Asia-Pacific Regional Team 20/21 Updates
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ECOSOC Youth Forum 2021
Written by Mathew Chow, Regional Director for IFMSA Asia-Pacific
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum was held on April 7-8 2021 online as a platform for a candid dialogue among the Member States and young leaders from around the world on solutions to challenges affecting youth wellbeing. It also served as space for young people to share our vision and actions as well as to provide our perspectives on the implementation of the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda. The 2021 Forum had the theme of “Sustainable and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic”
Moreover, IFMSA hosted two side events on April 6 2021. The first was hosted by Christos Papaioannou (IFMSA LRA), on COVID-19: Redefining Women Leadership in Global Health Workforce, while the second was hosted by Mathew Chow (IFMSA RD AP), on Vaccine Inequity. The latter featured notable public health professionals, a colleague from GAVI and an IFMSA representative, and discussed the role of youth in combating vaccine hesitancy and supporting vaccine rollout.
Overall, it was a peak event to coalesce opinions from all across the globe about the power of youth in the 21st century, during this unprecedented pandemic, and how we can leverage this crisis to amplify the voice of the youth within and beyond the health arenas.
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Youth PreWHA 2021
Written by Natnicha Manaboriboon (Meji), Deputy VPE, IFMSA-Thailand
I was honoured to join the IFMSA delegation to the Youth Pre World Health Assembly (Youth PreWHA) and the 74th World Health Assembly (WHA), during the 18th-22nd May and 24th May - 1st June.
Virtual Youth PreWHA was one of the best events of this year for me. The experiences were as valuable as the normal physical event due to the dedication of the organising committee! We had the chance to discuss and interact with speakers from across the globe, ranging from WHO officials to members of academia, curated specifically for us to ignite our passion for global health and meaningful youth engagement. There were also internal sessions and social programs within the delegation that lead to friendships formed here due to our shared interests! One of the best experiences was to be part of the Advocacy Working Groups (AWG) for Mental health. We have worked together prior to the Youth PreWHA to brainstorm and execute ideas on increasing youth presence.
Stay tuned for open spaces and social media campaigns from us! I can’t wait to review all of that and the WHA experiences in the next issue!
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Youth PreWHA 2021
Written by Salman Khan, IFMSA Program Coordinator for Healthy Lifestyles and Non-Communicable Diseases, MSAI India
5 days, 20+ hours of sessions and countless moments of inspiration…. the Youth PreWHA was an experience of its kind! The Youth PreWHA took place online from 18th-22nd of May (with a reflection session that will happen on 5th June) and it prepared the delegates for the WHA and broadened their horizons on the three academic pillars- Universal Health Coverage, Meaningful Youth Participation and Global Health Education.
We had an amazing lineup of external speakers, including the DG-WHO Dr Tedros, who addressed us on day 1; each of the speakers stimulated our brains more and left us in awe with the intricacies of global health. My personal favourites were Prof. Ilona Kickbusch, Dr Lujain Alqodmani, Teodor Blidaru and Nicoletta Denico. The sessions in these 5 days included Global health governance, WHA 101, Health systems, Pandemic preparedness, Future health challenges and the role of youth, Role of civil society, Health sector leadership, Climate change, UHC, Youth delegate programs, and concepts of advocacy and role of social media; they were facilitated by the amazing OC, our Liaison officers, external speakers, as well as the delegates! There wasn’t a dull moment ever, each session and the reflections thereafter had an exchange of different perspectives from delegates across the globe. We didn’t forget to have fun though, each day ended with exciting social programs followed by several hours of getting to know each other on the discord server and social media.
It’s hard to encapsulate the experience at the Youth PreWHA in limited words. I can’t wait to attend the 74th World Health Assembly with the awesome delegation I’m a part of and witness Global health affairs with a fresh perspective so closely. Kudos to the Organizing Committee who have worked tirelessly for months to aim to provide you with a wholesome experience at the Youth PreWHA.
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Asia-Pacific Regional Initiatives
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Special Interest Group on Planetary Health
Tomoki Kishaba (SCORP RA for AP), Kevin Alvaro Handoko (SCORE RA for AP), Michelle Choa (AP DA), Shashank Timilsina (AP FA)
In April, we had the first SIG month on Planetary Health. Through having 5 CB sessions and Webinars, we have explored the concept of Planetary Health, its relation in Medical Education, as well as Environmental Migrants. In addition, by infographics and activities map, we have researched the numerous impacts on Planetary Health and highlighted the national and local activities, which tackle them. We would like to say thank you to all Planetary Health enthusiasts who joined our campaign, bringing great passions and inspirations. Finally, we would truly like to appreciate the SIG members who put in a lot of effort. We hope to continue advocating Planetary Health within and beyond the Asia-Pacific region!
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Special Interest Group on Mental Health
James Haley Young (SCOME RA for AP) Hiba Thasleem (SCOPH RA for AP), Putri Azzahra Nur Azrina (AP DA)
The SIG on Mental Health has been working really hard in May to bring a series of webinars, capacity building sessions and infographics to our members. The entire concept was split into 2 parts with the first 2 weeks focusing on the Mental Health care of healthcare professionals and medical students. Shedding light on how the pandemic has impacted all of us and the path ahead. The 2 weeks ended with a meditation session where breathing techniques were taught and the benefits of meditation explored. The latter 2 weeks focus on Vulnerable Populations in the AP region and raise awareness of their challenges and difficulties. Another webinar and Capacity Session will be done in order to highlight this aspect.
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Regional and National Events
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Teal and White January
Written by Iftekhar Ahmed Sakib
Local Committee Secretary, BMSS Bangladesh
IARC marks January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Bangladesh has the highest level of mortality rate due to cervical cancer. So to break the stigma, ShSMCLC and MCWHLC in collaboration with ‘Cancer Awareness Foundation of Bangladesh’ organized the grand fundraising campaign “Teal and White, Fight for Light" from 15th - 25th of January 2021 under SCORA BMSS.
On the 19th of January, a Digital Poster Presentation Competition was organized to give a platform where medical students can advocate against cervical cancer. A webinar was held on the 20th of January with distinguished guests.
The event shared the story of a brave cervical cancer survivor, Mrs Munawara Shafiq. The event resounded that cancer survivors have the courage to share their stories to raise awareness. A donation of $160 was collected to vaccinate underprivileged girls against cervical cancer.
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Birth Control Webinar in Thailand
Written by Krittaya Assadasombat
LORA, IFMSA-Thailand
In 2020, the Department of Health Thailand reported 169 daily births from moms aged 15-19 years and 6 daily births, a rise from the 2000 report of 4 daily births, from moms aged under 15. High birth rates from adolescent moms and lack of widespread education on birth control drive me and my team of medical students and a professor from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, to arrange an informative, online “Birth Control” webinar for educating Thai citizens.
Because we believe that if everyone has good knowledge in birth control, there will be no abortion and no children that don’t receive love and care from their own parents.
We want to raise awareness about the importance of birth control and construct medical knowledge, understanding and positive attitudes towards birth control.
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Ahon: Building Back Communities Vulnerable to Climate Change Better
Written by Michelle Nhat Ly T. Reyes
Internal Vice President, AMSA-Philippines
Ahon is an activity spearheaded by AMSA-Philippines and BUCM Sanggawad to address the immediate and long-term needs of the communities affected by Typhoons Quinta, Rolly, and Ulysses and to engage with policymakers to declare a Climate Emergency.
AMSA-Philippines and BUCM Sanggawad organized a series of activities to tackle health emergencies and climate change. The first phase of the activity was the donation campaign for the communities that were affected by the typhoon where 60% of the donation proceeds were used to procure relief packs for the severely affected residents in Catanduanes and Albay, while the second phase was the policy statement on Demanding Accountability for Climate Change proposed in partnership with AMSA FEU-NRMF and Healthcare Without Harm, and the final phase is the sustainability project, and capacity building workshop where the remaining 40% was used for the procurement of seeds, and farming materials that will be distributed to 4H Club - Albay, an organization of young farmers in the province of Albay.
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National CB Fest
Written by Rana Muhammad Ahsan
Development Assistant to National VPCB, IFMSA Pakistan
Capacity building sessions effectively reduce the dependence and minimize the need for outside experts as the source of information, knowledge, resources & solutions.
IFMSA-Pakistan’s SZMC-LC in collaboration with BUMHS, SMC & UCMD LCs held a series of online Capacity Building Sessions in the form of a National CB Fest, during the last week of April 2021. National & International IFMSA certified trainers were invited to capacitate the participants on Intersexuality, Coping with Trauma in the COVID-19 Crisis, Burnout Management, and such.
The event proved to be informative & effective as seen in our post evaluation. The outreach was also amazing with over a thousand people reached so far.
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Planetary Health: Healthy Planet, Healthy Life
Written by Rachel Tan
SCORP Program Coordinator, SMMAMS Malaysia
Planetary Health: Healthy Planet, Healthy Life is an essential initiative to expand the horizon of medical students beyond medical institutions’ teaching materials. From March to April, clubhouse sessions, webinars, panel discussions and social media campaigns were organized to raise awareness of planetary health.
On the first day of the event, topics covered ranging from the introduction of planetary health, an overview of climate change trends in Malaysia, sustainable healthcare and diet to health impact by climate change. On the second day of the event, we touched on climate change in medical education, youth and NGO involvement in climate change, and climate migration. Speakers are invited to present the topics mentioned above briefly followed by panel discussions. In the panel discussion, we further delved into topics such as the Paris Agreement, the impact of climate change on social and economic inequalities, climate disasters and more interesting questions.
Lastly, our earth and health will not be sustainable with the lack of awareness of climate change impact on health.
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AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day Campaign
Written by Minahil Iqbal
Members Engagement Assistant to NORA
IFMSA Pakistan
On the 16th of May, the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day is celebrated worldwide. It is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. On this day we spread awareness about HIV and AIDS and vow to eliminate the stigma around HIV positive people. So that one day we live in an HIV free world.
SCORA at IFMSA-Pakistan conducted a national level campaign on International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day. We bought a series of informative posts, culminating in an open space with Program Coordinator HIV/AIDS and other STIs Antara Raidah, where we discussed all aspects related to HIV & AIDS. We hoped to create a platform for global solidarity and tried to break down barriers of stigma and discrimination, giving hope to new generations by educating future health care professionals.
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SCORA Webinar: Transgender
Written by Farsai Chiewbangyang (LORA), Rin Indarodom (LORA), Natasha Sahapattana (Core team member of SCORA), IFMSA-Thailand
The local officer team under SCORA has recently organized the activity SCORA Webinar: Transgender on 7 February 2021. Presently, in Thailand, the transgender population tends to be one of the groups with the least spotlight but the most discrimination as LGBTQAI+. So, this webinar aimed to give audiences more insight into transgender people from spiritual, social, mental, and physical perspectives. First and second-hand experiences were shared by speakers to promote empathy and understanding. Education was given on appropriate actions toward transgender people so that participants would learn to embrace the beauty of diversity and to respect human rights. Moreover, the objectives also included initiating and promoting gender equality while empowering the voices of transgender people to call for legal support by highlighting legal obstacles and advocacy opportunities. This transgender webinar reached over 300 people during the live session with publication in the newspaper to raise awareness and promote understanding for people in the future. Transgender people are as human as we are.
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Mind My Mind
Written by Natasha Nadeem
General Assistant in SCOPH National Team, Local Public Health Officer (LPO), IFMSA Pakistan
Recently, CMH-LC and UCMD-LC from IFMSA-Pakistan conducted "Mind My Mind" — a mental health activity addressing stress in all students.
A social media campaign was launched wherein audience responses were anonymously shared on how they were dealing with stress. Two webinars took place on the 29th and the 30th of April. Stress management techniques were discussed in the first session. The second session featured a clinical psychologist explaining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Also, over 150 participants from 400 registrations were screened and informed of high-stress levels using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The activity was a success with much positive feedback received from all.
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Special Interest Group on Comprehensive Sexuality Education
Myesha Maliha Binte Mamun (SCORA RA for AP), Prinrasar Mongkolkul (SCOPE RA for AP), Tsz Chun Lam (AP GA)
The SIG on CSE (Comprehensive Sexuality Education) will be taking place in the month of June. Our SIG members are working really hard to make this SIG impactful. As a part of the upcoming SIG we will be having 2 CB sessions, an open space, a webinar and a series of infographics. The whole SIG has been developed keeping in mind the needs and requirements of the Asia Pacific Region. Since CSE is like an umbrella that can cover a huge range of topics, we have tried to make sure to cover all the important aspects such as inclusiveness of CSE in the medical curriculum, age-appropriate CSE, relationships etc. In addition, we would also like to invite you all to attend our sessions and webinar in order to know more about this SIG.
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#DontBleedMyPurse
9th May - 19th June 2021
IFMSA-Thailand
The local officer team under SCORA is currently organizing an advocacy campaign called SCORA Advocacy: #DontBleedMyPurse from 9th May - 19th June 2021. This aims to raise awareness of the current tampon tax situation and why tampons should be tax-free. We also want to debunk myths and promote insight on periods. Our goal is to change perspectives on future tampon tax through facts and a virtual march. We hope to raise awareness and supporters in changing the law regarding period-having people’s sanitary health.
We are aiming to reach at least 1500 participants. You can join us from the 23rd - 29th May by using the hashtags #DontBleedMyPurse 7 PM GMT+7 or visit us at scora_Thailand account.
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SCORA Webinar: "Equalism"
20th June 2021
IFMSA-Thailand
Different genders of all occupations are treated differently, often regardless of their real capabilities. The LGBTQ+, especially, is facing bias and inequality all over the world. Too often, diversity is shunned rather than accepted.
The local officer team under SCORA is organizing the webinar activity SCORA Webinar: Equalism, on 20th June 2021. The objective is to raise awareness about inequality, give insight into different human anthropologies, and inspire the audience. We are aiming to reach at least 300 participants.
We hope to bring the hidden problem of inequality in modern Thai society into the spotlight and encourage people to take action in their own societies.
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Mental Health Weekend Camp
24th - 25th July 2021
IFMSA-Thailand, AMSA-Philippines
Mental Health Weekend Camp aims to advocate for and educate IFMSA members on the mental health of vulnerable populations and medical students. The 2-day online camp hosted in July will consist of the novel, interactive, and cross-cultural sessions that participants will undoubtedly enjoy and benefit from.
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