Professional Documents
Culture Documents
IFMSA SCOPH MANUAL
SCOPH Manual
First Edition, March 2009
Contributors:
Aleksandra Herbowska Florian Stigler Kyriakos Martakis, Greece
Alexander Papadopoulos Gemma Owens Louise Mulcahy
Anca Chelariu Raicu Iwona Kalinowska Magda Kaminska
Anneliese Willems Jade Khalife Marco Saucedo
Anthony Gifuni Jan Kocanda Marco Zavatta
Assem Elsokkary, Jelica Alargic Mariana Freitas de Aguiar
Christopher Pleyer Jesús Mateos del Nozal Marko Jovic
Constantinos Christodoulidis Karina Larsen Mireia García‐Villarrubia Muñoz
David Sancho Kim Le Mohamed S. Abdelsalam
Eman Ahmed Dashti Knakita Clayton‐Johnson Olympia Samoglou
Filip Dabrowski Kushalinii Ragubathy Yasutaka Konishi
Editors-in-Chief:
Siddhartha Yadav (Nepal)
Mohammed Salama (Egypt)
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Contents
Topic Page No
I. Foreword 3
II. From the desk of the editors 4
III. Introduction 5
i. IFMSA 6
ii. SCOPH 10
iii. SCOPH External Partners 16
IV. Major Public Health Issues 23
i. Mental Health 24
ii. Tuberculosis 27
iii. Malaria 30
iv. Tobacco 33
v. Alcohol 35
V. SCOPH in the regions 38
i. The need for regionalization 39
ii. Africa 41
iii. Americas 43
iv. Asia and Pacific 44
v. East Mediterranean 46
vi. Europe 47
VI. SCOPH and your NMO 49
i. How to establish SCOPH in your NMO 50
ii. How to hold a productive SCOPH Session 53
iii. SCOPH Meetings 60
iv. Planning your SCOPH Project 62
VII. SCOPH activities 65
i. SCOPH Focus Days 66
ii. World Public Health Conferences 2009 72
VIII. SCOPH Projects 74
i. IFMSA Campaign on Malaria (ICOM) 76
ii. Anti‐TB Initiative Project 77
iii. Tobacco Initiative Project (TIP) 78
iv. Transnational Obesity Network (TON) 79
v. Smile X 81
vi. Teddy Bear Under Christmas Tree 82
vii. Teddy Bear Hospital (TBH) 83
viii. Community Support 84
ix. National Health Week 85
x. Marrow 86
xi. Organ Donation 87
xii. Global Health 89
xiii. EQUIP 90
xiv. Crossing Borders 92
xv. International Students’ Network on Ageing and Health (ISNAH) 93
xvi. Mental Health Initiative Project (MHIP) 93
xvii. Eating Disorders Project 94
xviii. Fashion Show versus Anorexia and Bulimia Project 96
xix. First Aid Course 97
xx. SCOPH Exchange 98
IX. Annexes 100
i. Useful Links 101
ii. Abbreviations 103
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Foreword
Dear SCOPHian, dear friend,
It is a great pleasure for me to introduce you to the first edition of the ‘SCOPH
Manual’ which was prepared right before the MM 2009 in Tunisia.
This Manual is made for you if you are looking for any specific or general information
about SCOPH. If you want to start a new Standing Committee on Public Health, if you
want to make some improvements or if you are just looking for inspiration. The basic
idea is to have one common resource for everything of SCOPH, to improve the
continuity and to make this information available for you in an easy and comfortable
way! This Manual should contain all SCOPH‐relevant information, materials, documents and all other
resources which can be useful.
It might not be perfect in the moment you are reading this, but it should get better continuously as every
new SCOPH creation should get included to stay here for the next generations of our Standing Committee.
It should get updated on a regular basis and enriched by every Director and his SCOPH Team. If this is not
the case please request my successor to do so! ;‐)
The content of this Manual is adopted by the SCOPH Director and is the official version to be used. This
should avoid the use of different versions of documents at the same time and also raise the relevance of
this document. Still every SCOPHian can and should try to improve the content of this Manual , should
think about what is missing within this compilation and should offer new materials and ideas to the
SCOPH Director. To have an up‐to‐date version available a continuous work on it will be necessary and I
have no doubt that this can be just the start of a fantastic document which can be widely used and which
can improve continuity within SCOPH fundamentally.
I want to use this opportunity to wish you good luck with your own SCOPH activities and plans. I hope you
can enjoy reading this SCOPH Manual and that you find the information you are looking for. And please do
not use this document just on your own but try to offer it to all the SCOPHians of your country who might
also be able to benefit.
Last but not least I want to thank the great editors and founders of this document who made the start of
this long‐term project possible, thanks a lot to Mohammed Salama (Egypt) and Siddhartha Yadav (Nepal)
as well as to all the authors of the different articles!
Keep SCOPH rocking!!!
Florian Stigler
IFMSA Director on Public Health 2008‐09
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From the desk of the editors
Dear SCOPHians,
I feel privileged to be writing the editorial of the first edition of ‘The SCOPH Manual’. ‘The SCOPH Manual’
was a dream we, the SCOPH Dream Team, set out with and to see it in reality is a matter of great personal
excitement and satisfaction for me.
The aim of this manual is to be a guide book to our SCOPH career. Like a true guide book, its purpose is to
help us out with everything related to SCOPH‐ from how to be a SCOPHian to creating our own SCOPH
projects. In addition, it also aims to provide us with a glimpse of life as a SCOPHian and make us think
about the current public health problems that affect our world.
But let me warn you‐ and it is a serious, not‐to‐be‐neglected warning‐ this manual is far from being
perfect. You will find many imperfections. I like to call them the rough edges. I leave it up to you to
smooth them out. This first edition, I hope, will serve as the stepping stone to walk on to the future. I
believe that in the years to come, this manual will grow to involve much wider topics and represent
SCOPH in a more comprehensive way.
This manual would never have been possible without the help of many, many individuals. Thanks and
gratitude to all of them. I am grateful to all the contributors who spent their time and effort to make this
manual what it is now. I would especially like to thank Flo, who has been a source of constant inspiration
for me. It was his optimism, understanding and leadership that got the manual to be printed in such a
short duration. Chris, Louise and the project booklet team deserve special mention because of their help
with editing the manual, creating the project section and the manual’s design and layout.
Finally, your comments, suggestions and feedbacks are very important to us in improving this manual. If
you like any section of the manual or feel there is anything that would make this manual better, send us
an email at sid.siddhartha@gmail.com or msd_med_2010@yahoo.com.
I hope you will enjoy reading this manual. Happy reading and good luck with your SCOPH activities.
Siddhartha Yadav
On behalf of,
Siddhartha Yadav and Mohammed Salama
Editors‐in‐Chief, SCOPH Manual
4
Introduction
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The International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations
Florian Stigler, SCOPH‐D (IFMSA)
The IFMSA is an independent, non‐governmental and non‐political federation of
medical students’ associations throughout the world. In 2009, IFMSA consists of
102 national medical student associations in 95 countries on six continents. Our
members represent more than one million medical students worldwide.
Since 1951, IFMSA has been run for and by medical students on a non‐profit basis. Officially recognized as
a Non Governmental Organization within the United Nations’ system, it is recognized by the World Health
Organization as the international forum for medical students. IFMSA is registered as a charitable
organization in the Netherlands.
Mission
"Our mission is to offer future physicians a comprehensive introduction to global health issues. Through
our programming and opportunities, we develop culturally sensitive students of medicine, intent on
influencing the trans‐national inequalities that shape the health of our planet."
Objectives
• To expose all medical students to humanitarian and global health issues, providing them with the
opportunity to educate themselves and their peers;
• To facilitate partnerships between the medical student community and international organizations also
concerned work on health, education and medicine;
• To give all medical students the opportunity to take part in clinical and research exchange around the
world;
• To provide a network that links active medical students across the globe, including student leaders,
project managers and activists, so that they can learn from and be motivated by each other;
• To provide an international framework in which medical student projects can be initiated, carried out
and developed;
• To empower and train medical students to take a role in bringing about the necessary changes to
improve the health of all people of the world.
Membership
IFMSA consists of national medical student associations of 95 different countries. Each National Member
Organization has its own identity, reflecting the national needs and culture. IFMSA is a federation which
respects the autonomy of its members. The majority have Local Committees at the medical schools in
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their country. These Local Committees coordinate IFMSA activities at the local level. Through these Local
Committees, our members are in direct contact with hundreds of thousands of medical students.
Funding
Revenues for the central budget of IFMSA are generated largely from membership fees, charged to
member organizations. The fees are calculated based on both the GNP/capita and the population of each
country. Alternative sources of income include private donations, grants, corporate sponsorships, and
gifts‐in‐kind.
Global Network
With member organizations in 95 countries on six continents, IFMSA is a truly global network that brings
together more than one million medical students.
Active Worldwide
Our clinical and research exchange
programmes send over 10,000 students each
year to study with their peers in other
countries, giving them unique and invaluable
experience of other health systems and other
cultures.
Never afraid to question and to innovate, our
students are active in challenging the health
inequalities that they see, be they local,
national or international. They organize
projects and campaigns around major
diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis
and on significant determinants of poor
health, such as gender and age
discrimination, violence and human rights
violations.
Developing Ourselves
Our medical students are significant advocates for improved medical education. The IFMSA informs and
empowers students, enabling them to explore new topics and methods and to lobby for increased student
participation in the planning and evaluation of their own education. Their success impacts upon their
education and that of their peers.
Our biannual international meetings are a feast of cross‐cultural interaction and education. By meeting
the most active students from other countries, our members not only learn about global health, but share
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their ideas, skills and experience about how students can act on the issues that motivate them. A host of
regional and national meetings make these experiences available to many more.
Our emphasis on training supports capacity building within our member organizations, bringing benefits
both for the student leaders and the other young people that they lead.
Working Together
On an international level, we connect our student activists to relevant partners, though our recognition in
the UN system, through WHO and number of non‐Governmental organizations concerned with health.
Looking To The Future
From Armenia to Zimbabwe, we are young people who dare to dream of a healthier future for all. As the
doctors of tomorrow, as the future leaders of health, we recognize the role that we have to play. We
invite you to come and dream with us...
Fields Of Activity Within IFMSA
“It is health that brings us all together.”
For more than 55 years, IFMSA has existed to bring together the global medical student community. All
over the world, medical students are working on global health issues through IFMSA. Hundreds of
activities are planned, designed, and carried out each year on local, national and international levels.
Projects, programs, conferences and workshops are organized everywhere in the fields of medical
education, public health, reproductive health and gender issues and violence prevention, bringing to life
for medical students the critical health care issues of the modern world.
The IFMSA experience shows students that they are not passive subjects in a rapidly globalizing world, but
are valuable individuals with a potentially powerful role to play in global health. They learn that their
idealistic goals can be achieved with readily attainable knowledge and commitment.
In IFMSA, the emphasis is that the students return to their local environment with new ideas and the skills
to implement them. As the doctors of tomorrow and future leaders of health, we feel confident that our
students will carry this spirit with them throughout their professional lives.
True to its foundation, Student Exchanges remain the backbone of the federation. Every year IFMSA
enables over 10,000 students to experience the practice of medicine or health research in a different
country through our exchange programs. The students gain invaluable insights into other health systems
and cultures, enabling them to view the more familiar environment in their own hospitals and
communities with fresh perspectives. The exchange activities of the last 45 years have created the stable
structure around which the organization has been able to grow. Over this time, activities have developed
in many other fields, four of which are particularly well established.
Around the world, medical students have a unique authority on Medical Education issues, thanks to their
first‐hand experience of current systems. United, their role within medical schools gives them an
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unrivalled potential to reform medical education; locally, nationally and internationally. As a result, they
have a huge contribution to make for the benefit of their peers, their patients and whole health systems.
With this in mind, IFMSA helps students to educate themselves and their peers about relevant issues and
empowers them to obtain greater influence over all dimensions of their own education.
“As medical students committed to sharing your knowledge and skills internationally, you
are a powerful source of hope for the future. I commend your determination to use your
medical training to benefit all members of society.”
Kofi Annan
The UN Secretary General
MESSAGE TO THE IFMSA
As our many members in developing countries are only too aware, the majority of the world has little or
no access to basic health care despite the revolutionary advances in basic and clinical science over the last
century.
IFMSA helps students to better understand Public Health, at home and abroad, and to use this knowledge
to inform local and national activities. In addition to the direct benefits to target populations, the medical
students involved gain the essential skills related to health promotion and project management that are
so rarely taught in medical schools.
Our vibrant worldwide movement on Reproductive Health has similar effects on the students involved. In
hundreds of highly energetic projects, they promote the sexual and reproductive health of a variety of
target groups, often using student‐led and peer education methods. The promotion of gender equality is
also central to the values of this exiting group of young people.
All young people exposed to the fact that conflict, violence and injury have a massive health impact across
the world. In the field of Refugees and Peace, our medical students focus on understanding the factors at
play and are highly active in advocating disarmament, promoting tolerance and promoting the prevention
of conflict.
Whatever the individual focus, these activities spring from a shared vision: a vision of improved health for
all the people of the world, in a strong framework of intercultural understanding and solidarity.
As medical student leaders and activists, as human beings, it is health that brings us all together.
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The Standing Committee on Public Health (SCOPH)
The Standing Committee on Public Health (SCOPH) brings together medical students from all over the
world to learn, build skills, cooperate, explore and share ideas when it comes to addressing all issues
related to public health, including global health issues, health policies, health promotion and education
activities.
Medical students of the IFMSA formed the Standing Committee on Students’ Health (SCOSH) in 1952,
driven by a strong will to take an active part in preventing and making policies concerning health
problems. During the following years, the wide variety of activities led to the change of SCOSH to Standing
Committee on Health (SCOH) on 1963. On 1983 the name of the Committee changed once more to
Standing Committee on Public Health (SCOPH).
Since these six decades, SCOPHians are implementing, maintaining and improving a wide variety of
community based projects on a local, national and international level. Through these activities we are
approaching our vision of a healthy society and we are developing our own potential of being a complete
and skillful health professional.
Medical Students, the future health professionals
As SCOPH members we have the chance to develop skills and knowledge concerning our personal evolving
such as organisation, teamwork, leadership, communication, time and self‐management as a part of our
development as future health professionals. Medical students involved in SCOPH projects gain a much
better understanding of public health matters about their own country as well as of the situation in other
countries of the world.
This creates a sense within medical students about their role within public health as future health
professionals and provides them with the necessary skills to address global public health issues. Prepared
with enough experience and knowledge we will be able to share this know‐how with our future patients in
order to empower our environment to live a healthy life. We will be able to spread the message of
wellbeing lifestyles and will create awareness for potential risk factors.
The goals we want to achieve
today and tomorrow
The vision of SCOPH is to work for a
healthy society which is empowered by
its knowledge, skills and opportunities
to live a life of complete physical,
mental and social well‐being. In order to
achieve this goal, medical students from
102 National Member Organizations
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work together as a team on a local level as
well as on a national and international level.
Internationally we exchange ideas and
knowledge to improve and evaluate our
work and personal skills. In addition, our
Standing Committee acts as a voice
representing medical students around the
globe through Advocacy and Policy Making ‐
thus being a worldwide platform for medical
students.
Locally there is a large number of projects
carried out, each orientated on the needs of
the Population in the specific Region. Chronic
Diseases, incl. Cardiovascular Diseases,
Diabetes mellitus and Cancer, Tobacco
smoking, Alcohol and Substance abuse, Malaria, TB, Tropical Diseases, Mental Health, Child’s and
Adolescents Health, Ageing, Road Safety, Natural Disasters, Nutrition, Poverty, Violence and Social
Inequalities, Rural and Remote Health, Regional Health Problems are some of the main topics that SCOPH
focuses on.
SCOPH Vision, Mission & Goals
Vision
The Standing Committee on Public Health works for a healthy society which is empowered by its
knowledge, skills and opportunities to live a life of complete physical, mental and social well‐being.
Mission
We are trying to achieve our vision through our community based activities on a local level, through
advocacy by the voice of worldwide medical students and through the development of our own skills and
potentials as medical students and the health professionals of tomorrow.
• Disease prevention within our society
• Health promotion and education within our society
• Raising awareness about Global Public Health issues within medical students and our
society
• Advocating for health policies as the voice of worldwide medical students
• Developing skills and knowledge of medical students as the future health professionals
• Working as an international team and collaborating with external public health
organizations to use the potential of over one million worldwide medical students
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Goals
The focus of our efforts is trying to tackle the main Public Health issues according to the regional needs.
The coordination and performance of these activities is corresponding to the main WHO World Health
Days to combine our energies.
In order to achieve our goals SCOPH needs an organised and sustainable way to support its members with
information and know‐how. The backbones of this ongoing process are the national and international
SCOPH meeting as well our platforms for communication and information keeping.
SCOPH Main Focus (external goals)
SCOPH World Days (external goals)
SCOPH Projects & Activities (external goals)
SCOPH Meetings (internal goals)
SCOPH Management (internal goals)
SCOPH Evidence‐based guidelines
SCOPH Main Focus:
These are the main topics we are focusing on to combine our efforts. Nevertheless the possible activities
within our Standing Committee are widespread and flexible.
Tobacco
Obesity & Diabetes
Tuberculosis
Malaria
Child’s and Adolescents Health
Mental Health
As well as: Cancer, Alcohol abuse, Eyes health, Blood donation, Organ donation, Ageing and health,
Road safety, Rural and remote health, Environmental health & SCOPH Exchange
SCOPH World Days:
To combine our efforts we focus the coordination and performance of our specific activities according to
the main WHO World Health Days.
These Days are promoted through our communication media (e.g. Yahoo‐Group) to give guidance to our
NMOs. This supports the flow of information and exchange of experience but is still a guideline, not a
general order.
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October 10th: World Mental Health Day
th
November 14 : World Diabetes Day
November 20th: Universal Children’s Day
th
February 4 : World Cancer Day
th
March 24 : World Tuberculosis Day
April 7th: World Health Day
th
April 25 : World Malaria Day
st
May 31 : World No‐Tobacco Day
June 14th: World Blood Donor Day
SCOPH Projects & Activities:
The first part of this group of projects & activities is a list of the Umbrella Projects of SCOPH. These
projects are combining different kind of projects and are additionally giving us an introduction to the
specific topic.
The second part of this group is a list of the most common activities within SCOPH. They are common
because of their relevance, simplicity and attractiveness of their basic idea.
TIP (Tobacco Initiative Project)
TON (Transnational Obesity Network)
Anti‐TB Campaign
ICOM (IFMSA Campaign on Malaria)
MHIP (Mental Health Initiative Project)
APYN (Alcohol Policy Youth Network)
TBH (Teddy Bear Hospital)
Smile X (Clown Doctor Project)
Teddy Bear under Christmas Tree (Donation Project)
Smoke‐free Party
Smoking‐ologist
Blood Donation Campaign
Marrow Project (Bone Marrow Donation)
1st Aid Course
ISNAH (International Students Network on Ageing and Health)
National Health Week (National Awareness Campaign in Africa)
SCOPH Exchange (Volunteer Exchange Projects)
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SCOPH Meetings:
2 General Assemblies: March Meeting + August Meeting (SCOPH Sessions of 16 hours each,
organised by the Director and the Dream Team)
2 pre General Assemblies: March Meeting + August Meeting (Specific Workshops of 3 full working
days about different kind of topics, organised by a volunteer)
5 Regional Meetings: Africa, Americas, EMR, Europe and Asia Pacific (SCOPH Sessions organised by
the Regional Assistant, length is different)
SCOPH Focus Meetings: EuToCoM (European Tobacco Control Meeting)
NMO National Assemblies: National Meetings in over 100 NMOs of IFMSA
NMO SCOPH Meetings: open for national or international attendance
SCOPH Management:
The strength of SCOPH on an international level is the possibility to support SCOPH on a local and national
level.
To fulfil this function it is necessary to keep relevant information in a sustainable way, to offer an
introduction and further information of our Standing Committee and its activities to all our members.
Therefore it is necessary to give us the possibility to share these information effectively as well as to offer
communication platforms to share our ideas and experience.
The responsibility to offer these information‐ and communication‐platforms in an updated and high‐
quality status is by the SCOPH Director. Every SCOPH member has the right and obligation to claim it.
Information
SCOPH Website (available at www.ifmsa.org)
SCOPH Manual (a compilation of all information about the Standing Committee on Public Health)
SCOPH Projects Booklet (descriptions and guidelines for the main projects and activities of SCOPH)
SCOPH Power‐point (a Power‐point as an introduction to SCOPH and especially the goals, topics
and projects we focus on; to be used at internal or external meetings)
SCOPH – The Movie (a movie as an introduction about our Standing Committee; for internal and
external use)
SCOPH Movies (informative movies as introductions to the main public health topics and projects
we are working on; to be published at You‐Tube)
SCOPH World Reports (compilation of the half‐year NPO Reports as a global SCOPH Database)
SCOPH Development Kit (a guideline for new National Member Organisations to start a Standing
Committee on Public Health)
SCOPH DVD (a compilation of all relevant documents and materials; to be handed out at GAs and
RMs)
Communication
SCOPH Yahoo‐group (ifmsa‐scoph@yahoogroups.com)
SCOPH Facebook group (SCOPH‐IFMSA at www.facebook.com)
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SCOPH Newsletter (‘The Morning SCOPHian’ ‐ an internal newsletter to be used as communication
platform)
SCOPH Letter to LPOs (a technical letter with information, announcements and instructions for
active members on a local level)
Regional MSN Meetings (facilitated by the SCOPH Regional Assistants, open for all regional
SCOPHians to share ideas and experiences)
SCOPH Evidence‐based Guidelines:
These are evidence‐based instructions to tackle the Public Health issues we are working on. This list is in a
developing process. Every updates needs to have a reference to its source. Every updates instruction
needs to copy the old version in grey and font size 8.
Like this.
Tobacco:
Obesity & Diabetes:
Tuberculosis:
Malaria:
Child’s and Adolescents Health:
Mental Health:
Cancer:
Alcohol abuse:
Eyes health:
Blood donation:
Organ donation:
Ageing and health:
Road safety:
Rural and remote health:
Environmental health:
SCOPH Exchange:
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Liasing for Public Health – SCOPH External Partners
Introduction
The most important aspect of our work within the Federation is undoubtedly working on the ground level,
focusing on our own societies, dealing with the public health problems that we face on our daily life as
medical students and our clinical practice as future health professionals. Our Federation provides us with
a second important parameter, which is networking with each other, sharing best practices, cooperating
internationally for a common vision, but separate missions and objectives.
Networking with external partners, such as Student Organizations, Public Health NGOs and Societies, UN
Agencies, Regional Commissions, etc. is the third important aspect within our Federation. Dealing with all
these people is primarily the field of the IFMSA Team of Liaison Officers, and for all Public Health Issues,
the person within our Federation that deals with it, is the Liaison Officer for Public Health Issues, the
SCOPH LO!
Out of the two cliché activities that most NMOs think that LOs do, namely finding external speakers and
ordering publications, unfortunately the biggest part of the LO job may not affect that much the daily
practice of the IFMSA members on a local level. However such activities are essential for the future of our
Federation within the peculiar Global Public Health System and on a long – term basis, the impact can be
of major importance for all SCOPHians around the world.
In the following paragraphs you can find some important External Partners that IFMSA is working with
during the last years. Of course there are more external partners and newly established contacts that we
are working on. For any questions, comments or requests, please don’t hesitate to contact the IFMSA
Liaison Officer for Public Health Issues, lph@ifmsa.org
Important External Partners for IFMSA SCOPH
World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA)
The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) is an international, nongovernmental, multi‐
professional and civil society organization bringing together public health professionals interested and
active in safeguarding and promoting the public’s health through professional exchange, collaboration,
and action. Founded in 1967, it is the only worldwide professional society representing and serving the
broad area of public health, as distinct from single disciplines or occupations. The Federations’ members
are national and regional public health associations, as well as regional associations of schools of public
health presently numbering more than 70. WFPHA strives to promote effective public health policies and
practices throughout the world every day.
The WFPHA GA takes place every year in Geneva, in parallel to the World Health Assembly. The
Federation organizes the triennial World Congress on Public Health ‐ WCPH. The International Students’
Meeting on Public Health – ISMOPH is a satellite event to the 12th WCPH and IFMSA is the leading NGO
supporter for this meeting.
More information about WFPHA: www.wfpha.org
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Global Health Council (GHC)
The Global Health Council is the world's largest
membership alliance dedicated to saving lives by
improving health throughout the world. The Council
works to ensure that all who strive for improvement
and equity in global health have the information and
resources they need to succeed. The GHC Annual Public Health Meeting takes place in Washington DC.
Main fields of interest are Women’s Health, Child’s Health, HIV/AIDS, Infectious Diseases and Emerging
Issues.
The GHC Newsletter is delivered regularly in the IFMSA SCOPH mailing list. All IFMSA members get free
GHC membership.
More information about Global Health Council: www.globalhealth.org
European Public Health Association (EUPHA)
The European Public Health Association or EUPHA in short, is an umbrella organization for public health
associations in Europe. EUPHA was founded in 1992. EUPHA is an international, multidisciplinary, scientific
organization, bringing together around 12000 public health experts for professional exchange and
collaboration throughout Europe. We encourage a multidisciplinary approach to public health.
The EUPHA Annual General Assembly is an interesting meeting for IFMSA Europeans to participate. Their
focus among others is on health promotion, food and nutrition, no communicable and communicable
diseases.
More information about EUPHA: www.eupha.org
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
UNICEF is a UN Agency mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection
of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full
potential. UNICEF is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and strives to establish children's
rights as enduring ethical principles and international standards of behavior towards children. Main field
of work of UNICEF is HIV/AIDS and Children, child protection, child survival and development, basic
education and gender equality and policy advocacy.
The cooperation of IFMSA and UNICEF has strengthened lately. The IFMSA delegation in the Almaty
Conference has worked closely with UNICEF for Primary Health Care and there is the perspective of close
cooperation with UNICEF for upcoming events and meeting for child’s rights and child protection.
More information about UNICEF: www.unicef.org
Global Alcohol Policy Alliance (GAPA)
The Global Alcohol Policy Alliance, founded in 2000, is a developing network of NGOs and people working
in public health agencies, which share information on alcohol issues and advocate evidence‐based alcohol
17
policies. Resource centers affiliated to GAPA are already operating in the EU, USA, South America, India,
South East Asia and Western Pacific regions. It is envisaged that the Alliance, in the not too distant future,
will be able to establish centers in Africa. The GAPA mission is to reduce alcohol‐related harm worldwide
by promoting science‐based policies independent of commercial interests.
The Chairperson of GAPA, Mr. Derek Rutherford, has participated in the IFMSA AM08, in Ocho Rios,
Jamaica. Since February 2009 the IFMSA Liaison Officer for Public Health Issues, is also a member of the
GAPA Board.
GAPA is a founder of the Alcohol Policy Youth Network, where IFMSA SCOPH is a founding member. GAPA
Magazine – THE GLOBE, is being delivered to the IFMSA National Public Health Officers by mail.
More information about GAPA: www.globalgapa.org
Child Family Health International (CFHI)
Child Family Health International (CFHI) is one of the leading nongovernmental organization (NGO) placing
health science students on global health education programs in ways that are socially responsible and
financially just. They model best global health education practices which demonstrate a priority
commitment to community engagement and local integrity.
The interest of IFMSA Members is mainly focused in the CFHI Student Programs in Africa, Latin America
and Asia. There is about to be signed a Memorandum of Understanding between IFMSA and CFHI.
More information about CFHI: www.cfhi.org
Medical Women’s International Association (MWIA)
The Medical Women’s International Association (MWIA) is an international NGO representing women
doctors from all five continents. The association was founded in 1919. It is non‐political, non‐sectarian and
non‐profit making.
At the time when MWIA was founded, women doctors were a curiosity, and there was a need for a forum
to discuss common concerns. Women physicians being the minority is no more, as women constitute at
least 50% of many medical schools. As women become the majority of practicing physicians, a new set of
concerns will emerge.
Main fields of MWIA interest are Domestic Violence, Adolescents Sexuality and Gender Mainstreaming in
Health.
More information about MWIA: www.mwia.net
International Diabetes Federation (IDF)
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is a worldwide alliance of over 200
diabetes associations in more than 160 countries, who have come together to
enhance the lives of people with diabetes everywhere. For over 50 years, IDF
has been at the vanguard of global diabetes advocacy. The Federation is
committed to raising global awareness of diabetes, promoting appropriate
18
diabetes care and prevention, and encouraging activities towards finding a cure for the different types of
diabetes. It is the mission of IDF to promote diabetes care, prevention and a cure worldwide.
The World Diabetes Day – November 14th was introduced in 1991 by IDF and WHO in response to the
alarming rise in diabetes around the world. IFMSA SCOPH participates actively in the Campaign since
November 2007.
More information about IDF and the World Diabetes Day: www.idf.org and www.worlddiabetesday.org
World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH)
The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) is an international organization founded in 1948 to
advance the prevention of mental and emotional disorders, the proper treatment and care of those with
such disorders, and the promotion of mental health. The Federation, through its members in more than
100 countries has responded to international mental health crises through its role as the only worldwide
grassroots advocacy and public education organization in the field. Its organizational and individual
membership includes mental health workers of all disciplines, consumers of mental health services, family
members, and concerned citizens. The organization’s broad and diverse membership makes possible
collaboration among governments and non‐governmental organizations to advance the cause of mental
health services, research, and policy advocacy worldwide.
The World Mental Health Day, October 10th, is one of the major activities of the Federation. IFMSA
participates in the campaign through the IFMSA SCOPH Mental Health Initiative Project.
More information about WFMH: www.wfmh.org
UK Public Health Association (UKPHA)
The UK Public Health Association (UKPHA) is an independent voluntary organization, formed by the
coming together of three organizations in 1999 to unite the public health movement in the UK. As a
multidisciplinary membership organization, the UKPHA brings together individuals and organizations from
all sectors who share a common commitment to promoting the public’s health.
UKPHA seeks to promote the development of healthy public policy at all levels of government and across
all sectors. UKPHA acts as an information platform and aim to support those working in public health
both professionally and in a voluntary capacity.
There are five UKPHA Special Interest Groups: Food and Nutrition, Health and Sustainable Environments,
Pharmacy, Health Visiting and Public Health, Alcohol and Violence and Devolution Strategic Interest.
More information about UKPHA: www.ukpha.uk.org
International Union against Cancer (UICC)
The International Union against Cancer (UICC) is the leading international NGO dedicated exclusively to
the global control of cancer. UICC Vision is a dynamic global community of connected cancer control
organizations, professionals and volunteers working together to eliminate cancer as a major life‐
19
threatening disease for future generations. UICC Mission is to connect, mobilize and support cancer
organizations and individuals with knowledge and skills to be effective.
Being the oldest NGO dedicated to cancer, UICC has formed a series of platforms and initiatives for the
fight of all aspects of cancer, such as Globalink, is one of the biggest international networks about Tobacco
Control. IFMSA is about to become a member of UICC, providing our members with a series of privileges,
such as access to important electronic databases, publications and contacts.
More information about UICC and Globalink: www.uicc.org and www.globalink.org
World Heart Federation (WHF)
The World Heart Federation (WHF) was originally formed in 1978 (first name International Society and
Federation of Cardiology ‐ ISFC). WHF is now recognized by the WHO as its leading NGO partner in
cardiovascular disease prevention and is a close partner of the WHO's department of Non‐communicable
Diseases.
Important Campaigns of the WHF are the World Heart Day, Sept. 27th, Children and youth projects for the
promotion of healthy nutrition, physical exercise and the prevention of tobacco use, the Go Red for
Women campaign and Demonstration projects.
More information about WHF: www.worldheartfederation.org
Concern Worldwide
Concern Worldwide is an international, humanitarian NGO dedicated to reducing suffering and eliminating
extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries. Currently, Concern works in 28 countries and has a
workforce of around 4,000 people. Its headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland, and the organization has other
offices throughout the world.
Annually Concern offers a number of overseas internships to students pursuing a Masters Degree. The
internships are field‐driven and often used for research purposes.
More information about Concern: www.concernusa.org
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is Britain's national school of public health and a
leading postgraduate institution worldwide for research and postgraduate education in global health. Part
of the University of London, the London School is the largest institution of its kind in Europe with a
remarkable depth and breadth of expertise encompassing many disciplines. It is one of the highest‐rated
research institutions in the UK.
LSHTM mission is to contribute to the improvement of health worldwide through the pursuit of excellence
in research, postgraduate teaching and advanced training in national and international public health and
tropical medicine, and through informing policy and practice in these areas.
More information about LSHTM: www.lshtm.ac.uk.
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Framework Convention Alliance
The Framework Convention Alliance (FCA) was founded in 1999 and is now made up of more than 350
organizations from more than 100 countries working on the development, ratification, and
implementation of the international treaty, the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The
FCTC is the world’s first global public health treaty, and requires parties to adopt a comprehensive range
of measures designed to reduce the devastating health and economic impacts of tobacco.
The FCA vision is a world free from the death and disease caused by tobacco. The FCA mission is to
perform the watchdog function for the WHO FCTC; to develop tobacco control capacity ‐ particularly in
developing countries; to support the development, ratification, accession, implementation and
monitoring of the FCTC; and to promote and support a network for global tobacco control campaigning.
IFMSA is an International Member of the FCA since 2002. Our Federation has participated lately in the
NGO Consultation Meeting of the FCTC. The Tobacco Initiative Project Coordinator is also a key‐person for
the cooperation within the Alliance.
More information about FCA and FCTC: www.fctc.org
Save the Children
Save the Children is a leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in
need in the United States and around the world. Recognized for our commitment to accountability,
innovation and collaboration, our work takes us into the heart of communities, where we help children
and families help themselves.
IFMSA members have been interested for internships with the Department of Health and Nutrition at
Save the Children.
More information about Save the Children: www.savethechildren.org
Eurocare – European Alcohol Policy Alliance
Eurocare was formed in 1990, as an alliance of voluntary NGOs representing a diversity of views and
cultural attitudes concerned with the impact of the European Union on Alcohol Policy in Member States. It
now includes some 50 organizations across 20 countries in Europe, most of which are national or
supranational umbrella organizations. Member organizations are involved in research and advocacy;
education and training of voluntary and professional community care workers; the provision of counseling
services and residential support for problem drinkers, of workplace and school based programs as well as
the provision of information to the public.
Eurocare is a co‐founder of the Alcohol Policy Youth Network (APYN) and a partner of IFMSA in the NGO
Alliance for the Global Strategy against Alcohol. Eurocare is the only major European network that focuses
exclusively on alcohol policy issues and a member of GAPA.
More information about Eurocare: www.eurocare.org
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International Association of Health Policy (IAHP)
The International Association of Health Policy (IAHP) is a scientific, political and cultural organization
founded in 1977. It is an international network of scholars, health workers and activists with the aim of
promoting the scientific analysis of public health issues and a forum for international comparisons and
debate on health policy issues. Basic principle adopted by IAHP members are the consideration of health
as a social and political right. Main goal of the Association is the promotion of health, the struggle against
health inequalities and the development of social solidarity.
The Association is interdisciplinary and gathers researchers from all public health disciplines. A major
subject is the interrelationship between theory and practice in health policy. The main activity is regular
conferences and seminars. These meetings cover a broad range of issues and they often gather both
researchers and people involved in practical public health work and health policy. Major concern also is
given for the dialogue between North and South, East and West. IAHP members in South America are
active under the ALAMES and in Europe under IAHPE which both have their own bodies and activities.
The IFMSA Daisy Project – Margarita is a Transnational Project in cooperation with IAHP.
More information about IAHP: www.healthp.org
22
Major Public Health
Issues
23
Mental Health: A Public Health Perspective
Mental health is essential to the well‐being of individuals and their communities. Indeed, the absence of
mental health prevents individuals to develop their full potential, to cope effectively with the stress of
daily life, or to work productively for their society. However, in many parts of the world, mental disorders
are still largely neglected, resources are inequitably distributed,
and are subject to stigmatisation.
The WHO estimate that 450 million people currently suffer from
mental, neurologic, or behavioural problems and that some
900,000 individuals commit suicide each year, with most of these
in low‐ or middle‐income countries. Depression, alcohol‐use
disorders, schizophrenia and bipolar disorders are among the six
leading causes of years lived with disability (YLD). Depression
alone accounts for 12.15% of YLD, and rank as the third leading
contributor to the global burden of disease.
One in four families has a least one member with a
neuropsychiatric disorder. Because most of these disorders are
neither diagnosed nor treated family members are often the
primary caregivers of people with mental disorders. Children and
adolescents are particularly vulnerable to mental disorders; 20% of
these are affected worldwide and half mental disorders begin
during puberty. Yet, most low‐ and middle‐income countries have
only one child psychiatrist for every 1 to 4 million people.
The economic burden of mental disorders affects sufferers, their
family and friends, employers and the society as a whole. The cost
of mental health problems in developed countries is thought to be
between 3% and 4% of GNP. This economic impact is explained the
direct cost of treatment and services and the indirect costs in
terms of value of lost productivity. In the United‐States, patients
suffering from Alzheimers’s disease and schizophrenia represented
the most costly expenses. In developed countries, absenteeism
form work is due to mental health problems in 35% to 45% of
cases. Hence, the high costs of mental disorders make them
comparable to other major chronic conditions, such as cancer,
cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
The stigmatization of patients and families affected by mental health problems is one the main obstacle in
the provision of care for these people. The effects of stigmas cannot be underestimated. Manifested
through stereotyping, fear, personal shame, and rejection, it more often than never leads to
discrimination. Affecting households, treating institutions, and healthcare professionals, it negatively
influences the allocation of health resources. Contrary to expectations, a South‐African survey suggest
that the levels of stigma were higher in urban areas and among people with higher levels of education.
24
These stigmas account for the frequent human rights violations of psychiatric patients. Many psychiatric
institutions, hospitals and social care homes still use old‐fashioned restrain methods such as cage beds, in
which patients are kept for extended periods, sometime years. The living conditions in these institutions
can be as unhygienic that the care harmful. To care for psychiatric patients, one needs to defend their
human rights.
When addressing mental health, one addresses an important risk factor for communicable and non‐
communicable diseases. For instance, it has been shown that treating comorbid mental disorders improve
medical compliance of patience and thereby reduce their mortality. Conversely, many physical conditions
such as obesity, cardiovascular disease or AIDS predispose to depression, anxiety disorders and adaption
disorders. All and all, one out of for visiting patient will have concurrent mental disorders, complicating
the diagnosis and their treatment. Veritably, there is no health without mental health.
Scaling up mental health disorders services
To address mental health, global intervention has to face the associated poverty, marginalisation and
social disadvantages. While not mentioned in the Millennium Development goals (MDGs), enhanced
mental health services directly affect progress toward their achievement.
There is staggering inequities in the distribution of mental health resources, principally for 85% of world
population that lives in a low‐income and middle‐income country. Shortages of psychiatric workers
(psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses and social workers) is an important obstacle to the provision of
mental health disorders. Low‐income countries have 0.05 psychiatrists and 0.16 psychiatric nurses per 100
000 people, compared to 200 times more in high‐income countries.
The WHO identified four more key barriers that need to be overcome in order to increase access to
proper mental health care: 1) the omission of mental health from the public health agenda; 2) the
inadequate organization of mental health services; 3) the lack of integration within primary care; 4) and
the lack of public mental health leadership.
Economic intervention packages are available with modest investment : US$ 2 per person per year in low‐
income countries and US$ 3‐4 in lower middle‐income countries.
The success in these investments is dependant on the effective collaboration of governments, donors,
researchers and groups representing mental health workers, patients and their families.
The mental health Global Action Programme (mhGAP) is based on four core strategies derived from the
recommendations of the World Health Report 2001. It recommends to 1) Increase and improve
information for decision‐making and technology transfer to increase country capacity; 2) Raise awareness
about mental disorders through education and advocacy for more respect of human rights and less stigma
3) Assist countries in designing policies and developing comprehensive and effective mental health
services. The scarcity of resources forces their rational use 4) Build local capacity for public mental health
research in poor countries
A call for action to address the gross deficiencies in mental health coverage was published in the Lancet in
2007. It calls upon the global health community, ministries of health, donors and health care professionals
to embrace the priorities set by the WHO and includes more specific recommendations on the
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identification of priority package of service intervention, on research priorities and a strengthening of
data‐collection and monitoring mechanisms.
What can be done by medical students?
What do you the medical students around you know about mental health? Does your community is aware
that mental health is an
essential and inseparable aspect
of health? Do the media still
portray mentally ill people as
dangerous?
As future healthcare leaders
medical students have a
responsibility to ensure at their
medical curricula includes
education on the best care for
people with mental health
problems. Medical students
need to be informed. With the
proper background, students
can contribute to knowledge
transfer. In fact, many studies
demonstrate the cost‐
effectiveness of mental health health promotion and prevention measures.
Within the IFMSA, Mental Health Initiative Project (MHIP) invites all to come together for to address the
most urgent mental health issues. This working group endeavors to promote education among medical
students on mental health issues and to promote student‐led Mental Health projects at the local and
international level. It provides platform that will enable medical students to network and share their
ideas.
You can join the MHIP by visiting our yahoogroup at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ifmsa‐mhip
Web links
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the largest scientific organization in the world dedicated to research focused on the understanding,
treatment, and prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of mental health.
http://www.who.int/mental_health/en/
The World Health organisation’s page on mental health. It features many reports on evidence and research, policy and services and advocacy. Download link to
the the mental health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP).
http://www.thelancet.com/series/global‐mental‐health
A series of articles published by the lancet in 2007 that includes a global call for action to scale up mental health services.
http://www.globalmentalhealth.org
The Movement for Global Mental Health aims to improve services for people with mental disorders worldwide. The website features the activities of the
movement and tons of useful resources on mental health.
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Tuberculosis
Historical View
Consumption, phthisis, phthisis pulmonalis, scrofula, wasting disease,
white plague, king's evil, vampirism or Koch's disease. Many names
were given to the monster to which 2 billion people worldwide are
exposed to and which makes this disease one of the most fastest
spreading infectious diseases: tuberculosis.
The study of tuberculosis dates back to "The Canon of Medicine"
written by Ibn Sina in the 1020s. He was the first physician to identify
pulmonary tuberculosis as a contagious disease & developed the
method of Quarantine in order to limit the spread of tuberculosis.
The bacillus causing tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, was
identified and described on March 24th 1882 by Robert Koch for which he was awarded with the Nobel
Prize in 1905.
In the 20th century, tuberculosis killed an estimated 100 million people. Hopes that the disease could be
completely eliminated have been dashed since the rise of multi‐drug resistant strains in the 1980s. The
following resurgence of tuberculosis resulted in the declaration of a global health emergency by the World
Health Organization in 1993.
Epidemiology
Annually 8 million people become infected with tuberculosis and worldwide 2 million people die from the
disease. The annual incidence rate varies from 356 per 100,000 in Africa to 41 per 100,000 in Americas.
Tuberculosis is the world's greatest infectious killer of women of reproductive age and the leading cause
of death among people with HIV/AIDS.
According to Stop‐TB Partnership which IFMSA is members of, 20 countries represent 80 % of all TB cases
in the world.These countries are: India, China , Indonesia, Nigeria,
Bangladesh, Pakistan, South Africa, Ethiopia, Philippines, Kenya,
Democratic Republic of Congo, Russian Federation ,Viet Nam, United
Republic of Tanzania, Brazil, Uganda, Thailand ,Mozambique,
Myanmar, Zimbabwe, Cambodia &Afghanistan.
According to regional prevalence Asia Pacific & Africa are the most
infected regions due to the extremely low socioeconomic standards in
these regions.
Within the last decades Europe & America have experienced
resurgence of TB, which is referred to the strong correlation between
TB infection with HIV/AIDS
27
Medical background
Risk factors
People with low socioeconomic standards exposed to inadequate hygiene stadards (slums, over crowded
areas with insufficient ventilation)
Inadequate education and poor access to health care (patients with HIV/AIDS, non vaccinated groups)
Symptoms
Inactive TB does not give you symptoms you can notice. Active TB gives you symptoms you can notice.
Sadly, symptoms may not appear until the disease has already caused damage. Symptoms of active TB
include: A cough that lasts two weeks or more, especially if you cough up fluid or blood comes from your
lungs when you cough, fever, excessive weight loss, night sweats and loss of appetite.
Many of these symptoms can be confused with other illnesses. If you have these symptoms or if you think
you might have TB see you doctor. Your doctor can give you tests and make diagnosis to see wether you
have TB or not.
Main Goals Of WHO & Other Major Institutions
WHO and other organizations work on 3 main goals:
‐ Raising awareness about the disease and how to control it.
‐ Supporting government policies in treating and eradicating the
disease through ministries of health and hospitals.
‐ Encouraging research towards more updates and
understanding of the disease.
‐ Inventing new drugs esspecially towards resistant strains
aiming to control, eradicate and decrease the burdens of TB
towards global health & economy.
What Can Medical Students Do?
What is effective
Medical students can play a main role towards
their society by raising awareness about the
disease towards the public, high risk groups and
their colleagues at universitie through awareness
campaigns and celebration of WTBD. These
measures are seen as highly effective to prevent TB, which is seen as the
most powerful tool regarding disease control and eradication.
28
What is not effective
Activities like massive X‐Ray screenings, treatment of patients, vaccination any other specific measure are
not as effective for students to do. Medical students cannot support activities like these as they cost a lot
of money and a lot of efforts. Moreover these measures are already implemented in the main plans and
duties of health authorities in many countries. What medical students can do though is advocate the
importance of this process and encourage authorities to allocate more financial resources for this goal.
Important Links:
www.cdc.gov/tb/faqs/default.htm
www.stoptb.org
http://www.who.int/topics/tuberculosis/en/
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Malaria
History
Malaria is a life‐threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It was once thought that the
disease came from fetid marshes, hence the name mal aria, (bad air). In 1880, scientists discovered the
real cause of malaria a one‐cell parasite called plasmodium. Later they discovered that the parasite is
transmitted from person to person through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito, which requires
blood to nurture her eggs.
Epidemiology
Today approximately 40% of the world's population mostly those living in the world’s poorest countries
are at risk of malaria. The disease was once more widespread but it was successfully eliminated from
many countries with temperate climates during the mid 20th century. Today malaria is found throughout
the tropical and sub‐
tropical regions of the
world and causes more
than 300 million acute
illnesses and at least one
million deaths annually.
90% of deaths due to
malaria occur in Africa
south of the Sahara mostly
among young children. The
endemic countries are
distributed in Africa,
Central and South America,
Asia and Pacific Island. 45
out of the 109 endemic
countries belong to African region. Around 80% o the cases reported in this continent were centred in 13
countries: Nigeria, Democratic republic of Congo, Ethiopia, the united republic of Tanzania and Kenya.
From the reported cases out of Africa 80% were in India, Sudan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Papua
Nueva Guinea and Pakistan.
Malaria kills an African child every 30 seconds. Many children who survive an episode of severe malaria
may suffer from learning impairments or brain damage. Pregnant women and their unborn children are
also particularly vulnerable to malaria, which is a major cause of perinatal mortality, low birth weight and
maternal anaemia.
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Clinical Background
There are four types of human malaria Plasmodium vivax, P.malariae, P. ovale and P. falciparum. P. vivax
and P. falciparum are the most common and falciparum the most deadly type of malaria infection.
Malaria symptoms appear about 9 to 14 days after the infectious mosquito bite, although this varies with
different plasmodium species. Typically, malaria produces fever, headache, vomiting and other flu‐like
symptoms. If drugs are not available for treatment or the parasites are resistant to them, the infection can
progress rapidly to become life‐threatening. Malaria can kill by infecting and destroying red blood cells
(anaemia) and by clogging the capillaries that carry blood to the brain (cerebral malaria) or other vital
organs.
Malaria & The World
It has been considered as the disease with major morbi‐mortality in the World, contributing to stop the
development socioeconomically in a lot of countries. It’s been calculated that malaria is responsible of the
decrease of 1.3% of the gross domestic product (GDP) of poor countries.
Malaria, together with HIV/AIDS and TB, is one of the major public health challenges undermining
development in the poorest countries in the world. As is figured in the 6th MDG from UN where it’s
combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases. Target 6.C: have halted by 2015 and begun to reverse
the incidence of malaria and other major diseases:
‐ incidence and death rates associated
with malaria
‐ Proportion of children under 5 sleeping
under insecticide‐treated bednets.
‐ Proportion of children under 5 with
fever who are treated with appropriate
anti‐malarial drugs.
The most important fact of this disease is that is
preventable and treatable so is in that point where
all physicians, politicians, economists, NGOs of the
world should join their effort to fight against
malaria.
It’s seems to be only a problem from developing
countries but the increase of travellers to endemic
countries and the phenomenon of immigration
make this disease a problem worldwide.
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What Can Medical Students Do?
The malaria situation makes necessary an effort from all countries in the world. That’s why IFMSA as
representatives of 1 million medical students in the world should take a step forward the transnational
project ICOM (international campaign on malaria). This project was born in October 2003 which was
followed with workshops about malaria during IFMSA general assemblies and regional meetings. The
goals of the project are: educate medical students worldwide about malaria and equip medical students
worldwide with skills to become active participants in achieving effective malaria control. To achieve
these goals some trainings malaria trainers were held in the past years.
There are few points where medical students could help on the
eradication of malaria. The prevention and control of malaria could be
different depending on the country.
In free malaria countries the efforts should focus on reduce the
incidence of imported malaria. Awareness campaigns in immigrant’s
collectives, in travellers and promoting the visits to the travellers’
health centres could be actions to do. Aware about the importance of
the chemoprophylaxis could be another point to focus as its efficacy is
well‐known. Another way to help poor countries could be organising
events like “swim for malaria” to collect money that will be used to buy
impregnated nets for endemic countries. Coordinating projects to help
endemic countries on educate the local community on malaria is other
view to fight against malaria.
In the case of endemic countries education programs on malaria to the
local citizens, preparing theatres, plays, games to show how this
disease is infecting and teach by actions how it could be prevented. The most important thing is educate
and train new health promoters to control the epidemic.
IFMSA as future physician should encourage all medical students to think about this major public health
issue by including malaria in their curricular and tackle the importance of preventing before curing.
Useful Links
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs094/en/index.html (WHO‐malaria fact sheet)
http://www.rollbackmalaria.org/
http://www.who.int/malaria/wmr2008/ (world malaria report 2008)
http://www.who.int/tdr/svc/diseases/malaria (tropical disease research)
http://www.cdc.gov/Malaria/ (info about malaria from cdc)
http://www.tropnet.net/index_2.html (info about malaria epidemiology in Europe)
http://www.worldswimagainstmalaria.com/Default.aspx (project info)
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Tobacco
Introduction
Tobacco as one of the main causes of death in the world, nowadays, kills over 5 million people annually.
According to WHO, the tobacco epidemic killed over 100 million people in the 20th century worldwide.
Regarding active smoking, in the USA male smokers are estimated to be 24% of the whole population,
whereas women smokers are thought to be 19% of the whole population. This means that 73.378.800
men and 58.091.550 women smoke. Respectively, 292.000.000 male smokers and 219.000.000 female
smokers exist in Europe, 4.085.000 male smokers and 3.440.000 female smokers in Australia.
Clinical Aspects
Talking about tobacco though the medical aspect of this epidemic
should not be neglected. Starting talking about risk factors, concerning
active smoking on the one hand, results of surveys have shown that
smoking is responsible for 87% of lung cancer situations, and for 30%
of cancer in general. Smoking can be defined as an important risk
factor for cancer of urine bladder, pancreas, breast and stomach.
Regarding the respiratory system, smoking is held responsible for
many diseases of which long term bronchitis; COPD and deterioration
of asthma are some.
An interesting aspect concerning cardiovascular diseases is that
smoking can double or even multiply by four the risk of having coronary disease as well as double the risk
of having strokes.
Referring to how smoking can affect diabetes, the fact that heavy smokers have an increased chance of
having diabetes mellitus type II.
Another highlighting part of risk factors of smoking is its effect on sexual health. Men often suffer from
incompetence and bad sperm quality, whereas women tend to become less fertile at a percentage of 28%.
Pregnancy and women smoking is the main topic of conversation as the latter can cause miscarriage,
premature labour and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
Passive smokers deal with the same problems. They tend to be less open to the severity of the diseases
caused by active smoking, but it depends on the frequency of getting in touch with second hand smoking
during the day. Remarkable is the fact that passive smoking has been defined as a “group A” carcinogen.
One might wonder what medicine about the symptoms of smoking says. A variety of symptoms can be
displayed of a range from “softer” to “harder” symptoms. Aesthetic issues as teeth problems, bad mouth
smell, broken nails, wrinkled skin rang among the softer symptoms, whereas coughing, dizziness, lack of
breath and deregulation of blood pressure rank among the hard symptoms. Fascinating is the fact that
being in a room full of smoke for just 5 minutes deregulates you blood pressure for half an hour.
33
Role and Activities of International Organizations
Fortunately, many actions have been made in order to change the situation that exists today, so as to take
a glance at a more hopeful and tobacco free future. Talking about actions we must underline the FCTC.
The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control is a multilateral treaty with more than 150 Parties.
It was the first step in the global fight against the tobacco epidemic with a view of reducing both the
supply of and the demand for tobacco.
Parties to the WHO Framework Convention have committed to protect the health of their populace by
joining the fight against the tobacco epidemic. To help countries fulfill the promise of the WHO
Framework Convention, WHO has established MPOWER, a package of the six most important and
effective tobacco control policies: monitoring the epidemic and prevention policies (MPOWER),
protecting people from second hand smoke (MPOWER), offering help to people who want to quit
(MPOWER), warning everyone about the dangers of tobacco (MPOWER), enforce bans on tobacco
advertising, promotion and sponsorship (MPOWER), raising taxes and prices (MPOWER). These policies
are proven to reduce tobacco use.
Role of Medical Students
Are medical students callow concerning tobacco prevention and cessation? IFMSA gives medical students
the chance to become part of actions against tobacco. SCOPH and the Tobacco Initiative Project give
medical students an enormous benefit to become active in tobacco issues by participating in anti‐tobacco
sessions, trainings, updates or working groups during SCOPH or General Sessions at IFMSA General
Assemblies, by exchanging ideas through the official yahoogroup of SCOPH and TIP, by gaining knowledge
regarding tobacco’s various effects, stressing on the tobacco industry’s policies and action in particular,
through activities or materials at IFMSA General Assemblies and workshops in each NMO. Regarding
prevention of tobacco at young age people, namely children, medical students can be part of a team of
students who have been trained by the tobacco workshop’s trainers to intervene with children at schools.
What can be more important than showing children the healthy way to live? Children are the future of our
society!
Conclusion
Reality? Reality is that tobacco kills one person every six seconds nowadays. View? Our view is to change
reality, to make our society tobacco free. Let’s all give a hand to this purpose and contribute to sensitize
our society about tobacco!
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Prevention of Alcohol Related Hazard
Introduction
The Alcohol Related Hazard is a major Global Public Health burden. European citizens are the leading
alcohol consumers, followed by the Americans. However the problem is rising, without leaving any region
unaffected. Worldwide alcohol causes 1.8 million deaths (3.2% of total) and 58.3 million (4% of total)
Disability‐Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). Unintentional injuries alone account for about one third of the 1.8
million deaths, while neuro‐psychiatric conditions account for close to 40% of the 58.3 million DALYs. The
burden is distributed among the countries as is shown on picture on right hand side. \
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Finally doctors should be educated to give short
interventions and to raise awareness against alcohol
consumption, during their daily practice with their
patient or at‐risk drinkers. This is one of the most
effective ways to fight this major public health issue.
The effectiveness of peer and college education in
schools is also a topic to be discussed. There are several
studies concluding that neither education, nor public
health services or warning labels are effective strategies
on reducing the harm. These methods should be further
evaluated using long‐term research projects.
Role Of IFMSA And Other International Organizations
People’s and especially young people’s health is seriously affected by alcohol related harm. That’s why our
role is double as a federation of future physicians and as a student organization. There are three levels of
intervention that each doctor shall be active in, to counteract the global burden of alcohol related
hazards. Individually the doctor shall intervene with patients and at‐risk drinkers during the daily clinical
practice∙ socially the doctor shall encourage the alcohol control policy advocacy∙ globally the doctor shall
cooperate for the implementation of the Global Strategy against Alcohol that WHO, the Global Alcohol
Policy Alliance (GAPA) and a series of other NGOs, including IFMSA are already working on. Additionally as
a student NGO, our role is not limited in raising awareness or educating our own members, but also
cooperating with our partner student organizations aiming to raise efficiently the topic within the relevant
political and societal forums.
IFMSA should emphasize the importance of medical students and international NGOs in the fight against
alcohol with the formation of the Global Strategy against Alcohol. Utilizing our strengths and
opportunities we shall work intensely to raise awareness against alcohol, advocate for the relevant health
policies and educate medical students on how to meet the needs of their triple role as doctors,
individually, socially, globally.
What Can Medical Students Do?
Alcohol is a major global burden and should be addressed
so. Street action activities, public campaigns and events
and awareness activities should be organized, focusing
not only on the health problems related to alcohol, but
primarily on the social aspect of the problem: violence
and injury prevention, road safety and protection of third
parties. Such activities draw the attention of international
and national media, which can multiply the impact of our
SCOPH actions, when used properly. The decades of the
IFMSA, SCOPH and NMO publications are also a strong
tool within the academic circles on a global level.
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Advocacy for the alcohol control policy development or
reinforcement is also a major field in which the Federation can be
effective in. Through our participation in student networks, such as
the Informal Forum of International Student Organizations (IFISO), in
special multi‐disciplinary networks, such as the Alcohol Policy Youth
Network (APYN), and through our interventions in international
health and political forums, the federation can be a strong partner
for the formation and implementation of the Global Strategy.
SCOPH meetings and a series of alcohol advocacy trainings are core
events to get our members trained and educated on how to treat
the problem. Through SCOPH medical students can build a strong
network of future doctors who will fulfill their triple role concerning
the problem. As individuals they will be able to intervene briefly
with their patients in their daily practice, detect the problem at an
early stage and treat the at‐risk drinkers properly. As vital members
of their society they will advocate effectively for the alcohol control
policies and finally globally they will continue participating in
relevant networks of health professionals.
During the last years within SCOPH we have scaled up to the existing need by cooperating internationally
with the foundation of APYN, organizing lectures to raise awareness within medical students, participating
in the NGO Alliance for the Global Strategy against Alcohol and cooperating closely with GAPA and WHO.
Today, more than ever, medical students are ready to work as equal partners in the field of Alcohol Policy,
responding to the evident need and contributing to meet the needs of time.
Useful Links
WHO Management of Substance Abuse – Publications and Documents
www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/alcohol/en/
WHO SEARO – Management of Substance Abuse
www.searo.who.int/en/Section1174/Section1199/Section2278.htm
Institute of Alcohol Studies – IAS
www.ias.org.uk
Global Alcohol Policy Alliance – GAPA
www.globalgapa.org
Alcohol Policy Youth Network – APYN
www.apyn.org
European Alcohol Policy Alliance – Eurocare
www.eurocare.org
DG SANCO – Europa Public Health – Alcohol
http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_determinants/life_style/alcohol/alcohol_en.htm
The Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth
http://camy.org
Center for Science in the Public Interest
http://www.cspinet.org/alcohol
The Marine Institute‐ Alcohol Industry Watchdog
http://www.marininstitute.org/
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38
Regionalization
The process of regionalization within IFMSA started in 2001‐2002. Why? Good question! Given the advent
of the era of globalisation, the word has become so inter‐connected that it has become necessary for any
global organization to ‘regionalize’ to survive and thrive.
Regionalization within IFMSA relies on people who are the most obvious experts on their own respective
regions, having the most experience in them in terms of issues to be addressed, contacts with externals
and the regional IFMSA members themselves. Regionalisation also goes a long way to decrease any
bureaucratic inefficiency, and allows for a much faster and smoother running of any organization.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has itself such a structure since many years, as do the United
Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), to
name a few.
In these organisations, national departments from different countries within the same region cooperate.
Why do these NGO’s and why does IFMSA want countries within a region to cooperate more? Of course
all countries are different, even “neighbouring countries”. Every country is unique and has its own special
situation. Nevertheless, NMOs in the same region often face comparable situations, pursue similar
interests, and run similar projects.
Combined with the socio‐cultural and geographical advantages, it is, therefore, easier for countries within
the same region to work together than it would be to achieve the same degree of cooperation among
countries all over the world.
This also paves the way for better God‐fathering, which is the process by which older NMOs help establish
and develop newer ones. With such a structure, it is hoped that all the NMOs can benefit their region in
one way or more, paving the way for stronger regions the world over.
Will this regionalisation lead to the divide of IFMSA into regional organisation? Will IFMSA no longer be a
worldwide organisation? No, that’s not at all what’s it about! In fact it’s the other way round. If anything,
regionalisation opens the way for more inter‐regional cooperation, with more follow‐up and clearer
interaction. The Regional Assistants would be better able to communicate the differences and experiences
within their regions, and work together to improve the federation. Strong Regions make for a Stronger
IFMSA, and this cannot be over‐emphasized!
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The regions will not form new, separate organisations and IFMSA will remain united and strong. Juan
Manuel Muñoz, Vice‐President for Internal Affairs 2001/2002, underlines this point: “We are not going to
establish new regional organisations. The position of the Executive Board is to strengthen and keep the
importance of other regional students' organisations, not to compete with them.”
Regionalisation also allows externals, such as the WHO, to more easily relate to IFMSA activities, whether
for funding, sponsorship, material support or otherwise.
For these reasons, among others, IFMSA was encouraged to undertake this re‐structuring.
Consequently, IFMSA has adopted the same regions as the WHO, namely: Africa, Americas, Asia & Pacific,
East Mediterranean, and Europe.
Mission Statement
Through regionalisation, our mission is to promote communication and cooperation between National Member
Organisations to foster high quality regional projects. By increasing communication between officials and National Member
Organisations, and between National Member Organisations, we will improve infrastructure both on a national and
international level. Through common external representation, we will gain support on a regional level for National Member
40
Africa
Every year millions of Africans die needlessly of
diseases those are preventable and treatable. The
important problems Africa is facing now are weak and
fragmented health systems; inadequate and poor
management of human resources for health;
recurrent natural and man made disastes ; and
extreme poverty.
Development of Africa is the responsibility of all
African including the medical students. African
countries will not develop economically and socially
without substantial improvement in the health of
their people. The health care interventions, treatments, diagnostic and preventive methods that are
needed in this region are KNOWN, the challenge that faces us is to deliver these to people who need them
and the best way to do this is to establish well functioning health plans and strategies. So, we as medical
students should respond to improve and save the land we love and care for it.
SCOPH Africa has had many steps towards these goals. It looks that more organized than ever before. It
now knows itself, its problems, needs and opportunities. It is the time to ACT. The time to see forward not
to the past.
HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and Malaria, the Maternal and Child
health are considering the main public health issues in Africa.
Also the lesser known problems of chronic diseases, such as
diabetes and hypertension, and other non communicable
conditions such as mental illness and injuries.
SCOPH Africa active projects and Activities:
Student Against Malaria – ICOM branch.
TMT (training malaria trainers).
Anti TB campaign.
Good life project (Mental Health project)
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Children activities:
Help on Pain Ending (HOPE).
Save the African Child.
Medical missions.
National health week project.
Gender based violence project.
Sickle cell project.
Anti tobacco project.
Think global project.
SCOPH Africa regional yahoo group:
Ifmsa‐scoph‐africa@yahoogroups.com
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Americas
SCOPH Americas includes all the SCOPH groups in NMOs of PAMSA. PAMSA includes all IFMSA members
within North, Central, and South America, and the Caribbean.
SCOPH Americas has a very vibrant group of SCOPHians who work tirelessly on projects and campaigns to
improve health in our countries. Some include the anti‐tobacco campaign, lifestyle diseases campaigns
focussed on diabetes and hypertension, rural medicine campaigns (brigades), mental health initiative
project, teddy bear hospital, child eye sight screening, cancer awareness, organ donation, and many
more! We achieve success in our campaigns because of the dedication of our members.
The major causes of mortality in the Americas are non‐communicable diseases, of which those with
highest mortality rates are cardiovascular diseases, neoplasms, and respiratory diseases. SCOPH Americas
tackles each of these health issues through our various campaigns and we hope that our efforts will help
in the improvement of health within our region.
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Asia and Pacific
Asia and Pacific region exhibits a plethora of language, cultural, religious, climate and socio‐economic
diversity. Due to this diversity, it is difficult to isolate a shortlist of the MOST significant Public Health
problems. In the less developed areas of the Asia‐Pacific, many of these public health issues pertain to
poverty‐related illness such as AIDS/HIV, TB and malnutrition. Whereas in the more developed areas, a
different set of diseases, including obesity and mental illness, form health issues of serious concern. In the
countries of our region close to the equator, tropical illness carries a large burden of disease where
Malaria affects a large population. In parts of the Asia‐Pacific further from the equator, diseases linked to
more temperate areas again carry a large burden of disease.
SCOPH In The Asia‐Pacific
Despite having a smaller number of NMOs compared with other regions, SCOPH‐AP’s member countries
are highly active, producing Public Health events and activities of a very high calibre. Projects and
activities in our region include:
East Asian Medical Students' Conference (EAMSC): "AIDS in the Asia‐Pacific".
Gabaldon Project 2008/2009 – includes teeth‐brushing
initiatives, public health research, surveys on childhood
growth and nutrition and Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)
education.
Red Party Project – partying to raise money for AIDS/HIV
research.
Medical Students’ Aid Project – providing much needed
medical resources and supplies to developing hospitals.
DRC Project: HandUp Congo – a community development
project, investing in public health infrastructure.
Fiji Village Project – medical students from multiple
countries working together to improve public health provision in Fiji.
Food Safety Project – educating about food safety and hygiene to lower the incidence of food‐borne
illnesses.
Teddy Bear Hospital – aims to promote better health practices in children in Grades 1‐2.
Various Indigenous Health Projects – including conferences, dialogue activities and events.
These are just a small selection of the many amazing projects active within our region. To complete an
exhaustive list would be impossible within the scope of this article. However by getting in contact with
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your SCOPH‐AP regional assistants and joining up to our yahoo group, you can learn a lot more about the
activities within our region and become more involved.
SCOPH‐AP Vision
One of the most exciting aspects to SCOPH in the
Asia‐Pacific (SCOPH‐AP), is the growth that we have
been experiencing. We have nine additional SCOPH
NMO memberships underway!! This year, SCOPH‐
AP is also strengthening its relationship with the
Asian Medical Students’ Association, a powerful
transnational medical student body operating
within our region. The potential within this
relationship is immense, where project
infrastructure, knowledge and contacts can be
shared, together strengthening and improving
Public Health endeavours in our region.
With the massive economic growth and development that has been occurring in our region to date, we as
AP SCOPHians have a vision to match this growth with our own SCOPH‐AP development. To do this we
need ALL the Asia‐Pacific countries on board. Together we can bring about a positive change and improve
the health for all in our region.
SCOPH Asia‐Pacific Yahoo Group
Inspired? It’s easy to come and join us, simple click on the link:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ifmsa‐scoph‐asiapacific/join
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East Mediterranean
EMR‐ Standing for Eastern Mediterranean Region composes of 14 NMOs, all of us making an amazing
family. The members of the region extend over 2 continents which makes this region special. NMOs are
from both West Asia and Northern Africa. Even though we are separated by geographical boundaries we
have many things in common and all work toward a common goal. SCOPH members of the EMR have
removed all the borders in between and for many years have worked together to promote a healthy life in
the region. Many topics and concerns are tackled by the EMR SCOPHians most importantly include:
Smoking, Chronic Diseases and children’s projects in addition to many such as Mental Health, TB, Viral
Hepatitis and Illegal Drugs.
In the EMR there are projects
that are run by individual NMOs
to tackle the health issue of
concern in their respective
countries such as Viral Hepatitis
in Egypt, Anti‐drug Campaign in
Bahrain and Care for Street
Children in Sudan. Other
projects being organized are
global and initiative projects
such as TBH, Anti‐Tobacco
campaigns, Anti‐TB campaigns
and many more, and let’s not
forget world health days that
are celebrated every year most
importantly world diabetes day
and world cancer day.
Communication between the EMRians are in various ways but we have our yahoo group that is the pivot
to us all, ifmsa‐scoph‐emr@yahoogroups.com
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Europe
We cannot have a talk about Europe if we don’t mention some geographical facts that are very important
in order to have the chance of a general opinion about the oldest continent on earth. Let’s remember the
basics… Europe is one of the smallest continent after Australia although it has 11% of earth’s population
so it is a little bit crowded there. Of course it is impossible that so many people have a soft life without
having some conflicts on the regions, on the customs, religion and of course the money that means
resources. These many conflicts during this long period of 2 milleniums ended with some concrete
borders that divide today the continent into aproximativly 50 countries. Hmm… So many countries on
such a small space would say the
Americans, Asians and expecially the
polar bear. That’s right and that’s
why we are also divided into
spiritual regions that usually have
the same clime, the same religion,
the same traditions in general, the
same way of living after all. There is
one more big difference between
Europe and other continents. We
also use to have a lot of Councils,
Uninons that are European forums
and their caractheristic is that they
act locally but think globally! I think I
have heard about this before, but I
don’t rememeber where. Can you
help me?
Oh… now I remember that I might have heard it in IFMSA meetings. Yes I checked out the website and I
know it from the SCOPH meetings more exactly where you can meet the NPOs from the NMOs in Europe
that are about 43 and also NPOs from the other continents. I remember that we also had some interesting
disscusion on public health issues at these meetings and some interesting topics for projects which can
help you as individual to have a vision about what is happening around you, in your country as well as in
Europe, why not?
Let’s think of the most important public health issues of Europe. Every day you hear in your family, at
school, in hospitals, on the street, on the radio that are some concrete problems of public health that
interfere a lot in peoples’ lives and give a lot of troubles in dealing with everyday activities. These
problems are cancer, nutrition and alchohol. It is a craziness on media, on doctors, on researchers, on the
government about the way to live with cancer because it has a lot of social, emotional, personal
implications and cancer actually remembers how important is every day because some time you might not
be capable to do the basics. Nutrition gives also headaches for ill people and for those who treat chronic
diseases because it is the biggest risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and some other. We all
47
have them and we became customized with that but it isn’t at all a normal condition, it is pathological. In
the end alcohol has a different treatment from region to region because of tradition and the legislation. It
is a popular problem in the North because of the mentality, they act like dinking is a normal activity like
eating for example, and it might be more soft in the South where people make abuse when they use
alcohol more in social events. I know that the majority of facts in the world as classified as the most three
important but just another helth problem, I think tobacco has to be mentioned. Everybody knows it but
there is still a long road to be taken until it will be ok living without it. As conclusion there are a lot of
public health problems because we have a lot of bad habbits…
Projects in Europe are many… There are projects for old people, for children, for adults, there are
campaigns on blood donation, on organ donation, projects that raise the awarenss for cardiovascular
disease, diabetes, mental health, TB. As I have told you in the beginning there are a lot of countries, a lot
of public health issues that are more specific from region to region and this is a good reason for the
diverse projects that develop on the continent. Although there are some projects that are general for
everybody and I refer to the projects dedicated to children that are the same everywhere. And when I say
children what can you think more about than Teddy Bear Hospital? And there is also Tabacco Initiative
that fight with tobacco every month in most NMOs and this is absolutely great!
Dear reader, we hope that you enjoyed this article that was written by regional assistants for Europe. Now
we hope that you understand better why we are two, right?
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SCOPH and your NMO
49
51
To recruit members they have to be interested in the group. For SCOPH this is easy because we are about
health and our target group are medical students! But even with this advantage, membership recruitment
still requires some work on the part of the officers. Presenting your plans for the year is a useful tool in
membership recruitment. People will be drawn to your activities and want to get involved.
Other means of recruiting members is through introducing your group at your local and national
assembly, announcements in classes, invitations to participate in projects, flyers, posters, stickers etc.
Once your activities have started, this will also help to attract more people to your group, so it is
important to promote your activities well.
Start Projects!
Once you have a workforce then its time to start work! Please bear in mind that your workforce could in
the beginning consist solely of you and a few friends, but even with small numbers it is possible to achieve
much. It is important to ensure that projects are well planned and well executed. It is also important to do
a report on yours projects and to send these to the NPO or to the regional assistant.
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How to hold a productive SCOPH session
Part I ‐ A local SCOPH Session
Description:
A local SCOPH Session is a meeting organized by Local Public Health Officer (LPO). Time and duration
depends mostly on LPO (usually few‐ 2 hours).
The main goals of a local SCOPH session:
to inform people about SCOPH and IFMSA‐ Local Committee (general information)
to promote projects and other SCOPH activities
to form a team (to find help and coordinators for every project you would like to organize)
to create a plan of action for next weeks
to make simple training and brainstorm
Tools:
Power Point presentations (with short information about every project and activity, many pictures from
different actions, information from other Local Committees of your NMO‐ successes, ideas)
Short movies about projects or public health problems
Discussion with former coordinators
Discussion with LPO
Promotion of a local SCOPH Session:
posters and leaflets
private messages, emails
information on mailing lists, Facebook and other messengers
text messages
asking friends from other students groups for their help with promotion
short presentations before some lectures
information in a students newspaper
53
Advices:
Start to organize the meeting few weeks earlier. Write everything you must do in a paper e.g. to find and
to book a room, to find a video or a computer. Ask other coordinators or your Local President for help.
They will tell you where you can find the stuff you need for your meeting‐ you are not the first person who
organize a meeting like yours.
Pay much attention on presentations you will do and on your knowledge about SCOPH and projects. A
general impression and your behavior will be really important‐ the better impression‐ the more people
will want to work with you).
Part II ‐ A National SCOPH meeting
Description:
A National SCOPH meeting is a meeting organized by National Public Health Officer (NPO, NOPH) just for
members of that particular Standing Committee. Time and duration depends mostly on NPO (usually one
or two days). NPO needs to think of a place for the meeting, accommodation and other necessary things
e.g. food.
The main goals of a National SCOPH Session:
to share ideas for projects and activities
to inform about successes, progress
to discuss public health problems
to motivate each other
to promote projects and coordinators
to integrate SCOPHians
to build a team
to create a new campaign or project
trainings about e.g. time management, marketing, team building, problems solving
Tools:
Power point presentations made by NPO and LPOs, Project Coordinators
Short movies about projects or public health problems
A general discussion in one big group
Discussions in small groups
Guest speakers, trainers
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Promotion of a National SCOPH Session:
information on mailing lists, private messages, emails
Facebook and other messengers
Advices
1. Before the meeting‐ writing an agenda.
Description: SCOPH Session agenda is a plan of topics you are going to discuss with members of your
meeting, prepared few weeks before the session. Usually is based on suggestions and ideas of all
members, their expectations and experience.
A) Use mailing list and private messages while writing an agenda.
B) Analyze activity of your coordinators and think of problems they usually face on, think of their
experience.
C) Ask personally your best coordinators for preparing some presentations or facilitating some
discussions. Some of them for sure are waiting for that kind of invitation!
C) Don’t choose too many topics for your Session. Put everything in an order and decide what is the most
important for you and start with it.
D) Creating an agenda of the meeting can bring a lot of fun to you and your SCOPHians but don’t except
that everyone will give you some input. Don’t worry if only few people do this. Remember that the last
word belongs always to you and you should be ready for difficulties.
E) Try to mix in your agenda different methods‐ general discussion, work in groups, some quizzes. You will
show your SCOPHians that you are creative.
2. During the session‐ moderate the meeting.
A) Moderate the meeting all the time. Everyone wants to have an amazing SCOPH brainstorm during the
meeting but please be careful with it. Sometimes it can give a great effect but sometimes you can see that
after discussion you realize that you know even less than before. Always know what you want to get with
the discussion and control it.
B) Brakes and energizers are as much important as the topics of your session so observe people all the
time and watch if they start to be tired.
Brakes should be short‐ if you give them too much time it will be really hard to get the group in one place
again!
Energizers are special kind of funny games. The rules are usually the same‐ to sing, to move, to dance and
to laugh.
It’s good if you leave the time for brakes and energizers in the agenda. That will help you to achieve
everything you expected‐ you will see how much time you need for everything.
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3. During the meeting‐ small working groups.
Form few little groups of participants. Each of group works on different public health topic and tries to
create a new campaign and project. On topics for SWG think earlier‐ when you build an agenda of your
session. Please remember‐ for that kind of work you must have a lot of time, working on topic in a short
time can be not so effective. In the end each of group presents the result of their discussion.
4. During the meeting‐ a secret event.
Surprise your SCOPHians with a secret event! Spend as much time with them as you can. Prepare some
competition, game or SCOPH party, take group pictures, funny pictures. Be creative. That will great not
only for new SCOPHians but also for old coordinators.
5. After the meeting‐ evaluation (methods).
Evaluation is as much important as the session. You will see if they think your session was useful for them
and how much they liked it. It will help you to make a better session next time.
Methods‐ examples:
General discussion about positives and negatives facilitated by NPO or coordinator.
Discussion in small groups facilitated by few coordinators.
Filling in a short and easy questionnaire.
Writing positives and negatives on small papers by every participant
6. After the meeting‐ certificates.
Prepare certificates for all participants of your meeting. They work really hard and for sure they deserve it.
They will be happy and really surprised!
Part III ‐ A SCOPH Session during a National GA
Description
A SCOPH Session is a meeting organized during National GA. Time and duration depends on President of
NMO. NPO doesn’t need to think of a place for the meeting, accommodation and other necessary things
e.g. food because everything is made by OC.
The main goals of a SCOPH Session during a National GA are usually the same as for National SCOPH
meetings:
to share ideas for projects and activities
to inform about successes, progress
to discuss public health problems
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to motivate each other
to promote projects and coordinators
to integrate SCOPHians
to build a team
to create a new campaign or project
trainings about e.g. time management, marketing, team building, problems solving
Tools
Power Point presentations made by NPO and LPOs, Project Coordinators
Short movies about projects or public health problems
A general discussion in one big group
Discussions in small groups
Guest speakers, trainers
Promotion of a National SCOPH Session:
information on mailing lists, private messages, emails
Facebook and other messengers
Advices:
1. See advices for a National SCOPH Session.
2. Have fun!
Workshop is a real life, I can’t predict what happen. But for sure just you see some problems so don’t
think of it that much. Your SCOPHians will be joyful because you give them a chance to meet you and
another coordinators!!! And the most important thing!!! Have fun!!! If you have fun, coordinators have it
as well. The same is when you smile:‐)
3. The first day is more important than the second!
If you have a two days meeting the first day is the more important than second‐ people are not tired and
full of energy. Discuss with them main problems and main ideas on that day. On the second day (after a
good SCOPH party…) they are more tired and sleepy so their work is not so effective. So for that day
choose something funny and easy.
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4. Trainings are as much important as discussions about projects and public health problems.
Due to trainings you will improve their skills and help them to work more effective on their projects. You
should teach them how to work, how to get money and to organize a great event. For sure they except
that from you.
Part IV – A national SCOPH project workshop
Description
A National SCOPH project workshop is a meeting organized by National Public Health Officer (NPO, NOPH)
or Coordinator just about particular SCOPH Project e.g. tobacco, alcohol, mental health. The time and
duration depends mostly on NPO (usually one or two days). NPO needs to think of a place for the meeting,
accommodation and other necessary things e.g. food.
The main goals
to share ideas for one particular SCOPH project
to inform about successes, progress
to discuss public health problem
to motivate each other and build a plan of action for next months of work
to promote project and coordinators
to integrate coordinators
to build a team
to create a new campaign or project or to develop that project
trainings about e.g. time management, marketing, team building, problems solving
Tools
Power Point presentations made by NPO and LPOs, Project Coordinators
Short movies about projects or public health problems
A general discussion in one big group
Discussions in small groups
Guest speakers, trainers
Promotion of a national SCOPH project workshop
information on mailing lists, private messages, emails
Facebook and other messengers
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Advices
See advices for a National SCOPH Session and a Session during a National GA
Experts and guest speakers
Try to invite many experts in that field. That will be really attractive for everyone and will help you to
develop that project.
Don’t forget about some interesting training
Try to find a topic for training which be related close to that project.
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SCOPH Meetings
Meetings ummmm!!! In SCOPH meeting are essential to move forward, simply because every SCOPHians
must be aware and updated about SCOPH’s work. The purpose of the meetings is bidirectional, for the
members to know what SCOPH is, how it functions, what the projects are and what new events and
projects are coming up, and for the officials to stay updated about what is going on, who needs help and
how can they offer their experience.
Meetings in IFMSA in general and for SCOPH in specific are either during the GAs (General Assembly),
Regional Meetings or online. So how are those meetings conducted and what are the benefits of
attending them?
General Assembly
During the General Assemblies held twice a
year one in March and the other in August,
there are set sessions for Standing
Committees. During these sessions all the
SCOPH members get a chance to meet
each other and get introduced to SCOPH
and get updated on its wor k. The session
is usually run by the SCOPH Director, and he/she is helped by the regional assistants. Sessions are set so
that the members get an introduction about SCOPH, updates about what have occurred since the last GA,
new projects that have been established, projects that have been organized around the world, in addition
to the talk of externals from WHO or other NGOs that relate to Public Health topics. SWG (Small Working
Groups) time has a role in the meeting too and there are chances for the SCOPHians to work on projects
and topic that matter to them.
Regional Meeting
Each region organizes its own regional meeting annually, during which Standing committees meet.
Regional meeting have a greater role that GA SC sessions, simple because the regional meeting are set to
meet the need of the members and to tackle their questions in a one to one matter. The agenda for the
sessions are set based on what the members ask for, and during the session the Regional Assistant that
runs the session tries to meet the demands of each NMO and set the basis of good communication
between all NMOs. All Regional meetings are set so that new NMOs are welcomed and get introduced to
SCOPH, its structure, goal and projects, in addition to NMO presentations and project presentations by
the NMOs of the region that facilitates the exchange of ideas and thoughts between SCOPHians. SWG
time targets Public Health topics that are of concern for the region and allows well established NMOs to
pass their experience to the new welcomed families. Regional Meetings as the GAs have sessions where
externals from WHO or other NGOs are invited to talk about a Public Health issue related to the region,
and these session are usually of great benefit since they provide important information each health care
provider should know to improve in the quality of services provided for the public.
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Taking part in a Regional Meeting has a advantage for both new NMOs and old ones:
For the new NMOs it is the 1st step to understand SCOPH’s work and a way to learn the best way to
establish a good solid base for SCOPH.
For the old NMOs, is the best way to be updated about the matters of the region, new established
projects, train new members in the NMO and gain knowledge from the externals.
Online Meetings
Online meetings are newly established for the NMO since earlier these meeting were only organized by
the officials to talk about administrative issues. However; with the great dependence on internet and
networking and the need for direct and personal communication between the NPOs and their Regional
Assistants introducing such a way of communications makes SCOPH work easy.
Online meetings are organized and set depending on the members of each region and when is the best
time for them and are run by the Regional Assistants. Don’t miss your online meetings, they are the best
way to stay on track and get all the help and information you need.
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Planning your SCOPH Project
Here are some steps in planning your SCOPH project:
o Needs assessment
o Set goals
o Plan of Action
o Detailed project plan
o Getting relevant externals involved
o Fundraising
o Promotion of the project
o Execution
o Evaluate the project
o Ensure sustainability
o Report of the project
Needs assessment
Identify the important public health issues in your community. Projects must always be chosen based on
whether they are important or not and if they are relevant to the target population. Sometimes this needs
assessment may involve getting relevant data from health sources. This is especially important when
presenting a project to externals, you must be able to show that your project is needed and that benefit
can be gained from it.
Set goals for the project
Goals represent the idea and ideal of the project and what you would like to achieve both in the short and
long term. The project must be clearly defined so that the scope of the project is known and understood.
Plan of Action
The plan of action includes who your target population is and how you intend to reach them. The means
of delivery must be suited to the population. For example formal medical lectures are probably not
appropriate in a rural village.
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Establish what your resources are in terms of time, funding, equipment, and human resources. Assign
members to manage different aspects of the projects so they are actively involved in the planning stage. If
they are a part of the planning process then you will get more ideas for the project and will get more
support from your members. Allow them to choose which aspect of the project they are most equipped to
and interested to assist with.
Detailed project plan
This is where you do a step by step plan of how the project will be carried out. You should assign people to
different tasks and ensure that their roles are well defined to avoid anything being neglected and double‐
assigned. It is important to remember the importance of delegating people to assist in the planning of the
project. It is impossible for one person to be able to manage everything effectively on their own. Delegate
responsibilities and monitor the progress of each section.
Externals
Establish contact with other groups with particular interest in your project. They will be able to provide
extra resources in the form of funding, human resources, and promotion.
Fundraising
You must decide how you will raise funds for the project. This could be done through allowances granted
through your NPO or University or through your own fundraising ventures. Be creative when coming up
with fundraisers. A simple food or sticker sale, or a walkathon can help yield funds to start off a project.
Promotion
Promote the project in your NMO, the University and the community. There are many ways of doing this,
i.e. through flyers, posters, stickers, announcements etc. Ensure that your name or logo is on all
promotional material. This helps to create a corporate image for you so that when people see or hear of
you again, they will remember your past work.
Have the project
After managing your well laid plans, comes the execution of your project. Good preplanning is important
to ensure a smooth running of the project. Follow your plans for the events so as to not leave out
important details or get flustered. However remember that even with the best planning things can always
go wrong. It is important if this happens to remain cool and focused and be creative and flexible to
manouevre through these problems.
As project coordinator it is very important to keep your members motivated. They look to you for
guidance and support. If you fall apart at the slightest sign of trouble then your members may also lose
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focus and the project could suffer. At stressful moments never hesitate to ask for help and never forget to
delegate! Take a deep breath, review the plan and see what needs to be changed to suit the new
situation. It is good to get input from others at this time so that you will receive new ideas and different
approaches.
Evaluate the Project
Once the project is completed it is important to consider the following:
Were the objectives of the project met?
What difficulties were faced and how can you overcome them?
How can you improve the project?
How can you get more people involved in the project?
Evaluating is important so as to ensure that when next the project is undertaken we would have learned
from the past experience and can pass on that knowledge to others.
Sustainability
To ensure sustainability of the project you must monitor the effectiveness and progress of the project and
monitor the use of resources. You should always look for ways to improve on what has been done in the
past (again the importance of evaluating the project). It is also important to do a full report on the project
so that project coordinators will have information from your experience to use in their plans and so that
other groups interested in adopting your project will have a working model.
Reporting
It is important to record what you have done and share it with others. Report everything that was
planned, any challenges and recommendations. This will help garner more awareness to your group and
more support for the project. If externals were involved then a report should be given to them and all
support persons. It is also good to submit the report to your NPO and maybe your faculty so that they are
always aware of your work.
In SCOPH all reports from LPOs should be sent to the NPOs, and then the NPOs should send reports to the
regional assistants who will then report to the SCOPH Director.
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SCOPH Activities
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SCOPH Focus Days
While most SCOPH activities are yearlong there are some health days that we celebrate internationally.
These world health days are excellent opportunities for SCOPH to work together, on the same day, on the
same project, internationally so that we can have a global impact!
Remember to always share your activities with us all through our yahoo group ifmsa‐
scoph@yahoogroups.com. By sharing with each other we can all learn from each other and improve the
work we do.
October
1s t Oct ‐ International Day for Older Persons
The United Nation’s International Day for Older Persons focuses on issues that affect older persons and
the great contribution they make to our societies. SCOPH takes an active part in dealing with issues
related to older people through its aging and health projects. For more information on geriatric medicine
go to: iagg.com
10th Oct ‐ World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is an initiative under the World Federation for Mental Health. The day seeks to
draw attention to and educate people on mental health issues. SCOPH supports this day particularly
through our Mental Health Initiative Project. For more information visit: wfmh.org
November
14th Nov ‐ World Diabetes Day
This is one of the most important days in our SCOPH calendar. This day is organized by the International
Diabetes Federation. The aim of the day is the spread information about diabetes and a different theme is
chosen for each year. Each year SCOPH has projects worldwide on this day and we are able to reach
thousands of people to better educate them on diabetes. For more information see:
worlddiabetesday.org
15th Nov ‐ World COPD Day
This day is organized by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. The aim of the day is to
better educate people about the disease and its management. For more information see: goldcopd.com
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20th Nov ‐ Universal Children’s Day
This day is coordinated by UNICEF. Every year activities are carried out to raise awareness to children’s
issues and to improve their welfare. SCOPH carries out numerous projects related to child health. This day
is a very special one in which we should all ne involved.
December
3rd Dec ‐ International Day of Persons with Disabilities
This day highlights the issues faced by persons with disabilities and seeks to educate people on their
rights. This is a particularly important day for SCOPH to get involved as we target this group of people that
are too often forgotten.
January
30th Jan ‐ International Leprosy Day
Leprosy, a very stigmatized disease, is thankfully decreasing in incidence. This is largely due to the use of
multidrug therapy in the treatment of the condition. However unfortunately not everyone has been able
to benefit from this. The major cause of this deficit is the lack of knowledge of many affected and at risk
persons of the possibility of treatment. World leprosy day seeks to increase peoples knowledge of the
management of leprosy, to decrease the stigma and allow for those affected to get the help they need.
SCOPH has a great role to play in this kind of campaign. We can help spread the word about the disease,
to let people know it is a curable disease and the stigma associated is unwarranted.
February
4th Feb ‐ World Cancer Day
This day raises awareness about cancers and how to prevent them. Since 2007 the International Union
Against Cancer has adopted a 5 year campaign titled “Today’s Children, Tomorrow’s World”, which
focuses on preventing cancer with healthy lifestyles. The focus is on children as lifestyle habits adopted
now will have an impact in later years. SCOPH has the opportunity to get involved and support this theme
through our various activities. Every year we carry out projects to educate people on cancer and the risk
factors, and we definitely intend to continue this tradition. For more information see:
www.worldcancercampaign.org
Theme of the March Meeting
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March
24th Mar ‐ World Tuberculosis Day
Tuberculosis has for many people become a forgotten disease. What many of us do not realise is that this
is still a particularly important disease that causes numerous deaths worldwide each year. Even more,
with the increased prevalence of AIDS in our societies, tuberculosis has come again to the forefront.
World tuberculosis day seeks to increase public awareness of the disease. Through our educational
campaigns, SCOPH can help to raise awareness. For more information see: stoptb.org
April
7th Apr ‐ World Health Day
This event is sponsored yearly by the WHO and aims to increase awareness of a particular public health
issue. A different theme is celebrated each year. SCOPH gets involved each year by supporting the chosen
theme. For more information see: who.int/world‐health‐day
25th Apr ‐ World Malaria Day
World Malaria Day seeks to educate people on this very serious disease. Persons are told about the
effects of the disease and how to reduce the environmental risk factors for contracting it. Through
SCOPH’s International Campaign On Malaria (ICOM) medical students can get involved in the fight against
malaria. For more information see: www.rollbackmalaria.org/worldmalariaday
May
31st May ‐ World No‐Tobacco Day
This celebration day seeks to educate people on the dangers of tobacco use and on what we can do to
reduce tobacco related problems. SCOPH supports this day through our Anti‐Tobacco Campaign. For more
information and campaign material see: www.who.int/tobacco/wntd
June
1st Jun ‐ International Children’s Day
Children are so important that we celebrate two Children’s Days, International and Universal Children’s
Day. Both days are geared towards promoting the rights and care of children worldwide.
14th Jun ‐ World Blood Donor Day
World Blood Donor Day seeks to recognize those who have helped save lives by donating blood. It is also a
great opportunity for us to promote blood donation so as to encourage past blood donors and attract new
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ones. As medical students we can be very effective in promoting blood donation campaigns, especially
given the niche of University students we are surrounded by. For more information see: wbdd.org
26th Jun ‐ International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
This day seeks to raise awareness of the negative effects that illicit drugs have on the individual, families,
and the society at large. SCOPH can play an integral role in spreading this message amongst our peers, our
elders, and children.
July
Theme of the August Meeting
September
10th Sep ‐ World Suicide Prevention Day
This day draws public attention to the many lives that are lost to suicide each year. It seeks to get
everyone involved in the prevention of suicide. SCOPH gets involved in this campaign though our Mental
Health Initiative Project. Activities include educating people on the warning signs for depression and
suicide, and on where people can go for help. Visit this web site for more information:
www.iasp.info/wspd
28th Sep ‐ World Heart Day
This event, organized by the World Heart Federation, seeks to increase public awareness on the effects of
cardiovascular disease, the risk factors and how to minimise them. Each year is celebrated under a
different theme. SCOPH gets involved in this day through our various healthy lifestyle projects and
especially through the Trans‐Obesity Network (TON) campaign. For more information see: www.world‐
heart‐federation.org/what‐we‐do
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List of World Celebration Days
October
1st International Day for Older Persons ‐ (SCOPH & WHO LO)
1st Weekend WHO walk event ‐ (WHO LO & SCOPH)
2nd World Habitat Day ‐ (SCOPH involving SCORP & UNFPA LO)
10th World Mental Health Day – (SCOPH & WHO LO)
11th International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction ‐ (SCORP & SCOPH)
16th World Food Day ‐ (SCOPH involving WHO, UNFPA & UNICEF LO)
17th International Day for the Eradication of Poverty ‐ (SCOPH & WHO involving UNICEF & UNFPA LO)
November
14th World Diabetes Day ‐ (SCOPH & WHO LO)
25th International Day for Prevention of Violence Against Women ‐ (SCORA involving UNICEF LO & SCOPH)
December
1st World AIDS Day ‐ (SCORA involving UNICEF WHO & UNFPA LO & SCOPH)
3rd International Day for Disabled Persons ‐ (SCOPH involving WHO & UNICEF LO)
5th International Volunteers Day ‐ (UNESCO LO)
10th World Human Rights Day ‐ (SCORP involving SCOPH)
January
30th International Leprosy Day ‐ (SCOPH involving WHO LO)
March
8th International Women's Day (SCORA with UNFPA & UNICEF LO)
22nd World Day of Water ‐ (SCOPH, SCORP involving UNFPA, UNICEF & WHO LO)
24th World Tuberculosis Day ‐ (SCOPH with WHO LO)
April
7th World Health Day (WHO LO with SCOPH)
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13th World Day of the Book ‐ (UNESCO with SCOME)
22nd Earth Day ‐ (SCOPH)
25th International Malaria Day ‐ (SCOPH, UNICEF, WHO)
May
15th International Day of Families ‐ (UNFPA & UNICEF LO involving SCORP & SCOPH)
28th International Day of Action for Women's Health ‐ (SCORA & SCOPH involving WHO, UNICEF LO)
31st World No‐Tobacco Day ‐ (SCOPH with WHO LO)
June
1st International Children's Day ‐ (UNICEF LO involving SCOPH)
1‐7th International Volunteers' Week (UNESCO LO)
5th World Environment Week ‐ (SCOPH with WHO LO)
14th World Blood Donor Day
17th World Desertification Day ‐ (SCOPH involving WHO LO)
26th Int. Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking ‐ (SCOPH, SCORA involving WHO & UNICEF LO)
26th International Day for Victims of Torture ‐ (SCORP)
July
11th World Population Day ‐ (UNFPA LO)
August
1‐7th World Breast Feeding Week ‐ (UNICEF LO involving SCOPH & UNFPA LO)
6th Hiroshima Day ‐ (IPPNW LO)
September
8th International Physiotherapy Day ‐ (SCOPH)
8th International Literacy Day ‐ (UNESCO involving SCOME)
19th International Day of Peace ‐ (SCORP & IPPNW)
21st World Alzheimer’s Day ‐ (SCOPH & WHO)
28th World Heart Day ‐ (SCOPH & WHO)
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World Public Health Conferences 2009
January 2009
22nd Netherlands Heart Days ‐ Willemstad, Curacao, Dutch Caribbean, Netherlands Antilles
February 2009
24th Biomedical Approaches to HIV/AIDS Prevention ‐ San Francisco, California
27th 2009 Faculty Student Multidiscipline Global Conference – Churchill, Australia
March 2009
02nd 4th Regional Pneumococcal Symposium – Johannesburg, South Africa
03rd IFMSA March Meeting – Hammamet, Tunisia
10th Lifestyle Strategies for Prevention and Intervention: Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes ‐ Loma Linda
25th 7th European HIV Drug Resistance Workshop – Stockholm, Sweden
25th 17th UKPHA Annual Public Health Forum – Brighton, United Kingdom
April 2009
19th Harm Reduction 2009: IHRA's 20th International Conference – Bangkok, Thailand
21st World Drug Safety Congress Americas 2009 ‐ Washington DC, Washington
26th International Students’ Meeting on Public Health – Istanbul, Turkey
27th 12th World Public Health Congress – Istanbul, Turkey
May 2009
01st 18th Annual HIV Conference of the Florida/Caribbean AIDS Education and Training Center ‐ Florida 06
17th European Congress on Obesity ‐ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
03rd 12th World Congress on Cancer of the Skin 2009 ‐ Tel‐Aviv, Israel
08th 25th International Papillomavirus Conference ‐ Malmö, Sweden
12th 16th World Congress on Disaster and Emergency Medicine ‐ Victoria, Canada
14th Heart Foundation Conference 2009 'Hearts in Focus : Celebration, Collaboration and Challenges' –
Brisbane, Australia
15th American Conference for the Treatment of HIV (ACTHIV) – Denver, Colorado
17th NeisseriaVaccines2009, International Workshop on Neisseria Vaccines – Varadero, Cuba
17th Physicians Week 2009 – Sydney, Australia
18th Occupational Health and Safety Forum ‐ Dubai, United Arab Emirates
28th Epidémiologie sociale et inégalités de santé – Toulouse, France
June 2009
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07th Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology 2009 Annual Conference Ft.‐
Lauderdale, Finland
17th ESPNIC ‐ European Society of Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care – Verona, Italy
July 2009
17th Discovering Openness in Health Systems metro ‐ Washington DC, Distric of Columbia
20th 16th International Meeting of the Psychometric Society ‐ Cambridge, United Kingdom
August 2009
IFMSA August Meeting – location to be confirmed
September 2009
02nd Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth Conference 2009 – Melbourne, Australia
04th Breastfeeding: A Key Public Health Issue ‐ Canberra, Australia
09th Second ENSEC Conference: Promoting Social and Emotional Education in Children and in Young
Persons ‐ Izmir, Turkey
23rd Disaster Management 2009 ‐ New Forest, United Kingdom
October 2009
11th 8th International Congress on Coronary Artery Disease ‐ ICCAD 2009 – Prague, Czech Republic
13th Legionella 2009 – Paris, France
14th Fifth International SIVUS Conference on Mental Retardation – Dhaka, Bangladesh
20th International Conference in Modeling Health Advances 2009 ‐ San Francisco, California
28th International Association for Adolescent Health (IAAH) 9th World Congress ‐ Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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SCOPH Projects
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Majority of activities of SCOPH are carried through the SCOPH Projects. They are the backbone of SCOPH
activities and serve as an excellent forum for SCOPHians to be involved. Hence, in the following pages, the
Development Assistants for Projects (Louise and Chris) and their team have put up a tremendous effort to
give you an overview of the projects active in SCOPH. Get involved in a project of your interest!!
Projects
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IFMSA Campaign on Malaria (ICOM)
About 40% of the world’s population, mostly those living in the poorest countries are at risk of acquiring
malaria. Furthermore, every 30 seconds a child dies from malaria, 500, 000, 000 are infected every year
and more than 1, 000, 000 die. The response of the IFMSA is called – ICOM: IFMSA Campaign on Malaria!
This is an umbrella project, which consists of different activities within your own local committees. This
article tries to introduce you to some of them in order to get ideas for your own activities to tackle
Malaria!
What do we want to achieve
Education on nets (prevention), symptoms (seek a doctor), medication and to medical
students.
Educate the society in the affected areas concerning the use of nets against
mosquitoes, concerning the symptoms of having malaria to seek a doctor early and in raising awareness
for the availability of effective medication (may be free).
Raise awareness and the knowledge of medical students worldwide concerning Malaria. To train us as
future physicians to play an active role through advocacy and through treating and preventing this
disease.
In order to achieve these goals we need to get active on the local level – let’s organize activities on the
World Malaria Day, 25th of April!
World Swim against Malaria (www.worldswimagainstmalaria.com)
The biggest swim event of the world can also be a big event for the IFMSA. It raises the worldwide
awareness concerning malaria and puts pressure on our politicians as well as simply being fun. It is also a
fundraising event with 100% of the funds being used to buy nets ‐ one net costs just $5 and just 8 nets
save a life statistically!
Health Education Campaign
Our main goal should be to raise the awareness and to educate society concerning the symptoms, the
treatment and possible prevention of this disease. This can be done through educating kids and teens
through educational games e.g. competitions on drawing, short stories or even poems or to create posters
and flyers to spread your malaria messages to the general society.
Bite Back
The Malaria project consists of 3 steps. As students complete each activity, they will receive a wristband –
one will say “B” for believing, another “U” for understanding, and the final one will have a “G” for giving –
spelling out “BUG.”
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B: The campus community is encouraged to sign a petition to show its concern over malaria.
U: Increasing awareness is the key. Movies about malaria are shown and health information distributed.
G: A donation campaign “Send Nets to Save Lives” is raised. It only costs $10 to provide an insecticide‐
treated bed net that can prevent this deadly disease.
Peer Education Training – TMT (Train Malaria Trainers)
An active training session at previous preGAs, which can also take place in your country! Create a peer
education network by training medical students with the skills needed to act out interventions for the
community or to educate other medical students on Malaria.
Many names are given to the monster – tuberculosis pathogen, which the
World Health Organisation (WHO) admitted 2 billion of world population has
been exposed to. Thus TB is one of the most virulent diseases worldwide. In
the 20th century, tuberculosis killed an estimated 100 million people. Hopes
that the disease could be completely eliminated have been dashed since the
rise of drug resistant strains and the resurgence of tuberculosis has resulted
in the declaration of a global health emergency by the WHO in 1993.
What can medical students do effectively?
Medical students play a main role towards their society by raising awareness
about Malaria to the general public, high‐risk groups and their non‐medical
student colleagues inside their universities. This is highly effective and
represents the real power of medical students. The prevention of the disease
is the most powerful tool regarding disease control and eradication of TB. So
what can you do?
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Organise an awareness‐campaign.
Tell people more about early symptoms like coughing and about ways to
prevent and to treat TB. Use posters, leaflets and flyers and try to get more
attention by asking the TV or newspapers to report your activities.
Advocate against TB.
Demand attention and speak as the voice of medical students. Collect
signatures and write a statement to put pressure on your Ministry of Health and government to take
action against Malaria.
Be active on the World TB Day.
It is celebrated on the 24th of March within IFMSA and all over the world. Share your plans and ideas with
SCOPHians all over the world by sending emails to the SCOPH Yahoo‐Group.
Tobacco Initiative Project (TIP)
In the 21st Century 1, 000, 000, 000 people [WHO] will die because of tobacco, 10% of them because of
second‐hand smoke. This is the population of China, India, the whole Africa and more than the United
States and European Union (EU) put together! The IFMSA can and should play an important role within
the fight against this disaster. What we can do best is to get the attention of the general public, to
educate our society, to strengthen the image of being a non‐smoker and to advocate for adequate health
care policies against tobacco use.
We have different kinds of activities in IFMSA to achieve these goals and they are combined under the
umbrella of the Tobacco Initiative Project (TIP). You can also use some of these projects and activities
presented in this article in your own local committee.
Smoke‐free Party.
It’s a party, it is fun and it is serious: second‐hand smoke is deadly and one of
the most underestimated risk factors for preventable diseases. In the EU alone,
80, 000 people are dying every year because of second‐hand smoke [WHO]. This
activity can raise awareness especially for this risk factor. Furthermore, it can
help raise our voices for the creation of health care policies like smoke‐free pubs
and discotheques AND it can strengthen the image of being a non‐smoker
effectively. Just look for a discotheque and the owner will be happy if you want
to organise a party for him. Just create posters and flyers and that’s it!
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Smoking‐ologist
This transnational project is integrating the concept of role‐play simulation in its activities. The
participants will reflect on the role profile of a doctor who is a smoker (Smoking‐ologist) in an artificial
social setting where smoking is a medical specialty (Smoking‐ology), implying that the smoker doctor
promotes smoking. Such a concept will expose the participants to first‐person experiences of personalities,
motivations and backgrounds of doctors who are smokers.
Peer Education & Advocacy
The idea is to train medical students to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to make interventions
at high schools and universities and furthermore, to train other medical students who are the next
generation of doctors. One step is the EuToCom (European Tobacco Control Meeting) of the IFMSA,
sponsored by the EU. Collect signatures in order to hand them over to your Ministry of Health; signatures
from medical students, by the general public – simply as many as you can, or a symbolic number.
Smoke‐free National Assembly
This might be the easiest way to raise awareness concerning second‐hand smoke. Be the one who
proposes this bylaw change at your next national meeting!
Join our Group! Visit: smokefreeparty-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or Email: tip@ifmsa.org/scophd@ifmsa.org
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Smile X
Hello there, IFMSA folks! We are proud to introduce to you “Smile X”, the craziest project of our
association!
Smile X is a project that gives medical students the opportunity to be in contact with the most beautiful
kind of medicine: the clown‐therapy. Inspired by doctors like Patch Adams and Dr. Marc Christensen,
Smile X is a transnational project that was created in Italy and that now exists in 4 countries. After a hard
learning process on clown techniques, medical students visit paediatric wards in order to try to establish a
joyful relationship with the little patients. In general the clowns are divided into pairs and dressed up with
the famous red noses. They develop games, gags and music presentations with the children, although the
hospital’s dynamics are always respected.
Our aims are to create a less stressed atmosphere inside our hospitals, giving children back their playful
and spontaneous universe of childhood that may be lost with the admission. Moreover, we try to offer
medical students tools and techniques to approach our patients in a friendlier way, which will eventually
make medical treatment more comfortable for both patients and ourselves. Smile‐X is about organizing
clown therapy courses for medical students (held by doctors and students), creating a network to
exchange all our experiences and to promote our idea of a harmonic doctor‐patient relationship. Our goal
is not become clown doctors for the rest of our lives. We also do not think that all of us, once graduated
will carry a red nose in their coat. What we really want to learn is how we can be better doctors and how
we can be closer to patients’ problems!
Paint your nose and come to play with us. Become a clown‐therapist too! To join us, or to get more
information, please contact project.smile@yahoo.com! Our team will be glad to talk to you and believe
me... I'm not joking this time ☺.
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Teddy Bear under Christmas Tree
“Santa is here!” – looking out through the patient rooms’ door the children are shouting
with disbelief and happiness. Santa and his helpers are visiting them, singing carols and
distributing gifts. For this moment the children and their parents are able to forget about
their illnesses and fears and they can simply rejoice in the Christmas atmosphere even in a
hospital setting.
This is the reason why every year more and more medical students and local committees of IFMSA‐Poland
join the project “Teddy Bear under Christmas Tree” ‐ the initiative, which aims to bring happiness to
children who have to stay in hospital over Christmas. The project attracts medical students and gives
them the opportunity to learn how
to interact with hospitalized children and to gain experience in organizing charity events, which include
parties, lotteries, movie evenings and concerts. All of these help to collect money to buy the gifts for the
little ones. The students involved in the activities experience great satisfaction and assure us of taking part
again next year, always considering their work as a great success for the families, themselves and their
local committees. Doctors, media and parents are impressed by the initiative and look forward to
supporting us in the project. “Teddy Bear under Christmas tree” won the 1st prize in the category "The
Best Presentation" in the Projects Presentations sessions during the 57th General Assembly of the IFMSA
in Ochio Rios‐Jamaica.
You can also join Santa’s team!
Please contact:
aleksandra.herbowska@gmail.com
npo@ifmsa.pl
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Teddy Bear Hospital
The Teddy Bear Hospital must be one of the most playful projects run by medical students
because it is so popular within SCOPH of the IFMSA and within the European Medical
Students Association – EMSA! Let’s see: “Hospital for Teddy Bears”? Sounds weird? The
idea behind is quite simple in fact! We aim to introduce the clinical examination to
children aged between 4‐6 in a playful way in order to reduce their fears and at the same
time provide an opportunity for medical students to learn more about pediatrics and
interaction with children.
Let the magic begin, children become parents and teddy bears their ill little ones! Through their own
personal toy and without the stress of being the patient children come in contact with the hospital
scenery. Parallel to this, through the role of parents children feel safe and interested in what is going on in
front of them. They learn how to be responsible and realise that visiting a doctor is not something they
should be afraid of.
And the game starts! Does your belly hurt? We should give you a little of this
fantastic syrup “Strawberrex”. Is your Teddy sick because of too much
chocolate? Daddy’s kiss was not enough to make it feel better? Don’t
worry our doctors are there to help you! The teddy‐doc’s must face
poisons, broken tails and beaks but through using their imagination they always manage
to apply the right treatment!
In the end, children feel so comfortable with us, that they start asking us
questions about auscultating their own hearts, taking pride in the fact that
“they are not afraid of doctors”! When we ask them what they want to become when they
grow up we love getting the answer, “DOCTOR!!!” The procedure shown above is just the main concept,
since medical students in different countries have adjusted this to their needs, circumstances and
limitations as well as course ideas!
It is therefore not coincidental that more than 30 National Member Organisation’s (NMO’s) have chosen
to run this project and that thousands of children play with us each year. It’s such a simple and attractive
idea and importantly it has to do with children, our future. ‐ Public Health without prevention is just not
an option!
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Community Support
“A community is a group of people that share common elements: language, customs, values, geographical
situation, roles, and so on. One of the main goals in a community is to follow the same objective”
The medical students are the voice, the communicators and the people that are
closest to the community. We are the people who have the time and the
enthusiasm to contribute actively for our communities, can prove that we as future
medical doctors can have a positive impact on our environment and that in the
end, all our efforts are definitely worth it.
We as medical students are often confronted with pain, suffering and sorrow but
we also see joy and gratefulness. We can see how patients have doubts about their
health and sometimes because of the lack of time they sometimes do not get
satisfactory answers from our attending professors.
Our main objectives are:
Offer patients easy access to information about their diseases.
Provide information about common and avoidable illnesses and their drug management.
Help to identify situations that can threat the patients’ health and promote a healthy lifestyle.
The community support project can be set up by creating and coordinating groups that are able to work in
the communities’ primary attention centers. Within group discussion or one‐to‐one consultancies all
people from the community have the chance to ask questions. During the whole day students will try to
clarify all the doubts in the best way possible, keeping up the quality of primary care attention.
The amount of people you can reach in one setting can be set according to the
quantity of medical students involved, keeping a 1:10 ratio. This way the
students will be able to speak to 2 or 3 persons at the same time, trying to keep
the conversation as interesting and dynamic as possible. All students can
participate in this project even those at the beginning of their medical careers.
Also physicians and all people interested in basic health knowledge can get
involved in specific activities.
With this project not only the community wins but also all involved students because their medical skills
will be tested; they will see themselves confronted with unexpected situations since every patient has
different questions, even different ways of focusing and describing the same problem.
The community support project allows the establishment of strong relations between public and private
entities and the students, eventually facilitating the coordination of actions and making the planning of
activities easier and quicker. Additionally, students will be prepared to act faster during crisis and
tragedies in communities, giving their best and most efficient attention.
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National Health Week
Presently the National Health Week is being organised mainly in African National Member Organisation’s
(NMO’s). It is the most effective project we’ve ever seen in IFMSA to reach and educate our communities.
The project in Ghana is already celebrating its 40th birthday and this year they reached around 2, 000, 000
(!) people in rural areas to teach them about health. The impact of this project is magnificent and even
harder to imagine. There is no other single activity within IFMSA, which is comparable – and it can also
become reality in your country…
But how is it possible?
The idea is to coordinate all medical students of a faculty or even all
national medical students to visit the rural areas of the country. They get a
week off by their dean to attend this project and are sent by a hired bus to
all parts of the country. Teams of 2 – 3 students spend a few days or up to
a week in one region of the country. The local doctor organises their
accommodation and food and the possibilities to reach as many people as
possible. They approach people at the church, the market or at faculties,
talking to them about one common topic, e.g. healthy lifestyle or maternal health.
In all, two million people are reached in Ghana every year. This number might seem completely unrealistic
to you but I have seen it with my own eyes when I joined the National Health Week of Ghana two years
ago. A few hundred teams of medical students spread all over the country ‐ my own team which consisted
of 3 people reached at least one or two thousand people during this week. And this happens just in
Ghana, a relatively small country with 3 medical schools ‐ in Nigeria 28 medical schools organise projects
like these … think of the potential!
How to start a National Health Week?
If you want to use this project idea to promote public health in your country you have to consider three
things: availability and transport of students and the local community.
Availability
In Ghana medical students are supported by their government and every medical student has one week
off to join this event. For the beginning you can also start with one school which means you will have to
contact your Dean to ask for one week off or at least for one day.
Transport
The medical students can be sent by bus to different areas of your country or your region. You can look
for money from the government, university, a sponsor or share the costs amongst participating students.
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Local Community
You have to think about what is the best way to approach the locals. To make this possible you will need
to get in contact with the local doctor or the traditional chief of this area/village. They will need to
organise accommodation and food for the students and arrange meetings at the church, market, schools,
and faculties and wherever else you can approach lots of people.
This is a unique project in IFMSA. It pushes the idea of being ‘effective’ to its limit and the organising
countries can be more than proud of it. Every NMO of IFMSA should think about how to adapt this project
idea to its own countries needs, it’s a fantastic concept which can be organised all over the world – also in
your NMO.
Contact scophd@ifmsa.org for further information.
Marrow
Every year, thousands of people worldwide with blood born diseases
such as leukaemia reach a stage in their illness where their only
chance of survival is through a bone marrow or stem cell transplant.
Unfortunately, only about 30% of patients have access to a Human
Leucocyte Antigen identical sibling, and so 70% will need an
unrelated donor for a bone marrow transplant to become a viable
option. A database called ‘Bone Marrow Donors Worldwide’
(BMDW) is an amalgamation of all the unrelated bone marrow registers throughout the world and
comprises of a list of people willing to donate stem cells. However, despite amalgamating all of the
world’s registers, there are just 11 million potential donors on BMDW (compared with a world population
of approximately 6 billion).
Marrow was inspired by Karen Morris, a student who suffered from Chronic
Myeloid Leukaemia. Karen had a bone marrow transplant from an unrelated
donor but sadly she died post‐transplant in September 1998. Despite this, Karen’s
spirit continued to inspire others to work towards saving lives. One of those
inspired individuals was a previous close friend, James Kustow, a medical student
from Nottingham University. Driven by Karen’s strength and determination he
realized that as a medical student, he had access to many young people who, he
felt, may wish to help save lives. From this simple analogy, James Kustow founded
Marrow in honour of Karen and it gives us great pleasure to celebrate our 10th
anniversary this year and we have now grown to exist in over 30 medical schools across the UK.
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Marrow is a volunteer student organisation whose ultimate aim is to give every student the opportunity
to join the bone marrow register. In the UK Marrow works in association with the UK’s largest national
bone marrow register, The Anthony Nolan Trust (ANT) charity, who is recognised by the WHO as part of
the international bone marrow and stem cell register ‐ BMDW. Today, we contribute over 25% of the
potential donors recruited to ANT bone marrow register and fundraise over £45 000 annually for the trust.
We have even gone on to inspire international Marrow groups in Germany, the Netherlands, France, Spain
and Austria. Furthermore, last year Marrow was awarded with the Rex Crossley ‘Best International Project
2008’.
Marrow helps to take back lives from leukaemia by organising donor
recruitment clinics in universities across the world and by raising the
charitable funds needed for these lifesaving activities. Students run the
entire clinic, from welcoming others to counseling potential donors and
taking their blood samples for tissue typing. Each Marrow within a country is
then, like the UK, linked to a national bone marrow or blood donation
organization that carry out the tissue typing and take over the care of
potential donors.
If you are interested in starting Marrow in your country of residence then
please contact marrow@medsin.org. You may also sign up to the UK’s Marrow central at
www.marrowcentral.co.uk to gain further insight to the world of Marrow.
O Organ Donation
Have you ever given any thought about how many people are on waiting
lists for an organ transplant, how many transplants are actually done in a
year or sadly how many of those waiting, died waiting? Hundreds of
thousands of people around the world are waiting for an organ transplant,
and thousands die every day waiting...
With the development of new biomedical technologies, organ
transplantation has become a widely accepted procedure, and a
technologically accessible practice in almost all major medical centers.
However, people are still unaware of the process of organ and tissue
donation and transplant, of its ethical and religious implications, and of its
importance in saving lives.
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Medical students should take the initiative, and launch a campaign to promote organ and tissue donation
through educating medical students and other students in our countries about the topic, and emphasizing
the importance of this act, leading to its acceptance. In other words, we believe that by raising public
awareness on the importance of organ and tissue donation, we can encourage people to list themselves
as potential organ donors. The campaign also comprises of lectures, round table discussions and assuring
an interdisciplinary approach to the issue of organ donation.
In 2005 this project was restructured, and applied for the transnational status at the IFMSA’s August
Meeting (AM) in Egypt. The project received final recognition as an IFMSA transnational project in March
Meeting (MM) 2006 in Chile, and at the same General Assembly (GA) was awarded the best ‘IFMSA
Educational Project’. In April 2006 the first seminar on Organ Donation and Transplantation for Medical
Students, held in Split, Croatia, was organised. The seminar was attended by a majority of medical
students, but also by physicians and patients who had had an organ transplant. During the seminar,
cooperation with Euro Transplant International Foundation, Croatian Donor Network, Donor Network of
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Croatia and a number of governmental
and non‐governmental organizations were established.
Since then, educational activity has included a pre‐GA workshop on organ donation and transplantation
prior to the AM2006 in Serbia and all National Member Organisation’s (NMO’s) participating in the project
are constantly organizing different types of local educational and promotional campaigns. In December
2006 petitions were organized in Serbia whereby members of IFMSA Serbia who worked on the project
Organ Donation and Transplantation, collected signatures from citizens on several very busy places all
around town. Melhim Bou Alwan, the 2007 coordinator of the IFMSA transnational Organ Donation project
organised a very big and successful seminar on Organ Donation and Transplantation in April 2007,
Lebanon, and last year Goran Mijaljica, 2005‐2006 coordinator of the IFMSA transnational Organ Donation
project, gave his take on organ donation at the European Regional Meeting of the IFMSA in Brijuni. We
intend to provide seminars in 2009 and more information will be available in the next few months.
The application process for participation in the Organ Donation Project is quite simple – please contact
the current project coordinators, penelopa777@yahoo.com and markojovic10@yahoo.com to get the
necessary information.
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Global Health
What is Global Health and Why is it important?
Global health is a broad subject that looks at the local, national and international determinants of health
and healthcare delivery. Global Health assesses the wider influences of health such as poverty, debt,
globalization, healthcare financing, human rights, famine, environment, violent conflict and the
movement of populations. It draws from a number of disciplines including politics, economics, sociology,
demography, anthropology, epidemiology and philosophy.
It is thought that students who have studied global health are better equipped to understand root causes
in addition to the clinical manifestations of ill health. Global health education in your medical curriculum
or through involvement in extra‐curricular projects such as the one’s featured in this booklet, helps to
foster a generation of health professionals who are committed to health for all, as enshrined at the
International Conference on Primary Health Care, Alma‐Ata, in 1978. We see health professionals as
having a commitment not only to their patients but also to the health of international society as a whole.
The growing number of health professionals who are committed to global health equity can form a
powerful group of advocates for health for all.
Globalization is changing the structure of societies
and the way in which decisions about health are
taken. Many societies are becoming more
multicultural, and an appreciation of global health
helps medical students to understand both the
reasons for increased population movement and
the social, economic and cultural factors
underlying patients' ill health. Furthermore,
decisions about health and healthcare are also
increasingly influenced through global trade
agreements such as TRIPS and GATS, and it is
important for health professionals to understand
the influence of such global policies on their work.
If you are interested in finding out more about global health activities within the IFMSA, please email
thinkglobal@ifmsa.org.
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EQUIP
“SCOPH’s REMEDY to medical supply disparities”
Do you live in a country where hospitals use the most advanced medical technology or one where
hospitals lack basic equipment? Either way, check out EQUIP: IFMSA’s new transnational effort to engage
students in medical supply collection and redistribution (www.amsa.org/cph/equip.cfm).
EQUIP Goals:
Based on 3 E’s: Environmental benefit, global health
Equity, and cost‐Effectiveness, EQUIP aims to:
1) Increase awareness of medical surplus amongst IFMSA
members.
2) Increase the number of equipment recovery programs
in clinical facilities in developed countries.
3) Maximize the utilization of donated supplies in
developing countries.
EQUIP Motivation:
Each year, thousands of tons of usable medical supplies valued at $200 million are discarded from United
States (US) hospitals alone. This tremendous amount of waste negatively impacts not only the
environment through landfill use, but health care budgets through expensive regulated waste disposal.
Conversely, clinical facilities in developing countries face daily challenges meeting their medical supply
needs. The most needed supplies include gloves, sutures, drapes, gauze, syringes, beds, IV tubing,
catheters, sponges and dressings. While US regulations prohibit the reuse of surgical supplies
domestically, many of these materials are readily reusable and receivable for oversea use.
Working with REMEDY:
AMSA‐USA has partnered with REMEDY (Recovered Medical Equipment for the Developing World), a not‐
for‐profit organization that trains hospitals to develop supply recovery models (www.remedyinc.org).
Operating room staff are trained to save certain exposed‐but‐unused surgical supplies that will be sorted,
sterilized, resorted and eventually distributed to clinical facilities in resource‐poor countries. Med‐Eq, a
branch of REMEDY, is the “eBay” of surplus charitable medical supplies where donors and recipients can
exchange goods (www.med-eq.org).
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EQUIP Progress:
Since EQUIP’s 2008 launch, over two dozen AMSA‐USA chapters have expressed interest in starting
recovery programs at their local hospitals and have received teaching packets from REMEDY. Lessons
learned from this pilot project phase will be shared with SCOPH and other National Member Organisations
at future IFMSA General Assemblies’. The more students that take initiative, the more supplies will be
recovered, redistributed, and reused!
Get involved!
If you live in a country with surplus supplies:
Volunteer to help if your hospital has a recovery program.
Start a recovery program if your local hospital does not have
one.
Transport donated supplies when you go on international
exchanges.
Encourage your hospital to join Med‐Eq.
Spread the word and write to local media about medical
surplus.
If you live in a country lacking supplies:
Identify the most needed supplies at your clinic.
Connect with international charities that distribute supplies.
Ask international exchange students to bring needed supplies.
Conduct utilization studies of the donated supplies.
Spread the word and write to international media about your supply needs.
Please tell us what you decide to do so that we can help (npo@ifmsa-usa.org). Thank you for making a
difference!
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Crossing Borders
Crossing Borders is a network of healthcare students whose mission is to
remove barriers to healthcare for refugees and asylum seekers. By
educating future healthcare professionals, campaigning for policy change
and running voluntary projects we hope to realise our belief that refugees
and asylum seekers should receive the highest standard of healthcare
irrespective of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or immigration
status.
Education and Projects: We want to educate medical and healthcare students about refugee and asylum
seeker health needs, thus creating a cohort of future health professionals who will be well prepared to
provide high quality care that meets their needs. What have we done? Educational resources about
refugee and asylum seeker health issues have been compiled into a DVD called Refugee Health Resource
Pack and have been distributed to universities across the country to those who are interested in including
this as part of the medical school
curriculum. We submitted a motion to
the British Medical Association Medical
Students Conference 2009 to make it
compulsory for refugee and asylum
seekers’ healthcare issues to be
included in the core curriculum in
medical schools.
Through local and national projects we seek to improve the health and healthcare of refugee and asylum
seekers through projects with local communities and organisations. Through practical engagement in
these projects we also aim to inspire and educate our volunteers about refugee and asylum seeker health
issues. In addition, we support campaigns such as “Defend Primary Healthcare” against the government’s
denial of healthcare to failed asylum seekers. Cross borders and join us! Contact:
crossingborders@medsin.org
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International Students’ Network on Ageing and Health (ISNAH)
The idea of the ISNAH project was first raised in 2000 as a result of an international meeting on Ageing in
Porto. ISNAH is like an umbrella that pays attention to the elderly, trying to create
awareness within medical students, doctors and the general population. The project is also
called “Transversal to IFMSA Standing Committees” as it involves all Standing Committees.
Information dissemination: This focuses on promoting awareness among health care professionals on
global population ageing and special needs of the elderly as well as their rights and sexuality by a website,
surveys and formative sessions. Furthermore, our goal is to offer professional and research exchanges to
students.
Curriculum Development: Despite the ongoing ageing of the population, basic geriatric training does not
exist in all the medical faculties around the world. Thus we need to demonstrate this deficiency and
furthermore, participate in the development of the need of curricula changes.
Are you thinking about joining ISNAH? All we need is your name as the coordinator of ISNAH in your
National Member Organisation, to be in contact and to work with you. You can also get an insight into
what ISNAH is at: http://www.mediaweb-site.com/isnah/. Hope to see you soon and involved in ISNAH!
Mental Health Initiative Project (MHIP)
Mental health receives increasingly more attention in the field of global health. Recently, The Lancet
published a series of articles that urge global health stakeholders (government, decision maker, policy
makers, professionals etc.) to increase and to expand the coverage of services for mental health disorders
worldwide. Growing from this global momentum for mental health, the Mental Health Initiative Project
(MHIP) was born during the Jamaica 2008 August Meeting. The MHIP is a small working group that
operates within the SCOPH. It endeavors to promote education among medical students on mental health
issues and to promote student‐led Mental Health projects at a local and international level.
As a rule, the MHIP aims to debunk common myths about
mental health and combat the stigmatization of people
suffering from mental illnesses. We also recognize the
importance of a multidisciplinary approach; psychiatrists,
psychologists but also community workers, nurses, general
practitioners and researchers are equally important when
dealing with mental health issues. While mental health
remains a neglected aspect of the global health agenda,
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MHIP’s action strives to promote equitable access to mental health resources, especially in middle‐ and
low‐income settings.
Many mental health projects are budding in every country. The MHIP aims to rally all NMOs with mental
health activities. In the near future we will provide a platform that will enable medical students to
network and share their ideas. As more and more countries from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds
join this initiative, it will become increasingly important to stress the cultural influence on many mental
health aspects.
What’s next for the MHIP? It animated working groups in regional meeting in January, building the
momentum for the next general assembly in March. A survey run for the March Meeting theme event
revealed that the interest for mental health issues ranked highest. The MHIP will stress the psychological
consequences of conflicts by holding an interactive lecture on post‐traumatic stress disorders.
In sum, the MHIP objectives are clear: at an international level it creates a students’ network and educates
future physicians on the global importance of mental health issues and at a local level it promotes
activities that consolidate public health perspectives in mental health. This task has never been more
relevant, for there is a strong evidenced‐based set of actions recommended and proven cost‐effective to
alleviate the burden of mental disorders.
You can join the MHIP by visiting our yahoo group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ifmsa-mhip
Ludwig Feuerbach once said: "Man is what he eats". We wanted to prove him wrong! That is how our
polish project Eating Disorders began because not a single person who suffers from eating disorders ‐
albeit against the general publics’ beliefs that the majority of sufferers eat nothing ‐ is “zero”! Almost
everyone in today’s world is threatened by bulimia and anorexia. Through meetings with school pupils in
secondary schools and using peer education tools we try to educate school children on significant but
non‐scientific information on how to avoid eating disorders and their associated illnesses.
How to notice the danger before it’s too late…
We discuss the symptoms, behavior anomalies, calculate Body Mass Index’s
(BMI) and discuss the proper and current optimal energetic demands for those
students who we meet with. Every meeting is a challenge ‐ you never know
where the discussion with the 14‐year‐olds is going to take you! We often end
up analyzing the diets for ski‐jumpers or answering questions on if you can catch
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diabetes from touching each other’s hands.
Every medical student after taking a short course provided by our
project coordinators can give his interpersonal skills a try! We provide
these courses because the ability to communicate well in these
situations is just as important and as vital as medical knowledge. Eating
Disorders won the 2nd award in category "The Best Presentation" in the
Projects Presentations sessions during the 57th General Assembly of
IFMSA in Monterrey ‐ Mexico.
According to statistics almost 4% children at the age of 10‐14 suffer
from anorexia and with almost 8% from bulimia. This means that each
time we visit a classroom full of school children we come across one ill
student affected by an eating disorder ‐ so don’t underestimate the
problem! Together we can fight against this terrible situation and
bring help!
Want to join our cause or are you interested in learning more about
eating disorders? If so you may contact:
National Project Coordinator “Eating Disorders” IFMSA-Poland
at kaminska.magda@interia.pl
or
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Fashion Show versus Anorexia and Bulimia Project
Information on eating disorders are little known in Mexico and Latin America, due to small economical
resources, and also because the research done has mostly targeted women, even though nowadays men
care more about their appearance. The Fashion Show versus Anorexia & Bulimia is a project led by young
medical students who aim to increase awareness regarding the major prevalence and incidence of eating
disorders among young men and women in today’s society. We want to show that there is no need to
starve to death and get so thin in order to look beautiful.
To accomplish this, we try to reach as many young students as
possible and provide information regarding eating disorders
as well as to launch an intense promotion of the Fashion
Show through mass media. We think it is a good idea to
contact a clothing brand as they may like to support the
project and this will encourage young healthy men and
women to participate in the catwalk fashion parade. This
must be done as part of the organizing process. If any profit is
made from selling tickets to these events then it can be
donated to a foundation dedicated to eating
disorders. However, it may be ideal to have a
no‐cost event in order to reach more people.
As medical students we are obligated to embrace this project whose
mission it is to address this huge social problem, however this
project should be open to everybody so everyone can participate.
It is really important to spread the information on the fight against the
fashion tendencies and trends that make people believe that
happiness can be reached only by being thin.
The main objective is to encourage people to love themselves
just the way they are. No one should ever be in a position to change
for someone else in order to feel better about themselves. As we say in Mexico….
If you would like any more information on this
project, on how to set it up or just to ask a few
questions, please don’t hesitate to contact:
markosaucedo@gmail.com
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First Aid Course
The teaching of first aid is a major cornerstone of SCOPH projects and due to its importance it has been
taught continuously for decades without regard to local, national or international barriers.
Why 1st Aid?
We have been holding courses in teaching first aid for several years now. They
usually target an audience consisting of children aged between 10 and 13 years. At
this age children are no longer interested in playing with teddy bears and sexual
education is probably not a useful topic for them at this time. On the other hand an
interesting and dynamic presentation in teaching this age group some of the
theoretical and practical principles aspects of first aid is something kids of this
particular age enjoy. Furthermore the knowledge and skills they acquire will be
able to help them in crucial situations of their life.
How?
The coordinator of the first aid course (usually LPO) forms a team of 10‐20 people. The team usually works
together actively for one to two semesters. The coordinator is in charge of organizing the events, which
usually includes finding a patron (usually a well known doctor or professor), making
sure the team is well educated in the topic, assembling the teaching materials (CPR
figurine, ppt, first aid equipment) and as the most difficult task, he is in charge of
setting up a schedule of all coming trainings.
Outcome
Ever since the first course in first aid, we have been boosted by the enthusiasm of the university students,
the praise of the staff and the support of our university administration and officials.
The whole organization and its members have gained respect as students who care
not only for their studies in public health but also act as role models who are not
afraid to show their commitment by performing extra work and giving back to
society.
Quick Facts
In the last year we have held first aid courses in 47 elementary schools, 172 classes
of students adding up to about 4000 children aged 10‐13 years in the Czech
Republic.
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Once upon a time...
IFMSA members from the local committee of Brno held a first aid course in their hometown. They had a
three hour course at an elementary school for the students of the 7th grade. About a week after their visit
an accident occurred in which a student found one of his classmates unconscious.
He did not hesitate and applied the knowledge he had acquired shortly before in
the first aid course. He checked for basic life signs, put his classmate into a
stabilized position and called an ambulance. Suddenly the unconscious friend who
was heavily poisoned started to regurgitate. A spokesperson of the ambulance
company confirmed, that if it had not been for the students’ abilities and actions,
the poisoned boy would surely have suffocated and died. Luckily for him, this did
not happen thanks to the young rescuer who knew exactly what to do.
SCOPH-Exchange
“Exchange your ideas, exchange your experience, exchange projects ‐ (Ex‐)change SCOPH”
Have you ever thought about volunteering in a public health project? Or do you know
about a project which needs volunteers? If yes then SCOPH‐Exchange is exactly the
right thing for you! SCOPH‐Exchange is a platform for Volunteer‐Based Projects of
IFMSA. Essentially, SCOPH‐Exchange provides a network for these projects and at the
same time gives medical students from all over the world the opportunity to support
these projects as a volunteer and to gain experience in the different fields of public
health.
Many projects around the world are confronted with the problem of not having enough people involved
to realize their idea or keep a venture running. Resources are limited and therefore coordinators are more
than grateful for every helping hand. The IFMSA and its National Member Organisation’s (NMO’s) offer a
wide range of projects for students who would like to temporarily participate as a volunteer, either
abroad or in their own country.
Orphanage Initiative Project
Presently there are approximately 100,000 orphans or children abandoned by their
parents in Romania. The staff in orphanages is highly overburdened with the large
number of children. The Orphanage Initiative Project, which is coordinated by IFMSA‐
Norway and IFMSA‐Romania gives medical students the chance to participate actively
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in the daily work of an orphanage and give children the attention they really need.
SCOPH‐Exchange Projects:
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Annexes
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Useful Links for a SCOPHian
Alcohol Policy Youth Network ‐ http://www.apyn.org
Alzheimer’s Disease International ‐ http://www.alz.co.uk/adi/wad/
CARE International ‐ http://www.care.org/
Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention ‐ http://www.cdc.gov/
European Public Health Alliance ‐ http://www.epha.org
European Public Health Association ‐ http://www.eupha.org
European Commission Public Health Page ‐ http://ec.europa.eu/health/index_en.htm
Fogarty International Health Centre ‐ http://www.fic.nih.gov/
Framework Convention for Tobacco Control ‐ http://www.fctc.org
Global Alcohol Policy Alliance ‐ http://www.globalgaba.org
Global Health Council ‐ http://www.globalhealth.org/
Global Initiative for COPD ‐http://www.goldcopd.com
IFMSA website ‐ http://www.ifmsa.org/
Int. Association for Suicide Prevention ‐ http://www.iasp.info
International Community of the Red Cross ‐ http://www.icrc.org/
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking ‐ http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/about‐
unodc/26‐June.html
International Diabetes Federation ‐ http://www.idf.org
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies ‐ http://www.ifrc.org/
International Obesity Taskforce ‐ http://www.iotf.org/
International Osteoporosis Foundation ‐ http://www.iofbonehealth.org/
International Union against Cancer ‐ http://www.uicc.org
Malaria Charity Swim ‐ http://www.worldswimagainstmalaria.org
Medecins Sans Frontieres ‐ http://www.msf.org/
Oxfam ‐ http://www.oxfam.org/
Pan American Health Organisation ‐ http://devserver.paho.org/
People’s Health Movement ‐ http://www.phmovement.org/cms/en/node/592
Project Hope ‐ http://www.projhope.org/
Roll Back Malaria Partnership ‐ http://www.rollbackmalaria.org
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Stop TB partnership ‐ http://www.stoptb.org/
The United Nations ‐ http://www.un.org/
The World Bank ‐ http://www.worldbank.org/
UNICEF ‐ http://www.unicef.org/
United Nations Development Program ‐ http://www.undp.org/
VISION 2020: The Right for Sight ‐ http://www.v2020.org
WHO general website ‐ http://www.who.int/en/
World AIDS day ‐ http://www.worldaidsday.org.au/
World Arthritis Day ‐ http://www.worldarthritisday.org/
World Blood Donor Day ‐ http://www.wbdd.org/
World Cancer Research Fund International ‐ http://www.wcrf.org/404.htm
World Diabetes Day ‐ http://www.worlddiabetesday.org/
World Federation of Hemophilia ‐ http://www.wfh.org/index.asp?lang=EN
World Federation of Mental Health ‐ http://www.wfmh.org/
World Federation of Public Health Associations ‐ www.wfpha.org
World Heart Day - http://www.world-heart-federation.org
World Hepatitis Alliance ‐ http://www.aminumber12.org/
World Kidney Day ‐ http://www.worldkidneyday.org/
World Lung Foundation ‐ http://www.worldlungfoundation.org/
World No Tobacco Day ‐ http://www.worldnotobaccoday.info/
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IFMSA and SCOPH related Abbreviations
AF Application Form
AIESEC Assoc. Int. des Et. des Sciences Econ. et Commerciales
AM August Meeting (GA)
AMDA Association of Medical Doctors in Asia
AMEE Association for Medical Education in Europe
AMSA Association of Medical Students in Asia
AMSE Association of Medical Schools in Europe
CCC Constitution Credentials Committee
CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDs Chronic Diseases
CIOMS Council for International Organizations
CP Standing Committee of European Doctors
EB Executive Board
EBM Executive Board Meeting
ECOSOC UN Economic and Social Council
EMSA European Medical Students’ Association
EPSA European Pharmacy Students Association
EUPHA European Public Health Association
FAMSA Federation of African Med students’ Association
FC Financial Committee
GA General Assembly
GS General Secretariat
HLM Honorary Life Member
IADS International Association of Dentist Students
IAESTE International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical exp.
IDF International Diabetes Federation
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IMISO Intersectorial Meeting of Int. Student Organisations
IPPNW International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War
IPSF International Pharmacy Student Federation
IVSA International Veterinary Student Association
LORE Local Officer on Research Exchange
LEO Local Exchange Officer
LO Liaison Officer
LORA Local Officer of Reproductive Health & AIDS
LOME Local Officer for Medical Education
LORP Local Officer for Refugees and Peace
LPO Local Public Health Officer
LTP Leadership Training Programme
MM March Meeting (GA)
MSF Medecins sans Frontieres
MSI The Medical Student International
NORE National Officer on Research Exchange
NEO National Exchange Officer
NETWORK Network of Comm. Or. Ed. Inst. for Health Sciences
NGO Non‐Governmental Organisation
NMO National Member Organisation
NORA National Officer on Reproductive Health & AIDS
NOME National Officer on Medical Education
NORP National Officer on Refugees and Peace
NPO National Public Health Officer
OC Organising Committee
PAHO Pan‐American Health Organisation
PC Project Coordinator
PWG Permanent Working Group of European Hospital Doctors
SC Standing Committee
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SCORA SC on Reproductive Health and AIDS
SCORE SC on Research Exchange
SCOME SC on Medical Education
SCOPE SC on Professional Exchange
SCOPH SC on Public Health
SCORP SC on Refugees and Peace
SG Secretary General
SO Standing Orders
STIs Sexually Transmitted Infections
STDs Sexually Transmitted Diseases
SWG Small Working Group
TAF Travel Assistance Fund
TDC Technical Data Card
UICC International Union against Cancer
UNAIDS Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS
UNESCO United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
UNFPA United Nations Population Fund
UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund
VCP Village Concept Project
VPI or VP‐I Vice‐President for Internal Affairs
VPE or VP‐E Vice‐President for External Affairs
WFME World Federation of Medical Education
WFMH World Federation for Mental Health
WFPHA World Federation of Public Health Associations
WHO World Health Organisation
WHO‐Europe WHO Regional Office for Europe
WMA World Medical Association
WoCo Working Committee
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