Global Health Advocacy Project (GhAP)

This is from the GhAP project proposal, which was accepted at the Medsin Spring General Assembly in April 2006...

We, a diverse group of students with an interest in health, aim to encourage a generation of motivated health professionals who are empowered to advocate public policy change in order to lessen health inequalities and improve health for all. We aim to promote awareness of the broader determinants of health, encourage engagement in the debate and provide an accessible bank of knowledge and resources to facilitate effective advocacy.

Long term solutions to the gross health inequalties in this world will require political action. Whilst a number of Medsin projects campaign successfully on single issues these campaigns are restricted in the action they can take and are often tied to larger organisations such as SSAC. There is no voice for Medsin members able to respond to the issues that immediately concern us in a rapid fashion. We would like to take on that role, as well as the role of fostering debate on the political roots of ill health and equipping Medsin members with key campaigning skills.

Background of the reasons and aims of the project

The study of disease and the human body has the potential to improve the health and quality of life of many in this world. It is elegant, fascinating and important. However, it is not a lack of scientific knowledge that is causing the bulk of the suffering in the world today. Health professionals must deal with the perverse priorities of governments, with greed and self interest and with the disenfranchisement of the sick and the poor. Other activities are at best damage limitation and at worst perpetuate gross health inequities. Medicine in its traditional sense is a sticking plaster on a gaping wound.

Expected Outcomes

  • A generation of politically savvy young doctors able to advocate for their patients
  • Greater knowledge within Medsin about the politics of illness and health
  • Intelligent and focussed campaigns on issues that Medsin members care about

To go back to the GhAP homepage, click here.

Last updated on Monday 09 October 2006 at 22:34.