Brighton and Sussex

Welcome to Brighton and Sussex Medsin web page!

We became a Medsin branch in 2006 but were previously known as the Donald Henderson Society for International Health. We have held fundraising events and have had a variety of speakers talk at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) concerning international health.

If you are interested in becoming a member or getting involved in Brighton and Sussex Medsin please email Maya and Charlie at Brighton@Medsin.org

Discussion Group

We regularly hold discussion groups around topical issues regarding Global Health. Please let us know if you want to attend, and check out our Facebook group or links on Student Central to access the resources.
Our first discussion was on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the role of the UN there. Here is a short summary and some links to some resources:
Today MSF launched it's campaign Condition: critical regarding the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In recent weeks there has been an escalation in violence within this region, and UN have been given new powers to attempt to keep the peace. These include using 'all necessary means' ie. lethal force to impose their force. However, their efforts have been largely ineffective and they have failed to prevent mass civilian death in the worsening conflict. There are growing concerns that other governments are becoming involved and increasing (although contested) reports of foreign troops taking part. This has lead fears from the international community of a repeat of the 5 year congolese war which ended in 2003 and involved 9 african nations.
To read further: BBC, BBC,The Lancet Student And to watch the new 12 minute MSF film on the situation in the congo: http://www.condition-critical.org/
A discussion on Climate Change took place in February. Here are some resources:Guardian article,Guardian article 2, "Why should doctors be interested in climate change?" and "ten practical steps." It's BMJ June 2008, vol 336!

We've also held discussions on Obama's Global Health Policy, Access to health care for migrants in the UK, and drug patents and patent pooling, and our next one is on the situation in Tibet - with some first-hand accounts!

Find all the resources on our Facebook page.

Other Events

We hosted a successful "Medsin Explained" evening in mid-January, with Mike Rowson as our guest speaker.
Our first Healthy Planet event was on April 27th: 'Climate change as the most serious threat to health- The role of the health professional' By Dr. David Pencheon. Dr. Pencheon is currently the director of the NHS Sustainable Development Unit and is a public health doctor. His main interests include sustainable development, climate change and underpinning public health policy with good evidence.
On May the 27th we held our first Crossing Borders event. This was a real success and many members of the local community got involved. It was: An evening of talks and performance exploring the challenges of accessing health care for refugees and asylum seekers, and the roles of health care professionals in tackling these. Featuring... -- Performance of ASYLUM MONOLOGUES by Actors for Human Rights. -- Talks from: DR FRANK ARNOLD (Medical Justice) MARTIN CAMPBELL & LUCY BRYSON
As ever, will be holding the Stop Aids speaker tour, coming to Brighton on the 23rd of October. This is an annual event in which sufferers of HIV/ AIDS and their families come and describe their experiences to us. It is always inspiring and helps remind us why we are campaigning! Watch this space for venue details etc...