Africa Regional Meeting 2018 Report

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IFMSA Imprint African Regional Team

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Parth Patel Stephen Djanie Aristide Koumbem Nsabimana Claude Alistair Mukondiwa Antony Karanja Efua Gyan-Tawiah Alaa E. Dafallah Zagre Armel Chukwuemeka Haffner Sarah Maitho Tadala Ulemu Hafsa Hassan

organization representing associations of medical students worldwide. IFMSA was founded in 1951 and currently maintains 133 National Member Organizations from 123 countries across six continents, representing a network of 1.3 million medical students.

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African Regional Meeting Ghana Report 2018-2019

1. PreARM 2. Opening and Closing Ceremony 3. Morning Sessions 4. Plenary 5. Training Sessions 6. Theme Event 7. Activities Fair and Presentation

Contents

8. Joint Sessions

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Number of participants: 11

1. PreARM Women’s reproductive health access to safe abortion- Ipas

and

List of facilitators: Iheb Jemel- SCORA Director Sheila Githui - Alumni Kenya How many participants: 5 How many countries: 3 Background and goals of workshop: This workshop is part of the IFMSA and Ipas strategy on women’s and adolescents’ reproductive health and safe abortion, a collective effort from both organizations that aims to increase IFMSA members’ awareness of, experiences with and ability to effectively advocate for women and adolescents reproductive health, especially safe abortion. The focus of this workshop is to advance the development of a network of safe abortion advocates within the federation. The training covers several related topics; for example: human, sexual and reproductive rights; abortion laws and policies; barriers to access care, including stigma; safe abortion methods; and identification and referral of women with abortion-related complications. The curriculum also includes information and activities on values clarification for abortion attitude transformation, as well as youth participation and leadership.

Outcomes: We now have 5 more Ipas trainers in the African region. The participants would be able to provide training to current and future health professionals on maternal health back in their NMOs. Furthermore, they have gained skills to facilitate peer education training in general, which would also be a contribution to capacity building effort in the region.

Number of countries: 7 Background and Goals: The aim of this workshop is to develop around 10 new trainers who are equipped with the necessary arsenal of skills to deliver impactful sessions, regardless the topic they want to deliver. Further they should be able to critically research for materials and know how to plan and implement training sessions in their NMOs. Goal 1: Increase knowledge and skills of training preparation Goal 2: Increase knowledge and skills for training delivery Goal 3: Ensuring trainers understand the necessary impact of a training session Goal 4: Developing personal leadership Outcomes: A set of 11 new trainers for the region who are ready to educate their peers in the future. The trainers have learned about Group Dynamics, Feedback Techniques, Presentation Skills, Intercultural Learning, Values of a trainer, Facilitation, Learning Styles & Training Design (4MAT), Training Delivery, CB structures in NMOs & IFMSA and also gave mini session to implement their learnings.

We also agreed on a follow up structure to ensure long lasting impact.

PHLT List of facilitators: Sarah Maitho (RA SCOPH) Hiba Ghandour (LRP) Idil Kina ( SCORP D) Claude Smith (DA Africa)

Training New Trainers - TNT List of facilitators: Georg Schwarzl (VPCB)

Number of countries: 6 Kenya (2), Ghana (2), Nigeria (1), Sudan (1),

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Cameroon (1), Burkina Faso (1) Background and Goals: Aim: This workshop aims to train SCOPH members to actively take leadership roles within the field of Public Health. Moreover, it will train participants in activity management in public health.

The Three pillars of the PHLT: 1. Leadership pillar: Includes sessions necessary to encourage the development of a Public Health leader. Starting with the basics of leadership, the workshop helps participants to improve their communication skills, knowledge on team dynamics and finally enters into more complex communication examples such as conflict management, advocacy and feedback.

more in detail the leadership and activity management tools that we propose.

Outcomes: 1. Participants learned leadership skills namely; leadership styles, team dynamics, communication and conflict management skills, 2. Participants learned activity management skills namely; creating vision, goals and objectives, time management, delegation skills, advocacy and campaigning skills 3. Participants had practice of the skills learned through creating a campaign.

2. Public Health Knowledge pillar: Includes the basic knowledge every Public Health practitioner shall have: levels of prevention, social determinants of health, public/national/ international health, the difference between public health and clinical medicine, and a few more. In addition, the Public Health Knowledgepillar goes into more depth on one specific topic. In this case the focus topic was Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

3. Activity Management pillar: with knowledge about the issue, and the ability to form and lead a team, the only thing missing is the knowledge and skills to be able to address issues. This is where the Activity Management pillar comes in.

By giving participants all the knowledge they need on Activity planning, we enable them to return home and become not only active, but also effective in any endeavour they wish to pursue.

This workshop is intended to help newer delegates familiarize and experiment with all the tools needed to become a strong and efficient active member, as well as for the more experienced, to refine and explore

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2. Opening and Closing Ceremony The ARM opening ceremony was marked by a night of Ghanaian arts and culture. There was a display of poetry , music and dances.

The FGMSA president, Mr Kennedy Ngaaso and OC Chair, Mr Dela Amuzu welcomed the delegates from the various regions of the continent.Present were Mrs Josephine Doe WHO Country Representative ,Professor Ellis owusu Dabo , Vice chancellor Representative, Professor sampson antwi , Head of Department Child Health Department , Dr Frimpong , Consultant Radiologist.

Various speeches were delivered by these Distinguished Guest Speakers as well as the IFMSA Vice President , Mr Fabriccio Canaval and IFMSA GA for Africa , Mr Stephen Djanie on behalf of the Regional Director.

Delegates from the various African NMOs were introduced and welcomed.

The ARM closing ceremony was held at the plenary room on the eve of the last night of the ARM.A closing speech was given by the IFMSA GA for Africa and well as the OC. Special prizes were presented to extraordinary delegates of the various session meetings as well as the activities fair by the IFMSA VPCB.

3. Morning Sessions SCOME List of facilitators: William Sekindu - NOME, FUMSA Uganda Asmau Musa - NOME, MedSIN Sudan Landry Ouedraogo - NOME, AEM Burkina Faso Alaa Dafallah - SCOME RA for Africa List of externals: None.

Total Number of participants: 11 Number of countries: 7 countries Background and goals: The Standing committee on medical education sessions where structured over 3 days as follows; The first day included sessions on IFMSA and SCOME to introduce the importance of medical education, IFMSA, SCOME and activity enrollment in related programs on the first day.

Special time was dedicated to discuss in groups important medical education challenges faced by the region as well as NMO work, challenges, and ways for engagement and collaboration within the region through regional projects/campaigns etc. National officers and country delegates discussed their NMO SCOME work and challenges they faced in managing SCOME in their NMO’s such as member recruitment, poor member engagement etc. We brainstormed solutions to improve member engagement and raise awareness on SCOME. On the second day, we discussed the interplay between medical education and rural health highlighting how medical education through 2 main topics affects rural health; introducing the concept of Social accountability in medical education and the importance of redirecting health professions’ education towards addressing communities’ and patients’ needs and then moving on to address Health workforce challenges in Africa.

Much of the inequalities in access to healthcare to rural areas stem from health workforce imbalances. In that session we defined health workforce, and discussed figures reflecting the health workforce crisis around the world and Africa. Later the goals of HRH management were introduced highlighting “the right number, at the right place with the right skills. Participants had an open discussion sharing their different perspectives in health workforce imbalance, causes of these imbalances (eg: migration, poor living and working conditions, professional development) and possible solutions which resonated closely with what was discussed in the theme event. In conclusion, we linked the fact that more socially accountable medical education can promote retention of Health Workforce

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and help address imbalances. To complete the picture, the third day was about advocacy introduced to the principles of advocacy, the golden circle, building grassroot advocacy movements, and role of policies in advocacy allowing them to put in practice their skills through a simulation based challenge where participants had to plan an advocacy campaign to promote social accountability in their medical school.

FInally, through a group reflective circle,participants shared what they have gained over the days and what action points they resolve to undertake when going back to their NMOs and LMOs. Outcomes: Participants are more oriented now about the fundamental concepts in SCOME and Medical education.

Participants are now more aware of IFMSA medical education programs, their importance and the process of enrollment.

Participants shared experiences and left with solid actions to address NMO challenges they face, as well as recommendations for regional work within SCOME. Participants now understand social accountability (its values and principles), how to assess it, and how to promote social accountability in their medical schools.

Participants are understand the main concept of health workforce and challenges facing health workforce distribution both at a global and regional perspective.

Participants acknowledge the importance of advocacy and are able to translate their knowledge into advocacy plans to develop perceived weak areas in their medical education.

SCORP List of facilitators: Idil kina (SCORP Director)(Turkey).

Hiba Ghandour (IFMSA LRP)(Lebanon).

Hafsa Abdurahim (SCORP RA)(Sudan).

John Ebong (NiMSA-Nigeria).

Razan Azhari (MedSIN Sudan).

List of externals: None Total number of participants: 7 Number of countries: 4 countries: Sire Leone, Ghana, Togo and Nigeria.

Background and goals: Day 1 We started with icebreaking and welcoming members, then introducing the session team, IFMSA and SCORP structure and what is the agenda for the next 3 days.

-First session was *Human Rights 101* facilitated

by SCORP-D , she introduced human rights basics to the members and discussed different types of human rights violations in Africa!

-Second session was *Health as Human Right* facilitated by John Ebong tackling health as human right! and social determinants of health.

-The third and last session was *Human rights and development* facilitated by hafsa SCORP-RA. This new topics aims to link human rights to politics and real life, that fact that protecting people rights leads to community progress. Inside the session we discussed about the right to development and SDGs/MDGs from human rights views !

Day 2 -First session was *Migrants Health* facilitated by john Ebong.starting with introducing terms of (refugees/Migrants/IDPs/Asylum-seekers) and discussing what are migrants rights, type of violations on their rights. Also migrants access to health facilities and services.

-Second session was *Human rights advocacy and policy making* facilitated by Hiba IFMSALRP. Explaining what is Advocacy? When and where?. Using SMART goals, SWOT analysis and stakeholders mapping.

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-The third and last session was *Conflict resolution and peace building* facilitated by Idil SCORP-D. Discussing what is conflict, analysis and actors in conflict.

SCORA List of facilitators: Iheb Jemel- SCORA Director (Tunisia) Ratidzo Mutangadura- MSA Malawi

Day 3 -First session was *How to IFMSA* facilitated by Hafsa-SCORP RA. the purpose from this session was to explain IFMSA and SCORP vision to participants, discuss different implementations of human rights and peace in our region.

-Second session was *people with disabilities in humanitarian sitting* this facilitated by Idil kinaSCORPD. This session aimed to focus on aspects of human rights in humanitarian settings! And especially in case of the people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups!

Sirina Ouedraogo- AEM Burkina Faso(NORA) Ewuramah Taiwah- FGMSA Ghana (NORA) Ismaël Rachid Boro- AEM Burkina Faso List of externals: Mrs Anas Bomso- Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) Total number of Participants: 30 Number of countries: 11 Background and goals:

Outcomes:

Day 1

In General, sessions were amazing, mixed between basic and advanced topics, also related to the region issues and priorities as well as linked to the global priorities. IFMSA LRP had covered external and advocacy part (Advocacy and policy making session) and SCORP-D had focused on rising up participant’s knowledge at specific topics example of (Conflict resolution and peacemaking) and human rights basics in (HUMAN Rights 101).We also aimed to introduce IFMSA and SCORP work to the members so they can be more involved and participate in future activities. in (How to IFMSA sessions) we talked about SCORP in Africa, we discussed priorities and common focus area the upcoming plans, we talked about the NORP tasks and how to manage activities . Participants shared with us their experiences in activities. Things to improve: if is it possible to increase number of SCORP sessions attendance by the registration team – OC and head of delegations and advocate for balancing number of participants in all SC sessions (because we had the least number of participants in ARM !)

The first session was SCORA 101. It was basically an introduction to SCORA, it’s programs, objectives and the members of the international team.

The second was Communication skills, which focused on internal and external communication as well as how to give feedback.

This was followed by Blood donation during which we did an introduction, looked at the reasons behind low number of people willing to donate and the strategies to improve this.

Lastly we looked at LGBTQI+. We looked at and understood the terms, the challenges faced in our setting and globally and also discussed solutions.

Day 2 The day started off with a session on Menstrual Hygiene. The focus was on what it is, the challenges faced in achieving this and solutions to these challenges.

This was followed by Contraceptives. This session looked at the different methods available and how to use them accompanied with demonstrations.

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The last session was on Policy writing and advocacy.

This focused on what advocacy is, the importance, stakeholders and a practical session applying this topic to HIV and AIDS.

Total Number of participants: 21

Day 3

Day 1

The first session was on Consent and Coercion and Child marriage. We looked at definition of important terms with regards to the topic and also watched a video on consent as well as the reasons, consequences and solutions with regards to child marriage

The session began with Welcoming, introduction and team building activity: the Human knot. Then we introduce to the participants the IFMSA and its blue committees SCOPE and SCORE; but also how to get those committees activated. And it was the beginning of the work with sessions on How to be the Perfect Exchange Officer + How to prepare for the perfect term, and Promotion of Exchanges. We ended that day with a SWG on Motivation.

The second session was on Masturbation. This looked at what it is, reasons for masturbation, the myths and facts as well as the normalcy of masturbation.

We finished off with Pregnancy complications.

This focused on the definitions, the causes and consequences to the mother name baby as well as how to manage them.

Outcomes: The sessions were informative and a lot of the participants had a good time and also learned a lot. Some participants expressed interest to start projects and campaigns on some of the topics such as Menstrual hygiene and contraceptives. They have been put in contact with the respective NORAs from their countries so they can work together in these.

Follow up will be done with the NORAs to ensure the ideas come into fruition.

Number of countries: 7 Background and goals:

Day 2 That day was about technical topics. We had Academic quality and PDT-UAT, but we also discussed about the organization of an exchange program and the Basics on the database presented by a participant. A presentation on Handover closed that session.

Day 3

Exchanges Sessions (SCOPE-SCORE)

Last but not the least, we discussed about Capacity building with How to organize PRET/TNET, and also how to attain a financial sustainability through a proper Financial management in NMO/SCOPE with some advices and budget tools. Before the family pictures, we had a SWG on Visa issues, one of the main issue for us as Africans, and a moment of pure emotions for conclusion with the greatest moments of our session and the reveal of Secret friends.

List of facilitators:

Outcomes:

Armel Johanne Zagre - SCOPE Regional Assistant for Africa (AEM-Burkina Faso) Emeka Haffner - SCORE Regional Assistant for Africa (SLEMSA-Sierra Leone) Sarah Lamptey - NORE (FGMSA-Ghana) Mohamed Nana - NEO (AEM-Burkina Faso) List of externals: None

Those 3 days session were satisfying and permit to many among us to learn a lot. Feedbacks are positive and encouraging.

Many links were created through the secret friends and envelopes, and the general thoughts was that the session was amazing.

For example, the participants are still in touch and some are planning to meet during the August Meeting in Taiwan for another great experience.

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As an outcome, MSAKE-Kenya was volunteer to organize a PRET during their 3rd SRT this year.

SCOPH SESSIONS List of Facilitators: Sarah Maitho SCOPH Regional Assistant) Nyambura Muroki, NPO Kenya Fakorede Olayinka, Nigeria Hiba Ghandour, Liasion Officer for SCORP (advocacy session) List of Externals: None

Day 2 Session 1 was on Mental Health, to demystify African myths about the topic and also mental health among healthcare professionals.

Second session was on Social Determinants of Health.

Third session was a joint session with SCOME on Public Health in the Medical Curriculum based on the toolkit created by the Small Working Group on Public Health in the Medical Curriculum.

The fourth session was a Forum of Representation which highlighted the NPO needs.

Number of countries: 8

Finally we had a joint session with SCOPE on Public Health Exchanges, introducing this concept to the participants.

Background and goals:

Day 3

Day 1

On the last day we had 2 sessions, one being Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), followed by AMR in Maternal Health, a joint session with SCORA.

Total Number of participants: 18

The first session was a basic introduction to the IFMSA and to the SCOPH. This included the structure of IFMSA and SCOPH including its leadership, global priorities, vision, mission, SCOPH objectives.

The second session was on Rural and Remote Healthcare which was in keeping with the ARM’s theme: Rural and Remote Healthcare: Increasing accessibility.

The third session was on Global Surgery, introducing participants to this concept that is a neglected public health topic.

We then had 3 short SCOPH Talks, in which speakers inspired and infused passion to listeners by marrying the science of public health to the art of public speaking. The talks were on migrants’ health, social determinants of health, and governance and leadership.

The last session of the day was Universal Health Coverage and Health Systems, to end the day’s theme of access to healthcare, as tribute to the ARM theme.

Outcomes: •

Participants learned the vision, mission, and global priorities of the IFMSA and the SCOPH.

•

Participants became acquainted to the concept of rural health by definition and drew parallels between rural and urban healthcare.

•

Participants were presented with scenarios in which rural healthcare systems had solved public health challenges in Africa.

•

Participants created and presented on a sustainable rural health service model and gave solutions on how to increase rural health workforce supply.

•

Participants learned the definition of global surgery and brainstormed on practical solutions to the challenges hindering access to surgical services.

•

Participants understood the role of primary healthcare and a “pro-poor” approach in achieving UHC.

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•

•

The facilitators urged the participants to contribute to curricula enhancement in their local medical schools.

Participants were put into groups and creative ideas were raised on how the government can reduce or put a stop to AMR.

Follow up plans: Share the SCOPH Exchange Guidelines with the participants. Have a meeting with NPOs to discuss SCOPH Exchanges as many were absent during the ARM. Have monthly meetings with the NPOs aimed at discussing the various aspects of the SCOPH work.

4. Plenary Plenary Team: Chairperson: Alistair Shingirai Mukondiwa Vice Chairperson: John Ebong Etiop Secretary: Ruth Pokuah Appiah Secretary Assistants: Enu Otsyina and Klenam Ahlijah Returning Officers: Ratidzo Mutagadura, Efua Yaaba Gyan-Tawiah This was the second ever set of plenaries at an African Regional Meeting. The plenaries were divided into 3 sessions.

The Presidents and heads of delegation received a rundown of plenary regulations during the President’s sessions on the second day and simulated a plenary session to prepare them for the 3 main sessions.

The first session involved procedures such as appointing the plenary team and accepting the agenda.

The second session mainly covered presentations such as Regional Team updates, Regional Strategy updates, Regional Mascot and Slogan presentation and presentations of candidatures for potential hosts of the 15th ARM. The final session was mostly a voting session.

Outcomes: A Regional Mascot and Slogan was adopted by the region, the region decided to open an SWG to revive ‘Auscultate’ (the Regional publication), IOG changes were adopted, MSA-Malawi was voted the next host of the ARM and CB Units gained official recognition in the region.

5. Training Sessions Day 2 Name of Training - Organizing an SRT Efua Yaaba Gyan-Tawiah This training was aimed at sharing information as well as simulating the entire process regarding the execution of a Sub-Regional Training. The outcome of this session was extremely positive. There was further inquiries and discussing after the session, followed up with emails.

Name of Training - Presentation Skills Alistair Shingirai Mukondiwa This training was purposed to equip emerging leaders in the region with basic skills on how to prepare for and execute a presentation at all levels. It featured practical examples and role playing that helped make the content exciting and palatable.

The outcomes were debunking myths surrounding presentations, identifying common mistakes and providing basic foundations to well rounded presenters and speakers.

Name of training - Cultural dances Johanne Armel Zagre 35 participants The training was aimed to let participants enjoy and learn some dance steps from other countries. It was a physical and interactive training on ground. Each participants had to show and teach to others some steps.

The main outcomes:

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•

Participants enjoyed a lot;

•

They learnt dance steps;

•

Everybody had the chance to be a dance teacher;

•

With that training, all the social program activities were better because participants had the skills to dance all together.

6. Theme Event The 2018 ARM which was held in Kumasi, Ghana had a grand theme event featured around the theme, “Rural and remote healthcare: increasing quality and accessibility to reach everyone everywhere.” This theme event was chosen in sync with the WHO theme for 2018 which was Universal Healthcare for Everyone, Everywhere. We were graced by the presence of four very influential speakers who made the event all together worthwhile. In attendance as keynote speakers were Prof. Peter Donkoh, Dr. Ernest Kwarko, Dr Ayisi Boateng and Pharm Kwame Peprah. Prof.

Peter Donkoh is a surgeon based in Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. He has a long profile centered on giving back to society with his knowledge and skills. He took participants through the accessibility of surgical care to “everyone, everywhere” especially in a remote setting. His presentation was purposive and very educative. Dr. Ernest Boateng is the founder of the Filial Heart Foundation and Obgyn specialist and his expertise in media was a plus during this event.

He engaged participants in brainstorming how media can be used positively to influence accessibility of healthcare especially in advocating for practices that promote health living and would eventually reduce mortality and morbidity in remote settings. Dr. Ayisi Boateng, the president of AFRIWON was the special guest of honor. He elaborated on Universal Healthcare and the community’s role in it. Last but not the least, Pharm Kwame Peprah, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana explained the role pharmacy plays in universal healthcare - access to medicines and quality of medicines and how it’s

affecting rural healthcare.

7. Activities Fair & Presentation These participants represented their NMOS at the Activities Fair and presentation of ARM 2018. it was an opportunity for us to present the best activities that NMOs have managed to do in the past year.

1. John Etietop Ebong , NiMSA-Nigeria , Health Compass 2. Rose Adjei-Bempah, FGMSA - GHANA, World AIDS Day in Ghana!

3. Rachel Boateng, FGMSA- GHANA, Cervical Cancer Awareness Project A group of judges were determine the two best activities from the African Region based on a predetermined list of criteria. The winners were announced during the plenary session at the African Regional Meeting. Miss Rose from FGMSA Ghana won.

8. Joint Sessions

SCORA and SCORP joint session List of facilitators: Ewuramah Tawiah-SCORA John Ebong-SCORP List of externals: None Total number of participants: 14 Number of countries: 9 Topics discussed: Sexual and reproductive health and rights in humanitarian crisis The main objectives of the session were to give an overview of what SRHR is and a humanitarian crisis is and how they relate in a crisis. We also looked at barriers to achieving goals in this instance and the possible solutions. This was accompanied by a video.

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Lastly we looked at the role of medical students when it comes to SRHR in a humanitarian crisis.

Outcomes: The session was very interactive and informative.

Participants had a lot to learn and it sparked a lot interest in them as this is a topic that is not usually discussed.

Topics discussed: Antimicrobial resistance in maternal health This session looked at what antimicrobial resistance is and it’s origin and also what maternal health is. We looked at the relevance of antimicrobial resistance in maternal health is, the consequences as well as the possible solutions to tackling this resistance.

Outcomes:

SCOME-SCORE Joint session ‘ List of facilitators: Alaa Dafallah - SCOME RA

Participants learnt quite a lot with regards to the topic.

The bringing together of two standing committees allowed for different perspectives to be heard and discussed.

Emeka Haffner - SCORE RA Total number of participants: 11 Overview: This joint session with SCORE introduced the concept of Open Science, specifically Open Access, Open Education and Open Data. Africa is one of the continents where data is least generated, accessed, and used, promoting awareness around Open Access and publishing of scientific papers in OA journals was they key solution participants recommended. We also spoke about the global movement towards OA and opportunities for students such as Open Con. Main outcome: Participants are now familiar with the concept of Open science, and acknowledge the importance of promoting open access, open education and open data.

SCORA and SCOPH joint session List of facilitators: Ratidzo Mutangadura Olanyika Fakorede List of externals: None Total number of participants: 17 Number of countries: 5

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