GlobalHOME Lecture Series 2010
1. What is Global Health?
Tuesday, March 9, 2010 6pm-7.30pm
Coordinator
Cam Hollows: camhollows@gmail.com
Speakers
Joel Negin
Hugh Evans/Simon Moss (Global Poverty Project)
In adopting the Millennium Declaration in the year 2000 the international community
pledged to "spare no effort to free our fellow men, women and children from the abject and
dehumanizing conditions of extreme poverty."
Simon Moss from the Global Poverty Project will use an interactive presentation to
demonstrate the human impact of living in extreme poverty (less than US$ 1.25 a day).
For the more than 1.4 billion living in extreme poverty, there is hope as the global
community unites to work towards the eradication of poverty. These efforts are centred
around the achievement of eight Millennium Development Goals.
Joel Negin from the School of Public Health will outline the MDG's in more detail and
discuss a case study from the Millennium Villages Project.
Joel Negin is Lecturer, International Public Health Research Fellow, Menzies Centre for
Health Policy. He was the Health Coordinator for Professor Jeffrey Sachs' Millennium
Villages Project, a multi-sectoral development project in 14 sites in ten African countries
Simon Moss from the Global Poverty Project. Simon is a campaigning and community
education expert. He has contributed on development issues at some of the world's
leading conferences including the G20, the World Economic Forum and the Clinton Global
Initiative.
Learning Objectives
a) Understand the nature of extreme poverty and its sequele
b) Identify the 8 millennium development goals and the 3 goals focused on health.
c) Understand how effectively addressing other development goals helps towards health
goals. (Millennium villages case study).
d) Be aware of the global burden of disease project and the different patterns of disease
in developed and developing world countries.
2. Aid and its effectiveness
Tuesday, March 16, 2010: 5.30pm-7.00pm
Coordinator
Cameron O’Connor camerono@ualberta.ca
Speakers
Tim Costello
Joel Negin
Introduction
We’ve all been approached at one point or another by someone asking us to donate to
some cause. Maybe it’s for mosquito nets in Africa or to help build schools in the Middle
East, but regardless of the cause, all of these groups depend on our generosity. So what
exactly happens after we donate our hard-earned cash? Does it actually get used
effectively? Does it actually make a difference? Who decides where and how the money is
actually spent? Also, how do governments distribute aid? Is it effective?
This lecture series will delve into those questions and more, giving an idea of how and
where aid is actually used as well as some of the ethical considerations.
Rev Tim Costello is CEO World Vision Australia and one of Australia’s leading voices on
social justice issues. He's taken a prominent role in national debates on issues such as
gambling, urban poverty, homelessness, reconciliation and substance abuse. Tim's also
been instrumental in keeping the issues surrounding global poverty on the national agenda
since February 2004, when he joined World Vision Australia as Chief Executive
Joel Negin is a Lecturer with International Public Health Research Fellow, Menzies Centre
for Health Policy He was the Health Coordinator for Professor Jeffrey Sachs' Millennium
Villages Project, a multi-sectoral development project in 14 sites in ten African countries
Learning Objectives
a) What is the distribution of aid across the globe? Where are the inequalities?
b) Understand the major players that provide aid around the globe.
c) Does my donation do what I think it does? How much money actually makes it to the
ground? Do donations generally get used for the project that the donor intends on
supporting? Are NGOs effective?
d) How does government aid work? How is it controlled? Is it effective?
e) A story (or stories) demonstrating the real-world effects of aid.
3. Conflict and health
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
6pm-7.30pm
Coordinator
Georgia Ritchie: grit3326@uni.sydney.edu.au
Speakers
Dr Ben Saul
Dr Nicholas Coatsworth
"War not only damages our health, but the very fabric of our civilisation.”
(Levy & Sidel)
War and conflict have a catastrophic impact on the lives of people worldwide. It is of
paramount importance to recognise the substantial degree of morbidity and mortality,
which is implicated by conflict and warfare. In doing so, one must consider that
implications of conflict and warfare stretch far beyond the particular moment in time, and
can last for years afterwards often in the shape of mental health problems arising from the
social and cultural barriers encountered with migration and re-integration into society.
War affects every level of society, not just the individual, but family, communities and
cultures, as well as entire nations. Within conflict, there is often loss of or violation of
Human Rights. For example, Rape has been used as a weapon in many wars, where
soldiers rape the families of their enemies as acts of humiliation and revenge. These
deliberate & cruel acts cripple societies so that when the war is over there is not only loss
of lives but deeply instated trauma and psychological distress. This psychological trauma
may be demonstrated as disturbed and antisocial behaviour such as aggression towards
others instilling a circle of violence, with persons thinking that violence is the natural way to
resolve conflict. This can lead to high rates of domestic violence and street crime within a
community, further enhancing a “mindset” of violence.
Unfortunately, war is still a very large problem in today’s society. It is important as medical
students to understand the devastating impact of war and conflict.
Dr Ben Saul is Director of the Sydney Centre for International Law (SCIL) and a barrister
(including in the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.
http://www.law.usyd.edu.au/about/staff/BenSaul/index.shtml
Dr Nick Coatsworth was elected to the board of Médecins Sans Frontières Australia in
May 2008He is a Sydney-based doctor who joined Médecins Sans Frontières in 2004. He
has worked in the field in Congo-Brazzaville, Chad and Sudan in the Darfur region
Learning Objectives
a) Briefly describe the direct and indirect health impacts of war and conflict.
b) Be able to discuss the challenges and ethical implications faced by health care
workers in conflict zones.
c) Understand basic health issues faced by refugees and displaced persons including
an overview of international human rights laws. Discuss also Geneva Conventions
and International Criminal Court
d) Discuss the changing face of conflict. With reference to the war on terrorism and
recent use of other weapons of war such as rape.
4. Birthing kit workshop
Sunday, March 28, 2010 10am- 5pm
Details to come
5. Managing a humanitarian response
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
6pm-7.30pm
Coordinator
Anthony Schiemer asch2765@uni.sydney.edu.au
Speakers
LCOL Geoff Matthew
LEUT Melanie O’Kane
Introduction
A humanitarian crisis (or "humanitarian disaster") is an event or series of events which
represents a critical threat to the health, safety, security or wellbeing of a community or
other large group of people, usually over a wide area. Armed conflicts, epidemics, famine,
natural disasters and other major emergencies may all involve or lead to a humanitarian
crisis. Quite often, there is no assistance available from local services or authorities and
subsequently, various foreign non- government aid organisations and military forces
remain prepared to offer immediate emergency assistance around the world should such
an event occur.
Our speakers are experienced members of the Australian Defence Force.
Learning objectives:
a) What constitutes a ‘humanitarian crisis’?
b) Identify the different phases of response in a humanitarian crisis [hypothetical
scenario, Australian response to Pakistan Earthquake]
c) What is required before a response from NGOs and foreign nations is received?
d) Classify the common healthcare problems that might arise due to a humanitarian
crisis, and the subsequent priorities of care
e) Understand the difficulties that can arise with military/government forces
cooperating with NGOs and their interaction
6. Climate Change and Health
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
6pm-7.30pm
Coordinators
Xin Zhang xzha6818@uni.sydney.edu.au
Kitty Soutar csou4060@uni.sydney.edu.au
Speakers
Dr Ben Ticehurst
Dr Paul Beggs
A 2009 report published in the Lancet addresses climate change as ‘the biggest global
health threat of the 20th century’. This issue is already having serious impacts in many
developing countries, and the situation is expected to rapidly deteriorate over the next few
years. With rising global temperatures, current efforts to improve health and poverty will
face new and unpredictable challenges. The poorest and most marginalised countries
(those with the least contribution to carbon emissions to date) will be the first hit, and have
the least capacity to cope with changes. The main burden of climate change will arise in
issues of food security, clean water and sanitation, infectious disease and natural
disasters. Further strain will be placed on health and security as the world sees more
populations displaced by these same issues.
Health professionals working with these populations are amongst the first people seeing
the direct impact of climate change. As such, they have a key role to play, from a clinical,
on-the-ground approach to the planning of large scale responses.
A firm understanding of the importance of climate change is essential for anyone
interested in global health.
Dr Benjamin Ticehurst is a Sydney GP and a member of Doctors for the Environment
Australia. He has worked in the Torres Strait where he saw the direct impact that climate
change is having on patterns of disease and health.
Dr Paul Beggs is the 2009 Eureka Prize winner in Medical Research, for research into
Climate Change and asthma. He's also the President of the International Society of
Biometerology.
Learning Objectives:
a) Briefly illustrate the causes, patterns and predictions of climate change in the 20 th
century
b) To understand how climate change is currently impacting health on a global scale,
with the most severe consequences for developing countries
c) Use several cases to highlight the effects of climate change in certain regions, and
the impact on health (Pacific Islands and rising sea levels? Food crisis in sub
Saharan Africa?)
d) To gain an understanding of the various approaches to dealing with climate change:
prevention vs adaptation?
e) What role can health professionals and medical students play? Research,
advocacy, and direct provision of health care
7. Tropical Infectious Diseases
Tuesday, May 11, 2010 6pm-7.30pm
Coordinator
Nilru Vitharana nvit7048@uni.sydney.edu.au
Speaker
A/Prof Bernie Hudson
Between 14 and 17 million people die each year due to infectious diseases – nearly all live
in developing countries. Infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and lower respiratory
infections, cause more than 40% of all deaths in low-income countries and about 25% of
deaths globally. Among children under 5 years of age in low-income countries, infectious
diseases cause nearly 70% of all deaths.
Many of these diseases are rarely seen or heard of in Australia, even amongst medical
students, yet they are endemic in developing countries.
The aim of this lecture is to provide strong clinical assessment skills in the top 5 killers:
malaria, diarrhoeal disease (using cholera as an example), TB, HIV/AIDS, measles. It will
also cover the “Neglected Tropical Diseases” – a collection of easy to treat diseases which
continue to cause significant disability/death in developing countries. These Neglected
diseases are relatively cheap and simple to treat – yet they do not attract the same funding
and public awareness of other diseases. Some Neglected Tropical Diseases cost as little
as 4 cents to treat (Global Health Council, 2009).
A/Professor Bernie Hudson is Senior Staff Specialist in Infectious Diseases at Royal North
Shore Hospital in Sydney and Adjunct Associate Professor in the Anton Breinl Centre,
James Cook University . He is also Medical Director of the Medical Advisory Service for
Travellers Abroad (MASTA) and Chair of the Australian Travel Health Advisory Group in
Australia
Learning Objectives:
a) Describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and public health
initiatives, and the global burden of: TB, Malaria, Cholera, Measles, HIV/AIDS,
Dengue
b) Describe on a basic level the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and public
health initiatives of the following Neglected Tropical Diseases: Lymphatic Filariasis,
Trachoma, Onchocerciasis, Intestinal worms, Schistosomiasis
8. Malnutrition
Tuesday 18 May 2010, 6pm – 7.30pm
Coordinator
Lauri Harrisberg lhar2605@uni.sydney.edu.au
Speakers
Professor Stewart Truswell
"We are guilty of many errors and many faults, but our worst crime is abandoning the
children, neglecting the foundation of life. Many of the things we need can wait. The child
cannot. Right now is the time his bones are being formed, his blood is being made and his
senses are being developed. To him we cannot answer "Tomorrow". His name is
"Today"." Gabriela Mistral, 1948 (WHO)
Worldwide, malnutrition affects one in three people (WHO, 2000). Protein-energy
malnutrition, for example, plays a major role in half of all under-five deaths each year in
developing countries (WHO 2000). Chronic food deficits affect about 792 million people in
the world (FAO 2000), and this has been worsening as the world food crisis hits the most
vulnerable.
Malnutrition affects all age groups, but it is especially common among the poor and those
with inadequate access to health education and to clean water and good sanitation.
This lecture will outline the types of malnutrition and strategies to improving nutrition.
Learning Objectives:
a) What is the significance of global malnutrition? Understand its global burden, the
cycle of malnutrition, and the factors causing malnutrition
b) Understand the types of malnutrition: macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies
c) Describe short-term and long-term approaches to improving nutrition. Understand
how to improvise a nutritious meal in resource-poor settings.
d) Describe strategies for improving nutrition such as supplementation, fortification,
GM/ biotechnology, renewable resources, technology improvements, education
9. Indigenous Health
Tuesday May 25 2010, 6pm – 7.30pm
Coordinator
Rhett Morton rmor2725@uni.sydney.edu.au
Speakers
Paul Torzillo
Ngaire Brown
‘There should be no mistake that the state of Indigenous health in this country is an abuse
of human rights. A decent standard of health and life expectancy equivalent to other
Australians is not a favour asked by our peoples. It is our right – simply because we too
are human.’ (Social Justice Report 1994 & 2005)
In the National Aboriginal Health Strategy, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
linked their health to control over their physical environment, to dignity, community selfesteem, and to justice; not merely a matter of the provision of doctors, hospitals,
medicines or the absence of disease and incapacity (Human Rights and Equal Opportunity
Commission 2005:26).
This component of the lecture series will explore Indigenous health in these lights and
aims to engage students to contemplate health in a wider context, especially in relation to
marginalised groups - as a basic human right, being directly influenced by social
inequalities and often interpreted differently from mainstream society. It also aims to
inspire students with recent successes and strengths in Closing the Gap programs and
inform on avenues for action.
Paul Torzillo is a senior Respiratory Physician in the Department of Respiratory Medicine
and Intensive Care physician at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney. He is an
Associate Professor in Medicine at the University of Sydney and Clinical Director of Critical
Care Services for Sydney South West Area Health Service. He has worked as a
consultant to the Child and Adolescent Health Division of WHO in the areas of the Acute
Respiratory Infection Control Programme and Intergrated Management of the Sick Child
Initiative. He has had a major involvement in Aboriginal Health and is Medical Director of
the Nganampa Health Council in the north-west corner of South Australia and a member of
the recently appointed National Indigenous Health Equity Council.
Ngaire Brown, Associate Professor & Co-Director of the Poche Centre for Indigenous
Health is one of the first Aboriginal medical graduates in Australia. Since graduating from
the University of Newcastle in 1992, she has been a leading advocate for Indigenous
health and social justice. During her career Ngiare has held a variety of positions and
undertaken work in education, mentoring, clinical practice and advocacy. She played a key
role in the establishment of the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association and has held a
number of Ministerial appointments. In her previous position she was Assistant Director at
the Menzies School of Health Research in Darwin, where she developed a program
around child health and human rights within the Child Health Division. She has a Master of
Public Health and Tropical Medicine (James Cook University) and is a Fellow of the Royal
Australian College of General Practitioners and well advanced in her research towards a
PhD.
Learning Objectives:
a)Gain an understanding of the concept of social justice and Indigenous health as a
human rights issue
b) Be able to outline the social determinants of health of Indigenous populations in the
Pacific region with an emphasis on Australia
c)Gain an appreciation of the special meaning of health to Indigenous Australians and
an awareness of cross cultural issues relevant to health professions working in
Indigenous communities
d)Gain knowledge of the progress of the Close the Gap campaign, specifically strengths
of successful programs and opportunities for medical students and doctors to contribute