Word from our NPO

It's my pleasure to have the Bridging Gaps in Health manual published, to be a guiding document for all our members and anyone interested in working on this vast focus area.

BGH has not always been the easiest focus area to explain, and members have always needed guidance and explanations to bring them closer to the topics at hand. Thus, this is a much needed publication that aims to bridge all the knowledge gaps that might be present.

With “bridging the gap” being the umbrella guiding our discussions, we tackle topics like climate change, health systems, antimicrobial resistance, and more, keeping in mind how to ensure universal access to well-integrated care, and how to reduce health problems originating from health inequities.

Have a read through this manual, prepared by a wonderful cohort of passionate members, led by Nada Mahmoud (SWG Coordinator), with the guidance of Omar Elmowafi (National BGH Coordinator). We hope it serves its purpose well and guides all our beloved members in their SCOPH journeys.

It's time to bridge the gaps!

With LoPH,

Samira Yasser

IFMSA-Egypt National Public Health Officer (NPO)

22-23

“Bridging Gaps in Health” is one of the most versatile focus areas within IFMSA-Egypt. It leaves a lot of space for innovation and enables public health advocates to identify their own gaps within healthcare systems and allows them to work on bridging them.

Whether it’s climate change, antimicrobial resistance or universal health coverage, BGH directs us in working towards these ideas as they are the main pillars of the focus area. However, it does not know any boundaries and its goal is to provide a blank canva for SCOPH members so their creative energy is not restricted and they can be independently creative.

Sadly, there is a lot of confusion around as members struggle to comprehend how to work within it due to lack of resources since the focus area is relatively new. This manual aims to bridge the knowledge gap we have and actively contribute to the focus area through enabling meaningful and impactful activities within our scope.

We hope this manual will prove to be “The Missing Piece” in your journey as a public health advocate, as there are valuable resources and guidelines to be discovered. We tried our best to provide you with a timeless manual that can guide you well in this “confusing” focus area, hopefully not anymore thanks to this manual!

Yours sincerely, “The Missing Piece” SWG, Nada, Layla, Omyma, Ayah, Salma and Omar

When it comes to health, it's no secret that there are gaps. These gaps can be seen in different aspects of health, such as access to healthcare, health outcomes, and disparities among different populations. These gaps in health can have serious consequences and affect the quality of life for many people.

Bridging gaps in health means working towards reducing or eliminating these gaps. It's about making healthcare accessible and equitable for all people, regardless of their background, socioeconomic status, or geographic location. Bridging gaps in health means working towards creating a healthcare system that is inclusive and meets the needs of all individuals.

The Bridging Gaps In Health Manual is a comprehensive guide that aims to help future healthcare professionals, policymakers, activity coordinators and advocates bridge gaps in health. It provides an overview of the different types of gaps in health, the factors that contribute to these gaps, and the strategies that can be used to address them. The manual also includes case studies and examples of successful initiatives that have been implemented to bridge gaps in health.

By working together and using the tools provided in this manual, we can make progress towards bridging gaps in health. We can create a more equitable and just healthcare system that meets the needs of all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.