Prof. Mirfin Mpundu, executive director and founder of ReAct, offered a keynote on “The unequal burden of AMR-access gaps and structural drivers.” Mpundu said it was key to focus on provision of clean water and sanitation. “A lack of clean water and safe water also affects health systems,” he said, offering several examples. “Menstrual health restrictions reduce hygiene access, raising infection risk.” Dr Sherin Paul, monitoring and evaluation manager at ReAct Africa, moderated a high-level dialogue with panelists who represent faith-based and health organizations from across the world. “The aim of this discussion is not necessarily to arrive at the definitive answers, but to at least dive through various aspects that are pertinent to the access and equity aspects,” she explained. “As we all know, there are many things that are happening at the global level, but the communities on the ground who are actually bearing the brunt of things—they may not really see any tangible results on the ground, or they may not be able to experience them.” Paul also noted that faith-based organizations cover 40 to 60 percent of healthcare delivery in sub-Saharan Africa. Speakers also offered examples of community-led solutions. In closing remarks, Tracie Muraya, deputy director of ReAct Africa, summarized the key takeaways from the session. “The churches, the communities are trusted, and that word keeps coming up—trust,” she said. “We would literally then look at empowering individuals who comprise our communities.” Muraya addressed interpretable artificial intelligence, as well as engagement from youth and Indigenous persons, as key takeaways from the dialogue. Rev. Dr Stavros Kofinas, moderator of the WCC Commission of the Churches on Health and Healing, closed the session by expressing appreciation for the opportunity to learn about the concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance. “I want, firstly, to reassure that you are not alone in your struggles, and efforts in presenting to the world the inequalities that are taking place regarding the distribution of medicines, and regarding the development of proper medical services, that's taking place, not only in Africa, but globally,” he said. “Our commission is composed with many members who come from the areas where injustice prevails.” Kofinas added that the commission continues to seek ways that churches can assist in combating inequality. “Unequal distribution of antibiotics and other medicines, together with the commercializing of healthcare, has tragic consequences across populations, countries, and healthcare systems,” he concluded. Photo gallery WCC will participate in 79th World Health Assembly WCC shares input at two gatherings for exploring equitable global health Side event to 79th World Health Assembly explores “Economics of Health For All—Taking Action” | 
View this email in your browser This week: Queering Christianity, an interview with folk singer-songwriter Crys Matthews, and examining our ...
On the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, churches and communities across the world deepened their calls for...
No comments:
Post a Comment