About The Conference
GlobeMed at Penn State is pleased to announce the 2nd Annual Penn State Global Health Conference: “The Faces of Global Health.” This conference will identify the current state of the movement for global health equity and strategically address the economic, political, cultural, social, and biological aspects of global health. Viewing these areas through the eyes of many, from doctors and professors to health care workers and the poor, will afford us the opportunity to see these countless “faces” of global health.
The Conference consists of a series of workshops designed to critically analyze the myriad factors that affect the health of communities around the world. Each of these factors represents a specific mechanism through which health inequities propagate. For instance, in the “Economic/Microfinance” workshop, participants will gain both an understanding of how the forces of poverty impede access to care and also how to challenge these forces through initiatives such as microfinance.
In addition to developing their global health knowledge, participants will be able to utilize the lessons learned in workshops to tackle real-life problems facing the people of Chiapas, Mexico. GlobeMed at Penn State works with EASPEC, a small grassroots organization based in the region, to support the training and education of community health care workers known as promotores. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss and propose solutions to the problems facing the people of Chiapas. In addition, we will offer information sessions on volunteer abroad and service learning opportunities.
We all know that the world today is not as it should be. The enormous abundance of resources in some countries stands in stark contrast to the billions who live on less than one dollar every day. The technology and resources needed to improve their lives does exist, yet more than one million people die every year from diseases such as malaria, which is completely preventable, treatable, and curable. While each of us realizes this, we find ourselves unsure of how respond—uncertain how we can make a difference.
“The Faces of Global Health” will uncover the many ways to answer this question. We will discover innovative methods to affect health and discuss how to use that knowledge to effect positive, sustainable change for the people of Chiapas.
Let’s be the change!
In solidarity,
GLOBEMED AT PENN STATE
II. GlobeMed- What We Are All About
The GlobeMed Mission is to connect the assets of a student-led network to grassroots health organizations working in communities around the world. By inspiring and training university students to mobilize resources for global health, we seek to build a movement fighting for a more sustainable and secure world.
Our Vision is to build a world where all people have the opportunity to live a healthy life
While we see an unjust world of broken systems failing to deliver for its citizens, a different world is possible. This world can be realized only if we encourage and harness the potential of emerging change-agents.
• We see students as dynamic leaders: When young people are connected with constructive forms of global health engagement, they can step up to be the leaders of our world both today and into the future. The world demands our generation to deliver critical leadership on issues of global health, and investments in inspiring and developing this leadership are vital.
• We see grassroots leaders in underserved communities fighting to build stronger health systems: Grassroots leaders are working to improve the health of their communities in poor areas around the world. By devoting our resources in support in support of these local leaders and their communities, important advances can be made in building vital health infrastructure.
By connecting students to grassroots leaders, we are investing in both immediate change as well as the enduring strength of human capital. We believe that educating and training students to participate in and lead responsible, effective, and sustainable action allows them to make important contributions to the efforts of health organizations. This framework also builds an awareness of how they can mold their lives to strengthen and sustain a commitment to social justice. Furthermore, because of our commitment to partner with health organizations with impressive models and a desire to strengthen, scale, and share their work, our support strategically builds the capacities of communities to realize long-term improvements in health.
III. GlobeMed at Penn State: Change for Chiapas!
At a glance: GlobeMed at Penn State works with EAPSEC, a small grassroots organization in Chiapas, Mexico. EAPSEC, a Spanish acronym for ‘Team for the Support of Community Health and Education’, addresses local health care inequities by supporting community health workers known as promotores. GlobeMed at Penn State is leading a campaign to raise $5,000 to fund two conferences for the education and training of the promotores so they can bring a life of dignity to the people of Chiapas.
Location: Chiapas, Mexico
Key fact: Chiapas endures among the highest rates of infant, maternal, and tuberculosis mortality throughout all of Mexico.
Partner Info: Mostly of indigenous Mayan descent, the citizens of Chiapas have endured extreme poverty, political violence, and, most recently, natural disasters. A malnutrition rate of 57.4% highlights the atrocious conditions present in many communities. EAPSEC addresses these issues by not only treating illness, but also by advocating for the human rights of every citizen. Today, health promoters work in over 20 communities throughout Chiapas. With support from Partners In Health, this network of community health promoters conduct demographic health surveys and accompany physicians on medical consultations. In addition, they afford Chiapanecos continuity of care, especially for those with chronic diseases.
Project/Impact: GlobeMed at Penn State raises funds for two conferences each year that help educate and train the promotores. In previous years, almost 80 participants attended each conference. The promotores were able to discuss local challenges, identify best practices, and further develop their skills. In the future, GlobeMed at Penn State hopes to attend these conferences and work with the promotores to ascertain other areas where the partnership can make an impact.
Chapter History: GlobeMed at Penn State partnered with EAPSEC in November of 2008. Through Internet phone conversations and future visits, we hope to further develop our partnership with EAPSEC and thus bring a life of dignity to the people of Chiapas.
