SCORA Manual
IFMSA Imprint Standing Committee Director Carlos Acosta - Brazil International Team Carles Pericas Escale - Spain Anthony Kerbage - Lebanon Afolabi Oluwatoyosi Tolulope - Nigeria Jenna Webber - Canada Anshruta Raodeo - India Elissa Abou Khalil - Lebanon Pepe Ferrer Arbaizar - Spain Publications Team Firas Yassine - Lebanon
The International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization representing associations of medical students worldwide. IFMSA was founded in 1951 and currently maintains 130 National Member Organizations from 122 countries across six continents, representing a network of 1.3 million medical students. IFMSA envisions a world in which medical students unite for global health and are equipped with the knowledge, skills and values to take on health leadership roles locally and globally, so to shape a sustainable and healthy future. IFMSA is recognized as a nongovernmental organization within the United Nations’ system and the World Health Organization; and works in collaboration with the World Medical Association.
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Contents
Welcome Message Page 3
History of IFMSA Page 4
History of SCORA Page 5
SCORA Structure Page 7
Regional Meetings & General Assemblies Page 9
SCORA Start-up Kit Page 10
SCORA within the Regions Page 13
www.ifmsa.org
SCORA Capacity Building Page 15
SCORA Programs Page 17
SCORA External Representation Page 21
SCORA Projects & Events Page 24
SCORA X-Change Page 30
Tips & Tricks Page 3
Welcome Note Dear SCORAngels, Dear readers & curious medical students,
Carlos Andrés Acosta Casas Director on Sexual & Reproductive Health incl. HIV/AIDS 2016-17
Before you start reading, I want to thank you for being here and checking us out! This manual was made with the sole efforts of students from around the world, who want to wake in you the spirit of advocacy for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), aided by members of two SCORA International Teams. The only purpose is to help you. Don’t think of this manual as you would of any other textbook you have. SCORA is a space to innovate and create new experiences, to shape new leaders, to reform and rethink! This is just a representation (a small one indeed) of all the amazing things we’ve seen SCORAngels do over the years! It is our little base to help you jump higher! We want to create change among our members and we hope that this change is reflected in the world someday. Albert Einstein once said “Life is like a bicycle. In order for it to travel, it needs to be in constant movement.” So are we! In a few years time, we will need to update this manual and fill it with the new eyes of many other angels that pass through the IFMSA. But as for today, we crafted this little piece of our experiences for you to use it with freedom, to be comfortable, and to know what is going on with SCORA, and in which direction we are moving! Please use the content wisely for the good of future generations to come and to advocate better for the voices unheard!
Enjoy your fresh, renewed
SCORA Manual !
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History of IFMSA The year was 1951. Medical students from 8 countries (Austria, Denmark, England, Finland, Germany, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland) gathered in Copenhagen to start a non-political organization for medical students. The purpose was to “study and promote the interests of medical students’ cooperation on a purely professional basis, and promote activities in the field of student health and student relief.” So was born the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA). Initially, 3 committees are formed: the Standing Committee on Medical Exchange (SCOME), the Standing Committee on Professional Exchange (SCOPE), and the Standing Committee on Students’ Health (SCOSH). A bureau of information was set up in Geneva to establish contact between all members and international organizations. A year later the first General Assembly (GA) took place in London, where 30 students took part, representing 10 countries. This year, in 2016, IFMSA celebrated its 65th anniversary. The 8 founding member countries have been joined by many more. IFMSA is now the world’s largest studentrun organization, representing medical students from 122 countries worldwide. Over the past 65 years, the structure and functions of IFMSA have been changed several times. The IFMSA principles have been further defined in the present constitution, and state: • The Federation pursues its aims without political, religious, social, racial, national, sexual or any other discrimination, • The Federation promotes humanitarian ideals among medical students and so seeks to contribute to the creation of responsible future physicians, • The Federation respects the autonomy of its members.
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IFMSA Vision A world in which all medical students unite for global health and are equipped with the knowledge, skills and values to take on health leadership roles locally and globally.
IFMSA Mission IFMSA unites medical students worldwide to lead initiatives that impact positively the communities we serve. IFMSA represents the opinions and ideas of future health professionals in the field of global health and works in collaboration with external partners. IFMSA builds capacity through trainings, projects and exchange opportunities, while embracing cultural diversity so as to shape a sustainable and healthy future.
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History of SCORA In 1992, a new working group in IFMSA was formed, named SCOAS or the Standing Committee on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. The committee was formed out of concern of the IFMSA on the growing number of people living with AIDS and the strong will of medical students to participate in programs for prevention of HIV and STIs. The activities in SCOAS later developed from HIV/STIs advocacy and awareness campaigns, to encompass a wider range of reproductive health-related issues. This lead to a change of focus of the committee in 1998, resulting in a new name: the Standing Committee on Reproductive Health including AIDS, or SCORA in short. From its beginning, SCORA has always believed that one of the important methods of fighting AIDS is prevention, and the only way of prevention is education. Therefore, the main focus of SCORA is on activities that emphasize already existing solutions, and create new educational programs for medical students and the general population, especially teenagers. Other activities have been directed towards promotion of healthy sexual and reproductive behaviour, prevention of HIV and STIs,
SCORA Vision A world in which every individual is empowered to exercise their sexual and reproductive health rights equally, free from stigma and discrimination . prevention of “unsafe” abortion and appropriate use of contraceptives, reproductive rights, women’s rights (gender equality), the fight against domestic violence, Female Genital Mutilation, and maternal health. A number of international workshops have been organized by SCORA throughout the years, which mirror the development of this committee. SCORA develops and The SCORA Manual
SCORA Mission To provide our members with the tools necessary to advocate for sexual and reproductive health rights within their respective communities in a culturally sensitive fashion. This is accomplished through building the skills and knowledge of our members, providing trainings on comprehensive sexuality education and other reproductive health issues, exchanging ideas and projects, as well as drafting policies and working with our external partners in order to create change at the local, regional, and international level. promotes medical students’ empowerment and activities aiming at improving sexual and reproductive health and rights led by students for the benefit of their communities. This is primarily done through peer education and trainings, advocacy and awareness campaigns at all levels from grassroots to international. With a large number of members — SCORAngels as they are called — SCORA has grown wide in its work, centered around five focus areas which are strongly related to sexual and reproductive health and rights. In 2014 the name of SCORA changed once more to Standing Committee on Sexual and Reproductive Health including HIV/AIDS as it is more adequate in terms of topics and problems that SCORA is targeting in its actions.
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History of SCORA SCORA Focus Areas 1. Comprehensive Sexuality Education 2. Sexuality and Gender Diversity 3. HIV and other STIs
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4. Maternal Health & Access to Safe Abortion 5. Gender Based Violence
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SCORA Structure members. Also the SCORA-D is responsible for planning, organizing and assuring that the SCORA meetings at the IFMSA General Assemblies in March and August go smoothly.
Liaison Officer for Sexual & Reproductive Health issues incl. HIV/AIDS The LRA is responsible for external contacts. The LRA represents SCORA to external partners, like UNFPA, UNAIDS, and other UN Agencies and NGOs related to SCORA work. All external contacts should go through the LRA.
SCORA International Team Director on Sexual and Reproductive Health incl. HIV/AIDS The SCORA-D is elected once a year by the General Assembly in the August Meeting by the National Member Organizations (NMOs) of the IFMSA. The SCORA-D coordinates the work done by National Officers; keeps an overview of the ongoing activities worldwide and offers support wherever needed. The SCORA-D supports local, national and international projects and promotes those to members and externals. The SCORA-D provides members with information, tools and resources to ensure
Regional Assistants (RAs) SCORA has 5 regional assistants for Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Eastern Mediterranean, and Europe. The regional assistants are responsible for international tasks and regional tasks. Internationally, they help the director in international campaigns, development of SCORA manuals and strategic planning and preparing for the SCORA sessions in the GAs. Regionally, they prepare the Regional meetings sessions with a content that matches the requirements of the region, help with Capacity Building for SCORA within the region, help the NORA with their activities, and coordinate the regional activities such as SECSE.
the aims of SCORA: to raise awareness amongst the
Development Assistant (DA)
wide public, to spread knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS
The SCORA DA works closely with the SCORA-D on
and other sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) and to
various matters. He or she has to set up agendas and
decrease stigma and discrimination against people living
timelines with the SCORA-D and assist in reports that
with HIV/AIDS as well as assure that the right messages
have to be done during the term such as the reports of
are disseminated in the appropriate language. Not only
the General Assemblies and the Regional Meetings.
giving out information but also collecting data to spread
In addition to that, the DA has to assist the Director in
it within the groups as well as presenting it to partners is
preparing starter kits and manuals that are revised or
one of the tasks. Papers, leaflets and manuals need to be
newly written. Since SCORA has a lot of campaigns
kept up to date and they need to be made accessible to
throughout the year the DA is assisting on the creation
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SCORA Structure of promotional outlines for international and regional campaigns. The DA also works closely with the Program Coordinators on the implementation and development of each program, under the supervision of the Director and the VPA. He or she is the link between the PCs and the IT and always has to encourage the communication between them. Last but not least the Development Assistant has to update and revise the resources for SCORA which is extremely important in terms of sustainability.
Contact the International Team SCORA-D: scorad@ifmsa.org
Local Officers (LORAs) LORAs work at the grassroots level and are in charge of activities on local level, i.e. the medical school. The LORAs should communicate with and report to the NORA (and sometimes to the RA or SCORA-D).
Active Members The Active members are present on the local, national and international level. They attend most of the SCORA meetings and actively participate in all the campaigns and the projects.
Liaison Officer: lra@ifmsa.org Development Assistant: da.scora@ifmsa.org RA for Africa: ra.scora.africa@ifmsa.org RA for Americas: ra.scora.americas@ifmsa.org RA for Asia-Pacific: ra.scora.asicpacific@ifmsa.org RA for EMR: ra.scora.emr@ifmsa.org RA for Europe: ra.scora.europe@ifmsa.org
On the National and Local Levels National Officers (NORAs) NORAs are elected by his or her NMO. The task of a NORA is to coordinate and to encourage local or national activities in the respective country. The NORA is also responsible for communication with and reporting back to the SCORA Director and the Regional Assistant. NORAs are recommended to attend the IFMSA GA’s in March and August, representing their country within SCORA as well as regional meetings. At these meetings, NORAs network with other NORAs, exchange ideas and attain new knowledge and motivation to bring back home to the local committees.
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General Assemblies & Regional Meetings You’ve, of course, heard about these two before. They are the great spaces where medical students gather to discuss global issues, exchange ideas, and do many more.
General Assemblies (GAs)
Regional Meetings (RMs)
IFMSA General Assemblies are among the biggest youth events around the world. Held twice a year, once in March and once in August, the GAs are attended by 800-1000 medical students from more than 100 countries. GAs are core meeting of our Federation, since we vote for the Officials to lead us in the upcoming year, sign exchange contacts, get trainings to improve our skills, learn about a specific topic during theme events, work in small working groups and present our own or hear about others people’s activities.
IFMSA has five regions: Africa, Americas, Asia-Pacific, Eastern-Mediterranean and Europe. Each of them has its own Regional Meeting, held once a year. These meetings bring together medical students from all over the region to discuss and formulate ideas for policies that shape the future of healthcare within the continent. Activities at regional meetings include Standing Committee Sessions, Theme Events, Small Working Groups (SWGs), and Trainings.
A lot of things can happen during GAs, and many of us find ourselves returning home with new perspectives on global health, loads of materials to start working with, life-long friendships, arranged collaboration with other NMO/s, new skills and the memory of the best 7 days of your life
By definition, a Regional Meeting is the most important event of each region, and it is undoubtedly important for SCORA’s regional work. During a RM, SCORA Sessions are conducted exclusively to fit the needs of SCORAngels and the population in that region.
To ensure a full experience at these events, here are the resources you need to follow: 1. Invitation packages: These explain the logistics, finance and travel information about the event. They are made by the Organizing Committee in collaboration with the TO, and they are the first looks at the event you’re attending! 2. SCORA Sessions Survival Kits: Yes, we say “survival” not because something wrong is going to happen but because these explain all you need to know about the SCORA Sessions: the activities held, the topics to discuss, and what to bring, etc. The Survival Kits are made together by the SCORA IT and/or the SCORA Sessions Team. 3. Toolkits: These are useful pieces of background information to read in advance so you don't get lost in the discussions during Sessions. They are generally very simple to read, since their purpose is just to provide a notion of the currently important regional/global issues and discussions. 4. SCORA Sessions Reports/Follow-Up Kits: If you ever commit the crime of not going to a meeting, we do provide a second chance! You can check out the reports/ follow-up kits to catch up on discussions, information, and useful resources!
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General Assemblies & Regional Meetings Besides all these documents, it's also important to take in mind the logistical organization of the SCORA Sessions: 1. Sessions Team and Support Person: You will be directly and actively involved in the process of planning, conducting and evaluating SCORA sessions together with the International Team. You also have to be available at all times during General Assemblies therefore it’s highly recommended that
you don’t apply for any conflicting position. You also have to take minutes of SCORA sessions & help with the preparations of The SCORA Sessions report. 2. International Team: RAs + DA + SCORA-D + LRA are in charge of having the recipe and cooking the content of the sessions.
The SCORA Start-Up Toolkit What are SRHR ? According to the UN, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) encompass the right of all individuals to make decisions concerning their sexual activity and reproduction free from discrimination, coercion, and violence. Specifically, access to SRHR ensures individuals are able to choose whether, when, and with whom to engage in sexual activity; to choose whether and when to have children; and to access the information and means to do so. It includes the right of all persons to: • Seek, receive, and impart information related to sexuality; • Receive sexuality education; • Have respect for bodily integrity; • Choose their partner; • Decide to be sexually active or not; • Have consensual sexual relations; • Have consensual marriage; • Decide whether or not, and when, to have children; • Pursue a satisfying, safe, and pleasurable sexual life
Comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services include: • Contraceptive information and services, including emergency contraception and a range of modern contraceptive methods; • Maternity care, including antenatal and postnatal care, and delivery care, particularly skilled attendance and emergency obstetric care; • Prevention and appropriate treatment of infertility; • Safe abortion and post-abortion care; • Prevention, care, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, HIV/ AIDS, reproductive tract infections, and reproductive cancers; • Information, education, and counseling; • Prevention and surveillance of violence against women (VAW), care for survivors of violence; • Actions to eliminate harmful traditional practices such as FGM and early and forced marriage. As you can see, SRHR present a wide variety of areas which need improvement, and issues that you can work on in order to improve and solve them locally, regionally or even internationally. Reference: (Click Here).
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The SCORA Start-Up Toolkit How to Start SCORA in Your Country? Think globally and act locally! One of the strengths of IFMSA/SCORA is that we work together both locally and worldwide. Through campaigning, workshops and peer education, we intend to increase the awareness among medical students, as well as in the general population, of safe sexual behavior and HIV prevention, of gender equality and women’s health. Knowing that these are global issues, yet complex and multifaceted, we encourage medical students to voluntarily take active part in local campaigning for better health as a crucial aspect of our work.
Starting up SCORA Step-by-Step • Find out about your National Member Organization of IFMSA. Get in contact with the president, find out about the structure of the organization and introduce your ideas. • You need to research the reproductive health, HIV/ AIDS, attitudes and behaviors regarding sexuality in your country. • Find a few students interested in the topic. With a dedicated team, small or large, success is secure! • Learn about local/national organizations involved in reproductive health. Contact them, they might provide you with valuable material, suggestions and contacts. • Collect information about already existing projects locally or nationally: What has been done so far concerning reproductive health and HIV/AIDS? Are there any peer education projects on sexual health? No activities up till now? Consider starting locally first. Start small and let your group grow gradually with the size of your activities. • Form a group of students interested in SCORA. Start a reproductive health campaign at your The SCORA Manual
medical school taking into consideration both what needs to be worked on as well as what is possible to be discussed within your country. • Check your medical curricula, anything missing? • Look in your university for the programs concerning reproductive health and try to organize an event: lecture about sexual education, sexually transmitted infections, female genital mutilation (FGM), etc. • Arrange a discussion about women’s empowerment on International Women’s Day (March 8th). • Distribute ribbons for various awareness dates concerning Reproductive Health Issues • Give out information, leaflets and condoms on World AIDS Day (Dec 1st). • Organize a training on peer education. • Contact a NGO dealing with people living with HIV/AIDS and arrange for a meeting. • Visit a youth clinic. • Hand out condoms and information leaflets in local pubs, university campuses, etc. • Start a mailing list between students in your university to exchange ideas and enthusiasm. If there are different programs at different universities, consider 11
The SCORA Start-Up Toolkit building a national net-work for collaboration and exchange of ideas. • Suggest to your NMO to have national meetings to exchange ideas and enthusiasm. • Start a national mailing list (Yahoo or Google Groups work best) • Compile a national activities report and distribute it to each university. Make sure to distribute to both Faculty and Members • Get in contact with an active SCORA from another country that can share its experience, the problems faced and the success achieved (aka, a SCORA Buddy). Have your Regional Assistant facilitate this, for many regions already have a functional Buddy
• Contact the SCORA-D (scorad@ifmsa.org) who can provide you with up-to-date information about current SCORA activities and subscribe you to the international SCORA mailing list for exchange of ideas with other NORAs (National Officer on Reproductive Health including AIDS). Just send a blank email to ifmsa-scora-subscribe@yahoogroups.com to join the international mailing list. • Attend a regional or international IFMSA/SCORA meeting to get motivation, new ideas, and amazing friends! And that is the magical recipe of how to start up a SCORA in your own country. With a bit of dedication, a lot of motivation, and just a little bit of help, anything is possible!
System.
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SCORA Within the Regions AFRICA ra.scora.africa@ifmsa.org
AMERICAS ra.scora.americas@ifmsa.org
The Angels in Africa also aim to see that the achievement of the mission and vision of SCORA is actualized as well in Africa. In Africa, most especially Sub-Saharan Africa, issues that are most prevalent as relating to SCORA include; HIV stigma and discrimination, FGM, Early Child marriage and other forms of Gender based Violence and Gender inequality.
SCORA in the Americas is a multi-cultural, multi-faceted being that holds at its core the values of choice, adaptability, ingenuity and inclusivity. Thanks to our wonderful partners and advocates, this region prospers in its capacity building initiatives, such as LACMA 2016. Speaking to the unique perspectives of our peoples, we discuss matters that are not necessarily considered in traditional SCORA topics, such as interculturalism, spirituality, and geography as well as their links to SRHR.
However with 17 NORAs and over 100 LORAs, different measures have been taken at both local and National level by this wonderful and passionate Individuals to see that they contribute their quota towards curbing the menaces associated with stigma and discrimination, bridging the gap created by lack of knowledge by educational interventions, standing as a voice for the younger and vulnerable generation, encouraging self worth and the ability to take responsibility and also equipping people with right attitudes, skills and values that are needed to have excellent Leadership spirit. It’s easy therefore to see the dedication and commitment displayed can be felt through the various projects and campaigns that have been embarked upon within the Region, notable among this include; Anti-FGM Campaign (MedSIN-Sudan), Brain has no Gender (NiMSANigeria), SCORA Retreat (MedSAR-Rwanda), Family Planning and contraceptives Awareness Workshop (TAMSA-Tanzania) etc., and also through Regional projects such as the SCORA PAIR and regular Online Meetings (which is at least once in a month )as well to update, motivate and empower each other. But however, despite all this, the SCORAngels in Africa are still on the move with no plans to give up as we believe all this is still a tip of an iceberg, through hopes to keep being the voice of the African Youths as we work hand in hand to ensure that sexual and reproductive Health Rights of not just Africans but even others across the globe is respected, and we are dead bent on always being an ANGEL. The SCORA Manual
Much ground remains to be covered
but we are
headed in the right direction. Our initiatives focus on critical thinking, values clarification, and capacity building amongst our members, in addition to larger campaign participation. In this sense, our members are able to conceptualize and critically examine evidence, strategies and interventions in a socially sensitive and accountable manner. While we acknowledge and are proud of our strengths, we are also aware of our limitations. Notably, we are currently lacking in academic involvement, publication and reform. Amongst other strategies to address this opportunity, we have been working to develop and implement sustainable and comprehensive sexual education models that can be incorporated into all countries in our region. We are eager to build upon the work of our past advocates, implement new and innovative projects, develop and reinforce global collaborations, and contribute overall to the advancement of the SCORA portfolio within the IFMSA.
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SCORA Within the Regions ASIA-PACIFIC ra.scora.asiapacific@ifmsa.org The Asia-Pacific Region has 12 SCORA active NMOs and we are definitely growing bigger. SCORA Asia Pacific encompasses all the focal areas of SCORA. Some major issues of this region are the Gender based violence, early marriages, gender discrimination and high stigma on different sexuality and gender identity along with the STIs and AIDs at high level. SCORA Asia Pacific had been working relentlessly to raise the voice of the victims, create awareness among the general population and providing health cares and supports to the victims and patients. Some very effective events took place in the region in recent years were, World AIDS Day campaign, Breast Cancer Awareness month, Awareness campaign and sanitation drive for Menstrual Hygiene (especially by MSA India and BMSS-Bangladesh), FMS-Taiwan also pulled off the big LGBT support campaigns in this region like “I’m Coming Out,” Pride Parade and a CSE project “Rainbow project.” CIMSA–ISMKI (of Indonesia) organized a number of Maternal Health campaigns together with the Health ministry, WHO and other national and international organizations.
for everyone. Besides all this, the political instability in the region, and the refugees crisis, are making it harder to move forward. With around 13 SCORA active NMOs in the region, that are still expanding, HIV awareness campaigns have been done, gender based violence is being tackled. Sexual Assault, FGM and early marriage are some of the main topics we work on within the EMR. Together, with the motivation, passion and will to make a difference, we will be able to change the status of SRHR in the EMR, from a medical, social and human rights perspective.
Europe ra.scora.europe@ifmsa.org In the past few years, huge progress has been made in Europe regarding Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. However, there is still a lot of work to be done, and one of the main issues is to face the inequalities between the different sub-regions in Europe.
EMR ra.scora.emr@ifmsa.org
While many countries have achieved access to safe abortion, sexuality education or sexuality and gender identity, others are still behind in these aspects and face a conservative society and restricting laws. Furthermore, in the whole Region we’re still facing some problems as the constant new HIV diagnosis and the worrying data on gender based violence.
Tackling SRHR in the EMR region is one of the most challenging in a region where cultural and religious beliefs play an important role in defining SRHR. The region is growing and opening to SRHR but there is too much work that still needs to be done.
This is why nearly 40 NMOs are working and fighting each year to face their National and Regional issues. With the main focus on Comprehensive Sexuality Education, European SCORAngels work and collaborate to achieve an even Region that respects and cares about SRHR.
One important thing to always remember is that beneath all the obstacles we face lay endless opportunities for medical students to have an impact on SRHR in the EMR.
To empower this cooperation, we have established transnational meetings over the past years. In these meetings, SCORAngels from Europe have the chance to exchange experiences, knowledge, methods concerning their different sexuality education projects. In northern Europe NECSE (Northern European Cooperation on Sex Education projects) is held since 2004 and in southern Europe SECSE (Southern European Cooperation on Sexual Eduaction) takes place since 2013.
HIV rates are increasing, treatment is not available everywhere and discrimination against HIV positive people is not over yet. Abortion is still illegal in most of the EMR countries, women are deprived from their rights, sexuality and gender identity is still a taboo topic and comprehensive sexuality education is still not available 14
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SCORA Capacity Building Capacity Building Capacity building does not merely support what we do. It is what we do. Every single activity in IFMSA aims to empower medical students from around the world to be agents of positive change in their communities. It is in our projects, our trainings, our activities, our campaigns and our workshops that the magic happens. During IFMSA Meetings, General Assemblies, congresses, and conferences, members have the opportunity to be trained in many different areas. Capacity building allow us to empower our members and find innovative ways to let their voices be heard in order to facilitate their roles as agents of change at the local and international level. Our capacity building efforts offer an engaging opportunity to empower members with the skills and confidence they need to efficiently carry out the tasks required in each of the different standing committees and other relevant activities. This concrete and handson approach has strengthened sentiments of common ownership among members, and has allowed IFMSA to grow as an organization. Peer-education is at the heart of IFMSA capacity building efforts, and as such, programs and opportunities have been put in place to ensure that medical students are able to strengthen their own skills by giving back to their peers. Most of the topics integrated in the training division aren’t discussed and/or taught in medical schools, and as such, allow medical students to further develop set of skills and abilities often required in the professional life of any healthcare worker.
Training Training sessions are the best space for capacity building in our Federation. They are a space where you can take all your knowledge and put it into practice, and actually feel confident of the information you acquired to be able to reproduce in your local context. In SCORA specifically, we currently popularized two training sessions that are the I PET (International Peer Education Training, Developed by the UNFPA) and the Ipas (young and adolescent women´s health and access to safe abortion). This doesn’t mean we cannot propose other topics to make trainings about, but these two became popular over the years. As a matter of fact, the SCORA IT searches each year for new trainings that can be beneficial for SCORAngels. During trainings we see the practical settings of our discussions and try to merge with the social needs to create new activities or ideas to tackle them.
For instance, an important part of the IFMSA capacity building program are the Training New Trainers workshops (TNT). During this three-day workshops, medical students are trained to become trainers themselves. To ensure continuity and to keep trainers motivated, the Training Old Trainers workshops (TOT) have also been established. Some examples of the training topics provided by the IFMSA are: Advocacy, Communication Skills, Conflict Prevention, Debating Skills, Facilitation Skills, Financial Management, Fundraising, Handover and Continuity, Intercultural Learning, Leadership, Motivation Skills, Negotiation Skills, Project Management, Public Relations and Marketing, Time Management.
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SCORA Capacity Building Campaigns
Projects / Activities
You must all be familiarized with campaigns. These are massive, communicative actions that help sensitize a specific target group with a problem we think it’s important for them to know. We also run international campaigns from the SCORA IT so it is important to keep posted on the email servers and facebook groups to know the upcoming ones and the participation characteristics. Campaigns can take different popular elements that we use on a daily basis and we use them in the best ways to create more impact. We can use the social media, a concert or even our own streets with balloons and flyers to raise awareness.
Projects is what we are here for and it is our ground work, what we believe can change the world. Projects are the best thing you can do as a medical student because they represent not only a crazy idea you had a friday night after a long day of rounds, it represents the potential change you can do to a community. Projects are amazing and they really can have a positive outcome if you plan them good. This is why we have a capacity building division in our federation, to be able to compose amazing things using accurate knowledge and creativity.
Here are some mini-steps to help you build a project:
your goals when the project is ready? Do you think you would need extra time? How many people do you think it will involve?
Objectives: Set the aim of your activity! What is that thing that you want to change in the world? Why are you designing this? Target Groups: Who will benefit from your project? What is the story of these individuals? Why do they need your help! Methods: How will you achieve the objectives above? What are the steps that you are going to follow? Materials Used: something you need? A banner? A poster? A Monkey? It can really be whatever! Chronology/Implementation plan: Here you set your plan on when to do the steps you state in your methodology! Having a clear plan helps you prepare all the things you need :)
Final Impact and measurement of it: the results! Did it help? How many people received the benefit? We hope this small guide helped you plan a little bit your mind with the activities we have in our federation and gives you a clear picture of what you can do. Remember that our activities are not limited to the last stated ones. We just like to give you the hint start. Remember that your Directors, Liaison Officers and Regional Assistants are always welcome and available to help you to follow guidelines or create a better activity so‌ ask for help and support your fellow NORAs/LORAs as well!
Expected outcomes: Do you expect to fully achieve 16
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SCORA Programs IFMSA Programs are centralized streams of activities, which are organized by IFMSA National Member Organizations (NMOs) and/or IFMSA internationally. IFMSA Programs address problems within a specific field that we as medical students and global health advocates stand up for while connecting local, national and international activities and opportunities that contribute to the final outcome.
sustainability of the programs. It is important to note that one of the major aspects of IFMSA Programs is to ensure a way to measure the impact of IFMSA and its NMOs on the societies we serve.
All IFMSA Programs connect the work of NMOs locally and nationally with the IFMSA vision and mission. NMOs decide which programs are to be adopted by IFMSA by voting on the Programs proposed by the Executive
All NMOs and members of NMOs locally and nationally are encouraged to join an IFMSA Program by enrolling their activities, whether that be projects, campaigns, celebrations, workshops, events, trainings or theme based publications. These activities are coordinated by Activity Coordinators locally, nationally or internationally with the help and support from Program Coordinator and the relevant Standing Committee Director. Internally,
Board during the General Assembly. Programs are led by Program Coordinators and supervised by the IFMSA Standing Committee Directors and Executive Board to ensure their quality of implementation, consistency and
these activities don’t need to be just projects, campaigns, events, etc. but different research and capacity building activities as well as organized advocacy efforts on local, national and international level.
Structure of Programs IFMSA Programs encompass mutual efforts of the IFMSA Team of Officials, Program Coordinators and National Member Organizations (NMOs) in addressing different global health issues, including medical education through a wide range of activities related to capacity building, research and advocacy. They are strongly linked to the work of the Standing Committees and other capacity building streams in IFMSA ensuring that Programs receive the needed support in terms of scientific background and basic studies. Having a centralized stream of work in each field allows our Federation to monitor and evaluate the impact of mutual efforts of all NMOs towards solving emerging global health issues. IFMSA Programs also serve as a network between NMOs activities including them on a bigger picture corresponding to the role of IFMSA as a network of NMOs. With the IFMSA Program Impact Reports, IFMSA showcases its position within the global society as a Federation by proving a needs assessment for other organizations working in a similar field, while increasing the organizational credibility.
For more information, for example on how to enroll your own activity, you can refer to the Programs Toolkit: (Click Here). The SCORA Manual
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SCORA Programs There are currently 5 SCORA-related-programs, each of them handling one of our focus areas.
Gender-Based Violence gbv@ifmsa.org The IFMSA program on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) aims to raise awareness and to take positive steps to address and also prevent the harmful effects of GBV on individuals and communities. As the regions in which the IFMSA operates are very diverse, research regarding regionally specific issues and causes of GBV will be an overarching goal to successfully implement relevant programming. Topics under The Program: Violence against women, female genital mutilation, women’s rights, gender equality, sexual violence, women empowerment, gender based abortion, healthcare for victims of sexual abuse, sexual harassment, domestic violence, honor crimes, kidnapping and trafficking. Note: This list is not restrictive, it’s based on activities submitted in the past year. If other topics related to the program are suggested they will also be included. GBV is a sensitive topic so it is open to as many types of activities as possible so as to maximize the positive effect that is being propagated.
Sexuality & Gender Identity sexualitygender@ifmsa.org All societies have norms about what forms of sexuality and what expressions of sexuality is seen as acceptable. Discrimination and stigma towards LGBTI+ individuals and sex workers make these populations more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors and less likely to access healthcare systems. There are many misconceptions about sexuality and gender identity even among medical students and doctors. These misconceptions reinforce the already pervading social stigma surrounding this issue and becomes an additional barrier to access to healthcare in these groups. This program constitutes positive and respectful 18
approach to sexuality and sexual relationships is needed to increase access to healthcare and reduce risky behaviors among vulnerable groups. The SGI program aims to raise awareness about discrimination faced by vulnerable groups, with a special focus on the LGBTI+ community and sex workers; inform medical students and doctors about barriers to healthcare access in these groups; and upskill the medical fraternity in SGI issues, enabling them to provide healthcare in a respectful and non-confrontational manner, and to be an advocate for these vulnerable groups. The program also aims to promote safe sexual practices and provision of safe and age appropriate sex education to young adults.
Maternal Healht & Access to Safe Abortion maternalhealth@ifmsa.org Every year, hundreds of thousands of women die due to complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. The fact that otherwise harmless circumstances as pregnancy and delivery are something women die from every day is worrisome, especially when most of these deaths are preventable. Unsafe abortions contribute significantly to the burden of maternal morbidity and mortality, especially in countries where abortion laws are very strict and hence restricting all forms of access to safe services. Furthermore, poor health systems and maternal healthcare services fail to detect and prevent the most common and primary causes of maternal mortality and morbidity. The Maternal Health and Access to Safe Abortion Program aims to improve maternal health by first of all building comfort and capacity on the topic among medical students and other healthcare providers. The program is important for our collaboration with Ipas, and therefore one of the main capacity building activities of the program is a training workshop on issues pertaining to safe abortion using a module curriculum (Youth Act for Safe Abortion) developed by Ipas, IFMSA and other www.ifmsa.org
SCORA Programs partners. This year, enrolled activities have all worked hard on improving maternal health whether they have educated almost 3000 high school students in reproductive health in Pakistan, or educated around 1500 medical students from Indonesia in maternal health care. Following IFMSA’s key collaboration with Ipas, activities on access to safe abortion are central for the program. Furthermore, this program covers topics regarding for example family planning, obstetric violence, humanized birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum sequelae. Sufficient maternal healthcare services are achieved by providing antenatal care during pregnancy, skilled care during childbirth, and care after childbirth. Therefore, we also need medical students and other healthcare providers all over the world to work for overcoming some of the main barriers to inadequate access to maternal healthcare as poverty, cultural and religious understanding, lack of information, and untrained healthcare professionals. As there are currently no activities enrolled in the program, it is important that you make sure to enroll all ongoing and future activities in the area of maternal health. The current picture is not reflecting the real situation in SCORA, so let us all work together and ensure that our true impact on maternal health and access to safe abortion can be measured.
Comprehensive Sexuality Education cse@ifmsa.org Comprehensive sexuality education covers the wide array of topics that affect sexuality and sexual health. It is grounded in evidence-based, peer-reviewed science. Its goal is to promote health and well-being in a way that is developmentally appropriate. It includes information and communication skills building as well as values exploration. Ideally, sex education in school is an integrated process that builds upon itself year after year, is initiated in kindergarten, and is provided throughout the entire education system, meaning until the last grade of high school. The SCORA Manual
The goals of comprehensive sexuality education are to help young people gain a positive view of sexuality and to provide them with developmentally appropriate knowledge and skills so that they can make healthy decisions about their sex lives now and in the future. Medically accurate sex education is an investment in our children’s future — their well-being. Our “return on investment” could be a generation of young people who have heard more helpful messages about sexuality than the provocative media images and/or silences they currently witness. It could be a generation of women and men comfortable in their own skin; able to make well- informed, responsible decisions; form healthy relationships; and take care of their bodies.
HIV/AIDS & Other STIs hivaids@ifmsa.org There are more than 1 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) acquired every day worldwide. This means that each year, there are an estimated 357 million new infections. This program was born from the need to tackle issues related to HIV/AIDS and other STI’s which have proven to be a major public health concern. Human rights are inextricably linked with the spread and impact of these infections on individuals and communities around the world. The ultimate goal of activities under this program consists, in a general level, of improving healthcare attention to those living with HIV/AIDS or with any other STI and reducing stigma and discrimination by raising awareness and education. But the current situation related to this topic also affect future healthcare professionals. The latter are an important step in the improvement of health in general, which makes it important to also cater to them if we want to make a real change. The subsequent objectives are focused on affected population, the general public, as well as future healthcare professionals:
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SCORA Programs 1. Through advocacy, sharing of knowledge and capacity building this program will work on raising awareness and providing skills on ways of transmission, prevention and testing and also on how to avoid and fight stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS and with other STI’s. 2. Providing useful trainings and information in order to assure that current and future health providers will deliver appropriate medical attention and follow-up to patients living with HIV/AIDS and with other STI’s. 3. Empowering people living with HIV/AIDS other STI’s
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and preventing them from becoming passive targets of the HIV/AIDS and other STI’s response. 4. Advocating on these issues with the aiming of ensuring accessible treatment to all affected individuals and to develop and optimizing how the healthcare system is currently set, towards one that is more comprehensive, stigma-free and nonjudgmental. Advocacy activities are also important because it reminds the public and Government that this topic has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.
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SCORA External Representation The IFMSA has always been a large organization with recognition from highly relevant entities in a global and regional scale (such as the UN) which gives us the possibility to go beyond the borders of our Federation and share our values and mission and vision. In SCORA we have a strong external representation, with multiple partners providing us with capacity building opportunities and enhancing our advocacy actions during meetings or day to day. In this section, you’ll get a brief explanation on which SRHR-related external partners we work with, the policy statements we use to represent our stance and the bylaws that regulate the submission of our policies. Please, contact the Liaison Officer for Sexual and Reproductive Health issues including HIV/AIDS for information around external representation at lra@ifmsa.org.
External Partners • Long-Term Collaborations ORGANIZATION
DESCRIPTION Founded in 1973, Ipas is a global nongovernmental organization dedicated to ending preventable deaths and disabilities from unsafe abortion. Through local, national and global partnerships, Ipas works to ensure that women can obtain safe, respectful and comprehensive Ipas abortion care, including counseling and contraception to prevent future unintended pregnancies. IFMSA has had a long lasting collaboration with Ipas in the form of multiple workshops delivered to our members (using the toolkit attached) and numerous advocacy efforts. For more information: www.ipas.com | Toolkit (Click Here) PMNCH is an alliance of more than 700 partner organizations that are actively working for the implementation of the Global Strategy for WomThe Partnership for Maternal, Newborn en’s, Children’s and Adolescent’s Health. Keeping an active collaboraand Child Health (PMNCH) tion with them as members of their newly founded Adolescents and Youth Constituency. For more information: www.who.int/pmnch/en IFMSA is one of the co-founders of The PACT, which is a coalition of youth led organizations that aim to work strategically to tackle the The PACT HIV epidemic. As of 2016 we are leading one of their priorities and keeping an acting role in all their actions. For more information: www.youthpact.org/the-pact
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SCORA External Representation ORGANIZATION
DESCRIPTION Youth Coalition is an international organization of young people (ages 18-29 years) committed to promoting adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive rights at the national, regional and international levels. They are students, researchers, lawyers, health care proYouth Coalition for Sexual and fessionals, educators, development workers, and most importantly, Reproductive Rights (YCSRR) we are all dedicated activists. IFMSA has had punctual collaboration with them throughout the years, highlighting a potential workshop on youth-friendly services, to be delivered July 2017. For more information: www.youthcoalition.org Since HIV is a field many of our NMOs work intensively on, involving Global Network of Young People Living People Living with HIV in our actions is without a doubt an efficient way with HIV (Y+) to galvanize our efforts. For more information: www.yplusleadership.org The fact that IFMSA is a body recognized by the UN provides us with the chance to collaborate with some of its agencies. In the SRHR field we’ve been working with the following ones: United Nations Agencies • UNAIDS • UNFPA • UNWOMEN
External Partners • Collaborations Started in 2016 ORGANIZATION
DESCRIPTION The World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) is an international umbrella organization representing sexological societies and sexologists worldwide. It was previously named World Association for Sexology, but World Association for Sexual Health changed its name in order to stress that sexology is a tool for achieving (WAS) sexual health. We engaged with WAS late 2016 to discuss potential collaborations with medical students around their congress, held in Prague, May 2017. For more information: www.worldsexology.org Being an initiative that envisions a world in which women are represented in equal numbers to men at the highest levels of decision-making bodies Women Leaders in Global Health WLGHI could provide us with the background to expose and understand Initiative (WLGHI) the gender inequities still existing in our Federation. For more information: www.globalhealth.org/about-us/wlghi The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) is a non-profit, interdisciplinary professional and educational organization devoted to transgender health. Their professional, supporting, and student members engage in clinical and academic research to develop World Professional Association for evidence-based medicine and strive to promote a high quality of care Transgender Health (WPATH) for transsexual, transgender, and gender-nonconforming individuals internationally. In the IFMSA we just established connection with them recently, but expect great outcomes and new fields to explore. For more information: www.wpath.org 22
www.ifmsa.org
SCORA External Representation Policy Statements An IFMSA policy statement is a document that describes our position reflecting a global health issue that the federation wants to take a stance on. It must be in line with IFMSA vision and missions, bounded by its constitutions and bylaws and should be used by our members within the external and internal activities of IFMSA. Policy statements may be used for a variety of reasons by an organization. Generally, they are used to allow a group to assert its belief and values regarding certain issue. Examples could be the policy which emerges from the World Health Assembly of the United Nations or national medical association policy. In each of these and other cases, the policy is used to convey the organization’s position in relation to the issue in focus, outlining key points or expectations regarding that issue. Creating and writing policy statements gives members the opportunity to have a say in what issues their organization work in. It fosters debate, and allows members to become better informed advocates through settling on a consensus position which is agreeable by the majority of an organization’s membership. External organizations and the general public can understand what the IFMSA believes in, and the reasons for this, through reading and hearing their position statements.
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This could be online, at conferences, meetings or through sending the policy statement to relevant stakeholders in the health arena. In the IFMSA as of October 2016 we have 10 active Policy Statements (they expire every 3 years) find their list below: • Ending AIDS by 2030 (August 2016) • Sexuality and Gender Identity (August 2016) • Comprehensive Sexual Education (March 2016) • Women’s Rights to Sexual and Reproductive Health (March 2016) • Gender Equity (March 2015) • Breastfeeding (August 2014) • Early Childhood Development (August 2014) • Abolishing Child Marriage (August 2014) • Ending Discrimination to better the health of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals (March 2014) Access to Safe Abortion (March 2014) IFMSA Policy Statements are updated regularly on: ifmsa.org/policy-statements.
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SCORA Projects & Events The events in SCORA are within the scope of the five main Focus areas and they can be carried out in various ways such as: • Campaigns
• Capacity Buildings
• Workshops
• Small Working Groups
• Seminars/Talk
• Peer Education
• Contest Below is a timeline of important Days and events celebrated worldwide and are aligned with the focus areas of SCORA and some are quite marked within SCORA and are followed by further information, but note however that events are not limited to these: DATE February 6 February 12 March 8 April 3rd Sunday of May May 17 August 1-7 September 23 September 28 October November November 25 December 1
EVENT International Day of Zero Tolerance to Genital Mutilation Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day International Women’s Day Sexual Assault Awareness Month International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia World Breastfeeding Week BiVisibility Day Global Day of Action for Access to Safe and Legal Abortion Breast Cancer Awareness Month Movember (raising awareness of Cancers related to Men) International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women World AIDS Day
International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation Female genital mutilation (FGM) are procedures that involve altering and/or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons. Since it reflects inequality between the sexes and displays an extreme form of discrimination against women and girls it is internationally recognized as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. To raise awareness for FGM and promote abandonment of FGM coordinated efforts are needed which must engage whole communities and focus on human rights 24
and gender equality. These efforts should comprise empowerment of communities to act collectively to and the practice and address sexual and reproductive health needs of women and girls who suffer from its consequences. Reference (Click Here).
Sexual & Reproductive Health Awareness Day Held on the September 4 of each year, this day is an opportunity to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health issues and to educate to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections. Health www.ifmsa.org
SCORA Projects & Events awareness events create publicity for health issues and aims to improve the condition and help save lives, sometimes these events encourage preventative action against conditions becoming more serious. It focuses on spreading knowledge about the most common STIs, and their signs and symptoms. Source: (Click Here).
International Women’s Day International Women’s Day is a traditional international day that focuses on raising awareness about problems related to girls and women all across the globe. In this part of the Manual, you will have the possibility to explore the history and specific themes related to this event, as well as to get few pointers on International Women’s Day in the IFMSA. International Women’s Day (March 8) aims at honoring the achievements of women and promoting women’s rights. Recognized as a national holiday in numerous countries, it has been sponsored by the United Nations (UN) since 1975 under the name of United Nations’ Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace. Ever since 1996 UN has selected a special theme for IWD in order to put a special focus on one aspect of empowerment of women all across the globe.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month In 1976 when women marched and protested against rape, sexual assault and the fear that women encountered walking the streets at night. These events coordinated to a movement across the US and Europe. In the late 1980s the National Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NCASA) determined in cooperation with other sexual assault coalitions a preferred date for a national sexual assault awareness week and April was selected. In 2009 Barack Obama was proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Reference (Click Here).
International AIDS Candlelight Memorial The Candlelight Memorial began in 1983 when a mysterious disease spread within the gay community in San Francisco. At that time four men decided to put a face on the disease and coordinated a march during the night with candles in their hands behind a banner reading ‘Fighting For Our Lives’. This movement inspired countless other people living with HIV and AIDS in other countries to raise awareness for communities and national leaders. Since more than 30 years not the Candlelight Memorial has brought together people in every region of the world to honor those who lost their lives to AIDS and support people living with HIV. This day is organized annually every 3rd Sunday of May. Reference (Click Here).
International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia The International Day against Homophobia was created in 2004 and mainstreamed through its acronym I.DA. HO to raise awareness for violence and discrimination experienced by LGBTI people internationally. The date was chosen to commemorate the decision of the World Health Organization to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Disease of the WHO in 1990. In 2009 Transphobia was added explicitly in the title of the name in recognition between sexual orientation and gender expression. Therefore, IDAHOT became another popular acronym used alongside with the initial one. Since 2015 Biphobia is added to the title to acknowledge the specific issues faced by bisexual people. IDAHOT is now celebrated in more than 130 countries which unite millions of people in support for the recognition for human rights for all irrespective to sexual orientation or gender identity or gender expression. Reference: (Click Here).
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SCORA Projects & Events World Breastfeeding Week The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action WABA was formed in 1991 with the goal to follow up on the Innocenti Declaration done by UNICEF. The declaration supports a global breastfeeding culture and support or breastfeeding everywhere. In 1992 the WABA) brought the World Breastfeeding Week to life. Now it is celebrated during the 1st and 7th of August in over 120 countries by UNICEF, WHO and their partners including individuals, organizations and governments. Reference (Click Here).
BI VISIBILITY DAY The Bi Visibility Day was first observed in 1999 in the U.S. when three bisexual rights activists started to raise awareness for bisexual people. Ever since the Stonewall riots (demonstrations by the gay community) in 1969 the gay and lesbian community gained strength and visibility. Up to that point the three activists felt that the bisexual community gained strength but somehow remained invisible. Apart from being visible the goal of the day was to raise awareness for the prejudice of bisexual persons received by the straight and the LGBT communities. Nowadays the 23rd of September, the Bi Visibility Day, is celebrated around the globe in various countries. Reference (Click Here).
for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR) took that day to the global level in solidarity with the women’s movement in Latin America. Access to safe and legal abortion continues being denied for too many women in too many countries. In African countries abortion is prohibited and only allowed in cases to save the mother’s life. In some Asian countries abortion is permitted by law but it is still severely restricted. In some European countries opposition groups wish to cut women’s reproductive freedom by imposing legal and financial restrictions to abortions. Due to all those restrictions this day is standing for a global movement for sexual and reproductive rights for all women. In 2012 this day together with the International Campaign for Women’s Right to Safe Abortion joint global SRHR networks. Reference (Click Here).
Breast Cancer Awareness Month The Breast Cancer Awareness Month is celebrated during the month of October across the world. Aim of this month is to increase and support for the awareness, early detection and treatment. Since Breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women worldwide in developed and developing countries and in low and middle income countries another goal of the breast cancer awareness month is to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.
Global Day of Action for Access to Reference (Click Here). Safe & Legal Abortion Movember This day is celebrated on the 28th of September and has it’s origins on Latin America and the Caribbean where women’s groups have been mobilizing on that day for the last two decades to demand their governments to decriminalize abortion and provide access to legal and safe abortion. Another aim was to end stigma and discrimination towards women who choose to have an abortion. In 2011 the Women’s Global Network 26
Movember was found in 2004 by three men in Australia. Aim of that charity event is to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues like prostate and testicular cancer and ‘change the face of men’s health’. Therefore, during the month of November pen are growing their moustaches to raise awareness. Their platform is movember.com where people have the opportunity to form teams and donate money for the cause of men’s www.ifmsa.org
SCORA Projects & Events health. In 2012 Movember was listed was on the the world’s top 100 Non-governmental organizations. Reference (Click Here).
International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women On 19th of December in 1999 the United Nations General Assembly designated the 25th of November as the International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women. Women’s activists have marked the 25th of November as violence against women since 1981 and this day is rooted in history of the assassination of the three Mirabal sisters in the Dominican Republic in 1960. Since 1999 it is the aim to raise awareness violence against women since it is a violation of human rights, the consequence of discrimination against women and impacts on and impedes progress in many areas including poverty eradication. Reference (Click Here).
World AIDS Day World AIDS Day was conceived and adopted unanimously by 140 countries meeting at the World Summit of Ministers of Health on AIDS, London in January 1988. The day was envisaged as an opportunity for governments, national AIDS programs, non-governmental and local organizations, as well as individuals everywhere, to demonstrate both the importance they attached to the fight against AIDS and their solidarity in this effort. World AIDS Day is commemorated around the globe on December 1st. It celebrates progress made in the battle against the epidemic — and brings into focus remaining challenges. Community based actions take place all over the world, media supported campaigns take place to attract people’s attention and remind them that HIV/AIDS is not to be forgotten. World AIDS Day is also important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be The SCORA Manual
done. In June 2010, UNAIDS adopted new vision strategy: zero HIV-infections, zero AIDS-related deaths, zero discrimination. It is the vision we all should work towards achieving by the year 2015, the year set by Millennium Developmental Goals. Each year we in SCORA put together a World AIDS Day Report from all of the projects created by all of you SCORAngels for World AIDS Day and share this with all of IFMSA as well as our externals. In early 1991 Visual AIDS in New York created the idea for a global symbol in the fight against AIDS. A symbol for solidarity and tolerance with those often discriminated by the public - the people living with HIV and AIDS. The Red Ribbon was born.
The Red Ribbon In early 1991 Visual AIDS in New York created the idea for a global symbol in the fight against AIDS. A symbol for solidarity and tolerance with those often discriminated by the public - the people living with HIV and AIDS. The Red Ribbon was born. The Red Ribbon is Red like love, as a symbol of passion and tolerance towards those affected. Red like blood, representing the pain caused by the many people that died of AIDS. Red like the anger about the helplessness by which we are facing a disease for which there is still no chance for a cure. Red as a sign of warning not to carelessly ignore one of the biggest problems of our time. On December 1st, medical students all over the world try to raise awareness through numerous activities, such as lectures, exhibitions, distribution of condoms and pamphlets, charity concerts etc. For the full information of what SCORA members have been doing on World AIDS Day and what you could do, check out the latest World AIDS Day report which is stored in the SCORA Yahoo groups or ask the current SCORA-D to send it to you! 29
SCORA X-Change The SCORA X-Change is a 3 – 4 week long unilateral exchange program for medical students, focused on sexuality, reproductive and maternal health and rights related issues. It provides opportunities to get informed about the medical services of the hosting country’s healthcare system and civil society related mainly to HIV/AIDS, as well as the country's prospective about other STIs global epidemic. This project was developed for the first time in Sweden and since 1999 it is being held also in Romania. Later on, Romania and Poland joined forces, and by 2002 the project was recognized as an IFMSA transnational project. After this, other countries started creating SCORA X-Changes of their own, making this project bigger and bigger! Up to 2016, many NMOs from different countries have also given a step forward and ventured to organize this event. Among them we can find DENEM-Brazil, AECS-Catalonia Egypt, Estonia, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Lithuania, Nigeria, The Netherlands, Portugal, Rwanda, Serbia, Spain, Sudan, Tunisia and Turkey. This many NMOs joining the X-Change shows more and more interest globally in starting new programs. SCORA X-Change is a great opportunity for members to learn and get informed on SRHR issues, while having fun, learning about different cultures and growing as a person at the same time.
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www.ifmsa.org
Tips and Tricks TIP #1
TIP #4
General assemblies or GAs are the highlights of the IFMSA year. Attended by all NMOs, it the perfect place for you to meet new people, make friends and if you’re attending SCORA sessions, you’ll leave a part of a tribe. Before each GA, a toolkit is shared with all delegates. The toolkit consists of the agenda, the topics to be discussed and things to carry with you. While the agenda from each meet changes, there are some things you are always expected to carry:
If you want to host a SCORA event or training email your RA with your amazing ideas! This request will be analyzed by the SCORA International Team together with the Vice President of Activities (VPA) and Capacity Building (VPCB).
• A red t-shirt (for the group picture) • Condoms from your country • Enthusiasm and excitement like Harry upon entering the Great Hall
TIP #5 Open up your mind! You will learn so much. Your experience in SCORA is a one-in-a-lifetime experience where you will get to you will be exposed on SRHR world from many different perspectives, in a multicultural environment. So bring all your passion, motivation, love, and ideas because you’re about to sail to SCORA land and believe us, you will never be the same person again!
TIP #2
TIP #6
The best thing that you can do in SCORA sessions is to SPEAK UP! Each session is aimed to be as interactive as possible and it is most effective if you, as a participant, gets involved. Each session ends with feedback and as a delegate, the feedback you give is utilised to make sessions better. Thus try to be as accurate in your appraisal of each session and be honest about your experience. The last thing is the most important: ENJOY each and every minute because you’ll probably cry (of happiness) when it ends.
It's all about turning creativity into reality, if you can think it, then you can do it. We stand to think globally and act locally. The only thing you might need to make that live turning campaign might be just your passion, commitment and a click of others. The manuals are written guides to help out and so is the RA. Don't forget, we're Angels without Wings.
TIP #3 There is a lot to take in (lots of names and procedures). DON'T FREAK OUT! Always know you have your fellow LORAs and NORAs to help you out! Contact your corresponding RA for any question! Oh, you are a new NMO? The DA will be there for you 24/7!
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TIP #7 Are you worried about speaking or understanding another language? Please, don’t be! Meetings are safe spaces where everyone has the right to participate, be heard, and understand what is going on. The SCORA team will work hard to translate if there are words or ideas that you find difficult to understand in English. Besides, fun fact: SCORAngels are amazing at charades! So, one way or another, we get the message across (and have fun doing it).
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Tips and Tricks
Collaborators
SCORA: Standing Committee on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights including HIV & AIDS SCORA D: Director SCORA RA: Regional Assistant LRA: Liaison Officer on Sexual and Reproductive health issues including HIV/AIDS SCORA IT: International Team NORA: National Officer on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights including HIV & AIDS LORA: Local Officer on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights including HIV & AIDS Focus Areas CSE: Comprehensive Sexuality Education GBV: Gender Based Violence MHASA: Maternal Health and Access to Safe Abortion SGI: Sexuality and Gender Identity HIV/AIDS & Other STIs Partners: United Nations (UN) UNAIDS: Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/ AIDS UNFPA: United Nations Fund for Population Activities UN Women: United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women WHO: World Health Organization UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization IPAS Y+: Global Network of Young People living with HIV The PACT Coalition of Youth Organizations committed and actively working in the HIV response. WPATH: World Professional Association for Transgender Health WAS: World Association for Sexual Health YCSRR: Youth Coalition for Sexual and Reproductive Rights FIGO: International Federation of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists WMA: World Medical Association Y-PEER: Youth Peer Education Network
SCORA International Team 2016/17 • Carlos Andres Acosta- SCORA Director • Carles Pericas Escale-LRA • Anthony Kerbage- SCORA Development Assistant • Pepe Ferrer Arbaizar- SCORA Regional Assistant for Europe • Elissa Abou Khalil- SCORA Regional Assistant for the EMR • Anshruta Raodeo-SCORA Regional Assistant for Asia Pacific • Jenna Webber- SCORA Regional Assistant for the Americas • Afolabi Oluwatoyosi-SCORA Regional Assistant for Africa
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SCORA International Team 2015/16 • Carles Pericas Escalé- SCORA Director • Michalina Drejza- LRA • Vivian Chen- SCORA Development Assistant • Anna Zahlut-SCORA Regional Assistant for Europe • Sarah El Sayed-SCORA Regional Assistant for the EMR • Fahim Abrar Houssein- SCORA Regional Assistant for Asia Pacific • Carlos Andrés Acosta-SCORA Regional Assistant for the Americas • Afolabi Oluwatoyosi- SCORA Regional Assistant for Africa SCORA Program Coordinators 2016/17 • Chantal Marchini - HIV/AIDS and Other STIs • Ahmed Taha - Comprehensive Sexuality Education • Emmeli Fredsgaard - Maternal Health and Access to Safe Abortion • Laalithya Konduru - Sexuality and Gender Identity • Elizabeth T. Peters - Gender Based Violence
www.ifmsa.org
Algeria (Le Souk)
Ghana (FGMSA)
Pakistan (IFMSA-Pakistan)
Antigua and Barbuda (AFMS)
Greece (HelMSIC)
Palestine (IFMSA-Palestine)
Argentina (IFMSA-Argentina)
Grenada (IFMSA-Grenada)
Panama (IFMSA-Panama)
Armenia (AMSP)
Guatemala (ASOCEM)
Paraguay (IFMSA-Paraguay)
Australia (AMSA)
Guinea (AEM)
Peru (IFMSA-Peru)
Austria (AMSA)
Guyana (GuMSA)
Peru (APEMH)
Azerbaijan (AzerMDS)
Haiti (AHEM)
Philippines (AMSA-Philippines)
Bangladesh (BMSS)
Honduras (ASEM)
Poland (IFMSA-Poland)
Belgium (BeMSA)
Hungary (HuMSIRC)
Portugal (PorMSIC)
Benin (AEMB)
Iceland (IMSIC)
Republic of Moldova (ASRM)
Bolivia (IFMSA-Bolivia)
India (MSAI)
Romania (FASMR)
Bosnia and Herzegovina (BoHeMSA)
Indonesia (CIMSA-ISMKI)
Russian Federation (HCCM)
Bosnia and Herzegovina - Republic of
Iraq (IFMSA-Iraq)
Russian Federation - Republic of Tatarstan
Srpska (SaMSIC)
Iraq - Kurdistan (IFMSA-Kurdistan)
(TaMSA)
Brazil (DENEM)
Ireland (AMSI)
Rwanda (MEDSAR)
Brazil (IFMSA-Brazil)
Israel (FIMS)
Serbia (IFMSA-Serbia)
Bulgaria (AMSB)
Italy (SISM)
Sierra Leone (SLEMSA)
Burkina Faso (AEM)
Jamaica (JAMSA)
Singapore (AMSA-Singapore)
Burundi (ABEM)
Japan (IFMSA-Japan)
Slovakia (SloMSA)
Canada (CFMS)
Jordan (IFMSA-Jo)
Slovenia (SloMSIC)
Canada - Québec (IFMSA-Québec)
Kazakhstan (KazMSA)
South Africa (SAMSA)
Catalonia (AECS)
Kenya (MSAKE)
Spain (IFMSA-Spain)
Chile (IFMSA-Chile)
Korea (KMSA)
Sweden (IFMSA-Sweden)
China (IFMSA-China)
Kosovo (EMSA-Pristina)
Switzerland (swimsa)
China - Hong Kong (AMSAHK)
Kuwait (KuMSA)
Syrian Arab Republic (SMSA)
Colombia (ASCEMCOL)
Latvia (LaMSA)
Taiwan (FMS)
Costa Rica (ACEM)
Lebanon (LeMSIC)
Thailand (IFMSA-Thailand)
Croatia (CroMSIC)
Lesotho (LEMSA)
The Former Yougoslav Republic of
Cyprus (CyMSA)
Libya (LMSA)
Macedonia (MMSA)
Czech Republic (IFMSA CZ)
Lithuania (LiMSA)
Tanzania (TaMSA)
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Luxembourg (ALEM)
Togo (AEMP)
(MSA-DRC)
Malawi (UMMSA)
Tunisia (Associa-Med)
Denmark (IMCC)
Mali (APS)
Turkey (TurkMSIC)
Dominican Republic (ODEM)
Malta (MMSA)
Uganda (FUMSA)
Ecuador (AEMPPI)
Mexico (IFMSA-Mexico)
Ukraine (UMSA)
Egypt (IFMSA-Egypt)
Mongolia (MMLA)
United Arab Emirates (EMSS)
El Salvador (IFMSA-El Salvador)
Montenegro (MoMSIC)
United Kindgom of Great Britan and
Estonia (EstMSA)
Morocco (IFMSA-Morocco)
Northern Ireland (Medsin)
Ethiopia (EMSA)
Namibia (MESANA)
United States of America (AMSA)
Fiji (FJMSA)
Nepal (NMSS)
Uruguay (IFMSA-URU)
France (ANEMF)
The Netherlands (IFMSA NL)
Uzbekistan (AMSA-Uzbekistan)
Gambia (UniGaMSA)
Nicaragua (IFMSA-Nicaragua)
Venezuela (FEVESOCEM)
Georgia (GMSA)
Nigeria (NiMSA)
Zambia (ZaMSA)
Germany (bvmd)
Norway (NMSA)
Zimbabwe (ZimSA)
Oman (SQU-MSG)
www.ifmsa.org
medical students worldwide