procure her child’s remedies. The impending death of this innocuous infant like millions others, will no doubt be a scourge to the continent and yet another lethal manifestation of the callous, ravenous, dissolute and ultimately failed leadership that has bedeviled this blessed continent for decades.

In 2012, three African leaders passed away. John Mills of Ghana was purported to have died of throat cancer, Bingu wa Mutharika of Malawi, a heart attack and PM Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia, leukemia. These were men who were both loved and loathed by large sections of their respective populace. It is not however, the sentiments they aroused in their people that concerned me or the clandestine nature in which their ailments were dealt with - it is the frequency with which they flew outside to seek definitely superior medical attention. If the facilities in their home countries were good, they would have spared themselves the trouble of flying abroad. African leaders know very well that quality heal th service is absolutely non-existent in sub-Saharan Africa. They know, they have the capability of doing something about it and yet they stay diabolically silent. Indifference, wolfish and blatant avarice, and the sheer magnitude of corruption has crippled the health care system of the continent.

Thousands of women bleed to death every day in the beauty of that resplendent event that should have been ‘peaceful childbirth’; fairly controllable ailments like malaria, guinea worm, cholera, continue to plague us like one of those ‘biblical afflictions’ that are seemingly heedless of the already dire and miserable condition of this scorched cradle of mankind. As for HIV/AIDS, the least said the better. The continent lacks heath personnel, the few hospitals that exist are ill-equipped and drugs are hard to come by; over half of those that even exist are counterfeit. Yet, those that control the boundless coffers of the people look on unperturbed. In some instances, they do not even pretend to care. But then, why should they? When the only reasons why they scramble like shameless and snarling curs to ascend the thrones of power are to enrich themselves. The avarice is unimaginable; the decadence is appalling and the covetousness is simply pathetic. Filthy pilfering hands are dipped thoughtlessly into national coffers to the fatal detriment of the masses. Our leaders behave like ‘Napoleon of The Animal Farm’ fame; incessantly bestowing themselves with lavish toys heedless of the deplorable state of the populace.

On the rare occasions when they do venture into health, it is more of a comic relief than beneficial. For instance, it took a gratuitously long time for the government of South Africa to finally accept antiretroviral drugs, in which time thousands had already di ed. Her then vice-president Jacob Zuma could not help but venture into the furor of hilarity by stating to the amusement of the entire world that he took a shower to prevent contracting the HIV virus after having sex. This is a leader GILDAS M. NGMAN-WARA School Of Medical Sciences – KNUST, Ghana

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 34

AFROMEDICA ISSUE 6

JULY2013

of a country whose prime predicament is the menace of HIV/AIDS, and whom you would have expected to know that at least, bathing does not curtail its spread. The freak show does not end there; the president of the Gambia, Yahya Jammeh claimed to have found the treatment for AIDS which consisted of herbs, a former health minister of Ghana, while attending a conference in the United States to promulgate safe sex to the purpose of HIV curtailment (which invariably included condom use) ended up impregnating a mistress - this dishonoured an entire nation and made mockery of the priceless effort of thousands of good willed individuals. Traditional leaders in remote parts of northern Nigeria vehemently opposed the administration of polio vaccines to children who dearly needed them because they erroneously and unfathomably claimed it would render them impotent, hence, reducing their numbers (so much for the talk of population control) and to this day, the disease that have been totally obliterated in most parts of the world is still very prevalent in that part of Africa. This is simply tragic.

Aside these outrageously frantic attempts by our leaders to take the shine off Charlie Chaplin and Rowan Atkinson, basica ly nothing else is done for the improvement of health. Budget allocations to this sector range from the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;meagre to zilchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

On the other hand, salary increment for parliamentarians is approved with the speed of lightening. And as earlier stated, when they or any of their family get sick, they simply charter a plane outside knowing the deplorable state of health care.

The quandary of health service provision in Africa albeit difficult, can be salvaged. If the millennium development goals of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, reducing child mortality, improving maternal health and combating HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other diseases are to be attained anytime soon, the mocking frivolity and deliberate ineptitude with which governments regard health must summarily and immediately be swept irretrievably under impenetrable carpets. The health of a people is inextricably entwined to its wealth. The dire and pathetic condition of the continent and the sheer magnitude of indigence that pervade this entire land demand a sincere and dogged commitment to sustainable and qualitative health care for all. It is iniquitous and highly contemptible for the good people of our motherland to continue to perish by easily avertable and remediable ailments. The time to change that is now; else this despicable and abhorrent condition will only end in Armageddon.

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 35

Federation Of African Medical Students’Association

Medical Students Across Africa

Post 2015 MDGs and Universal Health Coverage The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have proven to be a powerful force in maintaining political support for development. The simpli city of the framework, readily understandable objectives, and focus on quantitative monitoring have proven durably engaging. We currently have two years left to the deadline and the achievements have been enormous i.e.: MDG 1; (Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger) the number of people living below $1.25 has been halved and now less than 1.4 billion people are still in extreme poverty.

MDG 2; (Achieve universal primary education) Success has been attained at the primary level of education, with an increasing demand for secondary/tertiary education where developing countries have been slow due to limited resources.

MDG 3; (Promote gender equality and empower women) Girls from the poorest households still face the highest barriers to education, with women sti ll facing a challenge for equal job opportunities as the men.

MDG 4; (Reduce child mortality) Child mortality has fallen by more than one third, but progress is still too slow to reach the target with child deaths still existing in sub Saharan Africa.

MDG 5; (Improve maternal health) Maternal mortality has nearly halved since 1990, but levels are far removed from the 2015 target. From the MDG report 2012 Universal Health coverage You can clearly see that a lot has been achieved with the MDGs and there’s a lot to do with new concerns rising up like the non-communicable diseases (NCDs). With the new suggestions for Universal health coverage, we should consider sustaining the goals and protecting our investments in the past years so that we can build on the a lready achieved health goals.

In contrast to the current set of health-related MDGs, there is now a greater recognition of the need to focus on means as well as ends: health as a human right; health equity; equality of opportunity; global agreements (International Health Regulations, Pandemic Influenza Preparedness framework) that enhance health security; stronger and more resilient health systems; innovation and efficiency as a response to financial constraints; addressing the economic, social and environmental determinants of health; and multi-sectoral responses that see health as an outcome of all policies. Advocating for universal health coverage would be a right way to go as it would be sustainable as it would require a strong, efficient health system that can deliver quality services on a broad range of country health priorities. Thence the governments would have to increase on their Health budgets to ensure that such a goal would be met. We will still need to have indicators that will help us point out timelines and evaluation of our progress. I think we will be moving in the right direction as we will keep our unfinished business from the MDGs, create a more sustainable way of health equity with the strong and efficient health systems and also be able to include the other health goals that were initially left out of the MDG health goals.

FAUZ J. KAVUMA S E C R E TA R Y GENERAL FAMSA

“Towards improvement of health in Africa” www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 36

AFROMEDICA ISSUE 6

JULY2013

A glance at the MDGs progress in Africa MDGs where set in 2000, they aimed at ensuring every individual has a right to Wala Adil M.A. dignity, freedom and equality in different aspects of life. Now, only 2 years away Salman , from the expected time for the MDGs to be achieved, we can see the progress Sudan towards reaching these goals have been uneven with drastic changes needed in some countries.

Poverty continues to be a challenge in Africa, where it is concentrated in politically marginalised areas and areas in conflict e.g Sudan’s Darfour region and Nigeria’s Niger Delta, or countries recovering from conflict e.g Sierra Leone and Liberia . Similarly, poverty is concentrated in countries with hostile eco-systems and in landlocked countries such as Niger and Chad. The Sub-Saharan Africa has managed to reduce poverty by a only 1%. (1) The region is sustaining good progress toward achieving universal primary education,Ethiopia for example increased net enrolment by 6.3% in 2006 over 2005, the country is on track to achieve the target of universal primary enrolment by the target date .

As at 2006, nine African countries registered net primary enrolment rates of over 90%, however in some cases eg. Algeria, Cape Verde, Lesotho, São Tomé and Principe, and Tunisia had results that were not as satisfactory.(2) The continent continues to make progress toward gender equality and empowerment of women. Girls’ primary school enrolment rate outstripped that of boys between 2000 and 2006, despite these gains, girls still account for 55% of the outof-school population in the region. (2) The increase in the number of women parliamentary representatives remains strong in some countries, as evidenced in recent elections. Although data are scant, in the non- agricultural sector, women account for 80 percent of own-account, seasonal, part-time and informal work.(3) When it comes to reducing child mortality, significant progress in individual African countries has been registered although the rate of progress at the continental level is poor. The under-5 mortality rate in Africa dropped from 166 per 1,000 live births in 2005 to 160 per 1,000 live births in 2006. Egypt emerges as the best performing African country in reducing under-five mortality, while Botswana is the worst performing. Education has always been a problem and education related expenses is the main reason behind children not going to school, where it estimated school fees including community contributions, textbook fees, compulsory uniforms and other charges takes up nearly a quarter of a poor family’s income, Burundi, Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Uganda took the lead in eliminating school fees.(2) The 2005 estimate of maternal mortality was 900 deaths per 100,000 live births; excluding North Africa where it was estimated at 160 deaths per 100,000 live births.(3) and with this rate this goal cannot be achieved by 2015. A major explanation for the high maternal mortality rate (MMR) in Africa is lack of access to adequate medical care, even when access is available, it is often in-equitable. HIV prevalence rate and deaths associated with AIDS is on a downward trend due to improvements in access to treatment, changes in behaviour, and reduction in infection among the most vulnerable groups. Prevalence remains lower in North Africa than in other sub-regions of the continent. In the sub-Saharan region, the prevalence rate decreased to about 5% in 2007. New HIV infections and HIV/ AIDS-related deaths in the region have also fallen, it fell from 2 million in 2001 to 1 .4 million in 2007 and new infections declined from 3 million to 2 .7 million during the same time period. But the prevalence rate is still higher among women than men, with women accounting for 60% of new infections.(3)

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 37

Federation Of African Medical Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Association

Medical Students Across Africa

Regarding Malaria, North African countries have the lowest incidence and death rates associated with malaria followed by Southern Africa and the highlands of Ethiopia and Kenya. West and Central Africa sub-regions where malaria is endemic report very high malaria mortality rates. Ongoing research on malaria vaccines though promising, has yet to deliver any definitive outcomes.

Although of less interest in the matter of climate change, there is a consensus that climate change poses an additional challenge to the attainment of the MDGs . Climate change may, if not urgently addressed, reverse some of the gains made in reducing poverty and controlling infectious diseases. It could reduce the productivity of land and accelerate the loss of environmental resources including forestry. Furthermore, it could negatively impart other sectors, such as those of manufacturing and services .

According to some experts, halving the proportion of the population without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation is still far from being reached. Since national governments often cannot provide the necessary infrastructure, civil society in some countries started to organise and work on sanitation themselves.

At the end the continent is making steady progress on few MDGs but relatively little progress on others, North Africa has better situation compared to the rest of the continent, however commitment and achieving the MDGs is the desired goal, even if they are not reached by 2015, efforts must be directed toward getting nearer to fully achieving them.

Halving Global Poverty (PDF). Retrieved 2012-10-14 Road map towards the implementation of the United Nations Millennium Declaration, Report of the UN Secretary-General Assessing Progress in Africa toward the Millennium Development Goals MDG Report 2009, Economic commission of Africa, African Union, African development Bank Group

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 38

AFROMEDICA ISSUE 6

JULY2013

MDGs 2015: Too Close Or Two Long Years More Back in the days when the surge of over-zealousness boiled in my veins, one of the strategies I adopted was to set my watch an hour or so ahead. I thought this would help me.

I thought that if I woke up and checked my watch and it was 6 a.m., I would be frightened, get up and start my day. Well, maybe it would work the first day (anyway, if it ever did), but definitely, subsequently, I would have reset my mind clock to recognize my flawed measure to ensure discipline.

Yakubu Abukari Natogmah , School Of Medical Sciences , KNUST – Ghana.

Sometimes, we set targets we know from the outset that we would not be able to achieve. Initially, we may think it is possible especially when we experience that surge of adrenaline which makes us want to do so much. Yet, when adrenaline’s counter-regulatory hormone (reality) sets in, we soon realize that maybe, just maybe and a more sober reflection would have done us some good. So, we are less than a thousand (1000) days to the deadline agreed on and already there is this talk of extra time already in the air. So, there was a meeting. At that meeting, we read that the world decided to commit to an commit to an eight (8) point, time-bound agenda. Spearheaded by the United Nations (UN), at the helm of whose affairs was our own Kofi Annan, world leaders decided that the time to act holistically to achieve the betterment of the living standards of people all over the world was now. So it was that in year 2000, we agreed to achieve the following goals: 1. Eradicate Extreme Hunger and Poverty: Remarkable progress has been made in this regard. Indeed, the global poverty rate fell to less than half the rate in 1990 in 2010 1. The global economic recession that has hit the world has made this achievement significant. With the many insurgencies in Africa, one wonders whether countries like Somalia can join in this celebration. The danger in celebrating the successful achievement of ‘goal one’ way ahead of time is that we may forget about the individual countries incapable of achieving this goal before the stated time.

2. Achieve Universal Primary Education: Enrolme nt in primary education in developing regions reached 90 per cent in 2010, up from 82 per cent in 1999. This means that more children than ever, are attending primary school. But even as countries with the toughest challenges have advanced, progress on primary school enrolment has slowed since 2004. Thereby, dimming hopes for achieving universal primary education by 2015 1. If education remains a human right, then, achieving this target is non-negotiable. Children all over the world over must possess education. Emphasis is placed here because primary education is basic as it is the foundation upon which further pursuit of knowledge can be built. Challenges stem from the fact that, the cost involved in building infrastructures, attracting children into schools and retaining them is exorbitant. The World Food Programme’s School Feeding Project succeeded in significantly attracting children into Ghanaian schools (which benefited from this on a pilot basis). The Ghana School Feeding Program (GSFP) was initiated by the Government of Ghana in 2005, in collaboration with the Dutch Government. The programme was inspired by the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Pillar 3 of (New Partnership for Africa’s Development) NEPAD and the recommendations of the UN Millennium Task Force on Hunger.

Its stated long term goal is to contribute to reducing poverty and enhancing food security in Ghana 2. Yet, challenges abound in Ghana, threatening the scheme’s sustainability and its subsequent roll out to other towns. Need I mention funding as the foremost challenge?

3. Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women: Gender parity in primary schooling worldwide has officially been achieved 1. Although, a startling revelation is based on the fact that certain cultural practices in Africa especially tend to disadvantage the girl-child. However, whatever measures were put in place before now should be sustained so that the clock of progress is not turned back. Women’s share of paid employment outside the agricultural sector has increased slowly from 35 to 40 per cent between 1990 and 2010 1. Women account for approximately 20 per cent of all parliamentarians worldwide and progress towards equal representation is slow 1. If the motivation towards achieving these feats is an urge to attain the targets set out by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),then, it will not be out of place to ask for an extension, just to keep nations on their toes.

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 39

Federation Of African Medical Students’Association

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 40

Medical Students Across Africa

4. Reduce Child Mortality: Global child mortality rates have declined by 35 per cent, from 97 to 63 deaths per 1,000 live births, between 1990 and 2010. Physiologically, boys are less likely to survive than girls 1. For most countries in Africa, a lot of emphasis has been placed on achieving this goal in addition to ‘goal 5’. This however, has not shown much change in our mortality rate, albeit a global decline.

Most deaths sadly occur in Sub-Saharan Africa especially among children of uneducated mothers, hence, justifying the need for girl-child education in addition to increasing already existing efforts to drastically cut down on the many avoidable deaths in our future leaders.

5. Improve Maternal Health: Maternal health is another crucial i sue because it directly determines child survival and education. Women, as has already been mentioned, significantly contribute to the workforce of countries all over the world. Their survival must therefore be a priority. And so it is in Africa, yet these efforts have not fully achieved their desired aim. In fact, it is the goal least likely to be achieved - how tragic! Ghana, according to some reports is quite far from attaining this goal but with renewed commitment shown 1000 days away from the deadline, we can only hope that a miracle happens.

6. Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases: The successes chalked in the area of combatting HIV/AIDS, although likely to fall short of the target demands by 2015, can largely be attributed to the constant supply of medicines which has been inextricably linked to constant cash inflows. With the announcement by Geneva based -The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, that it will not make grants available until 2014, due largely to the economic recession in Europe, there is very likely going to be a devastating effect on the lives of patients and yet to be patients. This has a potential to reverse the gains made over the years. The group ‘Medecins Sans Frontieres’ (Doctors Without Borders) called the cancelation of grants an unprecedented event which will have a direct impact on tens of thousands of people living with HIV 3. In fact, this negative impact is better imagined than experienced. Around the world, 3.3 billion people are at risk of contracting m laria. In 2010, an estimated 219 million cases occurred, and the disease killed approximately 660,000 people – most of them being children under five in Africa.

On average, malaria kills a child every minute 4. With resistance to Artemisinin based drugs reported in Asia, Africa must pray and hope that these resistant parasites don’t find their ways into our continent via our porous borders. What doom it will spell for us all!

7. Ensure Environmental Sustainability: A goal that is more of a pr ority for developed countries than developing countries - ironic indeed! Is the control of malaria not linked to a cleaner environment?

Are free flowing drainage systems not a remedy to floods? And are buildings on waterways not recipes for disaster? Are polluted water bodies, through the illegal activities of Chinese miners not linked to the health and survival of all of us who drink water? And who doesn’t drink water? Yet, Africa has chosen to look elsewhere.

AFROMEDICA ISSUE 6

JULY2013

8. Develop a Global Partnership for Development: Core development aid falls in real terms for the first time in more than a decade, as donor countries face fiscal constraints 5. As stated above, funding for HIV/AIDS has already been hardly hit. Africa must look inward, now more than ever, to find the solutions to its own unique problems. It is said that, “always aim for the Moon, even if you miss it, you’ll land among the stars.” So, we aimed for the moon like every other country. We will miss on some and like other countries, land on the stars. But judging from our progress so far on other issues like reduction in maternal mortality, we will miss the stars too. If we are fortunate, we will land amongst the huge branches of the gigantic Baobab tree in my village. Otherwise, we will fall back to the ground where we started, albeit with a thud.

In summary, the world was wise in setting measurable targets as well as a deadline all countries must strive to meet. With a redoubling of efforts, some will be met.

The rest can be repackaged and after 2015, with renewed commitment and unalloyed financial support from friends of Africa, we can make our continent a better place for us all, for the women and children of today especially and for the generations, yet unborn.

SALAAM.

REFERENCES

1. http://www.unwomen.org/news-events/in-focus/mdgmomentum 2. http://gh.sendwestafrica.org/our-programme/gelap/ghana-school-feeding-progamme-gsfp 3. www.fightaidsghana.org/?page_id=23 4. http://www.who.int/topics/millennium_development_goals/diseases/ en/ 5. http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/mdgoverview/mdg_ goals/mdg8/

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 41

Federation Of African Medical Students’Association

Medical Students Across Africa

Projects Bulletin ; A report of FAMSA activities during the 2012/2013 executive tenure The current FAMSA executive was sworn into power during the 27 th 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

The World Health Day is marked annually on the 7th of April for the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. Each year a theme is selected for the World Health Day that brings to the fore a priority area of public health concern in the world.

The theme for the 2013 World Health Day is HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. According to WHO statistics, 40% of adults aged 25 and over had raised blood pressure. Hypertension, the silent killer contributes hugely to the burden of heart diseases, cardiovascular accidents, kidney failure and premature death and disability. The overall goal of the World Health Day 2013 is to reduce heart attacks and strokes. The Federation of African Medical Students’ Associations (FAMSA) Headquarters’ Board celebrates this important day yearly. With a view to the upliftment of health in Africa, FAMSA Headquarters’ Board joined the rest of the world to celebrate this day by organizing a medical outreach to Akintayo Awanibaaku Community, Beere, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria on Saturday 6th of April, 2013. After much preparation, the event kicked off at about 10am with an opening prayer by a member of the community. The special guests were introduced who were Dr O.S Arulogun, Consultant Phy sician of the Department of Health Promotion and Education; Dr Adeniyi Consultant Physiotherapist and Sub Dean, Faculty of Clinical Science and the Magaji of the community Chief Kazeem Akintayo. The Magaji gave an introductory address. A brief talk on FAMSA was given by the Master of Ceremony Mr Ajibola.

The guest speaker Dr. O.S Arulogun deliv ered a rich health talk in the native language of the community, Yoruba.

It centred on the theme High Blood Pressure which translates to ‘Ifunpa Giga’ in Yoruba. The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Ibadan who provided media cover age also interviewed the consultants and Administrator of the Headquarters’ Board. The second part of the event which was the health check was carried out by members of the Headquarters’ Board and a member of the University of Ibadan Medical Students Association (UIMSA). The consultants offered counselling to each individual that was checked. Pictures were taken with the special guests and the event came a close at about 2.00 pm. The exercise was a successful one and the Headquarters’ Board hopes for the improvement and continuity of the Federation.

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 42

AFROMEDICA ISSUE 6

JULY2013

2. Autism awareness walk/campaign Date: 28 th April, 2012

Venue:

Baden Powell Grounds, Kampala, Uganda

Organisers:

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 activ ities including speeches followed the walk/ match. In the speeches, the following were pointed out; 1. The need for togetherness and unity 2. Increased understanding of the autistic persons 3. 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.

4. 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).

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 43

Federation Of African Medical Students’Association

Medical Students Across Africa

3. Reducing Maternal Mortality from Unsafe Abortion Conference Protea Hotel,Kampala

6-8 th June, 2012 The 1st National conference on Unsafe abortion in Uganda held in Kampala, between the 6 th and 8 th 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 because of unsafe abortion the Ministry of health organized this conference sponsored by 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 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 afforded the opportunity for international dialogue and sharing of national experience. FAMSA Executives at the conference; (from L to R) Mr. Fauz Kavuma (Secretary General), Ms. Priscilla (Treasurer), Mr. John Paul (President), Midwife from Uganda, Mr Ephraim Kisangala (SCOMER chairman), Veronica Nyakato (LOC chairman at the 27 th FAMSA conference) and Juuko Abdu (FAMSA regional coordinator for East Africa).

Food for thought ; “In unequal world, these women are the most unequal among unequal” “Hundreds of pregnant women, alive at sunset last night never saw the sunrise this morning. Some of them died in labor, some died of hemorrhage in hospitals lacking blood, some died in the painful c onvulsions of eclampsia and some died on the table of an unskilled abortionist trying to terminate an unwanted pregnancy”

H.Nakajima, WHO 1999

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 44

AFROMEDICA ISSUE 6

JULY2013

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 16 th 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 phy sical 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. 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.

www.famsanet.org

AFROMEDICA | 45

Federation Of African Medical Students’Association

Medical Students Across Africa

21 st FAMSA East African General assembly and international conference 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.

Compiled by Fauz Kavuma, Secretary general - FAMSA

www.famsanet.org AFROMEDICA | 46

AFROMEDICA ISSUE 6

JULY2013

Featured Standing Committee; SCOPUB SCOPUB – Standing Committee Of Publications Welcome to the Federation Of African Medical Students Associations, Standing Committee of Publications (SCOPUB). This is one of the main functioning organs of FAMSA with a major aim of coordinating information within the FAMSA executive and between FAMSA and the members/students community all over Africa and beyond. As SCOPUB we are committed to making sure the members of this great Federation are well informed about what is going on, particularly in regard to health issues and medical education in Africa.

In addition, we are also working on various projects, in individual countries or the continent in general, such as the Afromedica Medical Journal and the FAMSA Database soon to come.

SCOPUB is formed by a team of devoted medical students from all over Africa, led by a Mr Stanley Binagi, who is the chairperson. Lastly, a seat or two is open for any medical student from Africa to apply to become a committee member for SCOPUB. Join us and become one of our own : Contributors - by writing any articles relating to theme, a health issue, project updates, conference report, or anything else that matches our requirements.

Editors — by helping our editorial team to edit articles that have been submitted to us.

Proofreaders — by helping our proofreading team to proofread articles that has been submitted to us.

Respondents — by simply share your ideas, thoughts, opinions, projects, photos, or anything else in an informal way (less serious and lesser words than article) on our new segment called ‘ What’s Up Africa ‘ Designer — by helping us to design the layouts for Pulse magazine Interested ?

Contact us via scomer2012@gmail.com

Current FAMSA Executives

Name in Full Designation / Role University Bagala John Paul President Gulu University, Uganda Kawhaya Nuhu Tizhe Vice-President University of Maiduguri, Nigeria Kavuma Fauz Secretary-General Gulu University, Uganda Oseni Mohammed-Toha Administrator University of Ibadan Cheputyoek Priscillia (Miss) Treasurer Gulu University, Uganda Juuko Abdu Regional Coordinator for East Africa Kampala International University, Uganda Ekiti E. Martin Regional Coordinator for Central Africa University of Younde, Cameroon Oundo E. Owiti Chairman, Standing Committee on Professional Exchange (SCOPE) Moi University, Kenya Bashir Dekow W Chairman, Standing Committee on Health and Environment (SCOHE) University of Nairobi, Kenya Kisangala Ephraim Chairman, Standing Committee Medical Education and Research (SCOMER) Kampala International University, Uganda Stanley Binagi Chairman, Standing Committee on Publications (SCOPUB) Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College, Tanzania Ronald Isaboke Special Executive Moi University, Kenya Ralph Kwame Akyea Ex-Officio member University of Ghana, Ghana John Godswill Gyasi Banin Ex-Officio member University of Ghana, Ghana Lwando Maki Southern African Cordinator University of Capetown Ifeanyichi Martilord Ifechi SCOPA University of Nigeria, Nigeria Fozeu Fosso Leo Cedric Special Executive University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon www.famsanet.org Joy Wangithi Kamau Assistant Secretary General Moi University, Kenya

AFROMEDICA | 47

Federation Of African Medical Students’Association

Medical Students Across Africa

Countries With Member (FAMSA) Medical Students’ Associations

Burundi

Namibia

Cameroun

Naigeria

Congo DR

Rwanda

Zambia

Ethiopia

Ghana

S. Africa

Tanzania

Zimbabwe

Federation Of African Medical Students’Association medical students across Africa www.famsanet.org

www.famsanet.org

Kenya

Uganda