eVAGUS, December 2009

Content Editorial

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Message from the President

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Message from the SCOME-D p4 SRT 101 (SCOPE)

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This was WDD '09 (SCOPH) p6 HIV/AIDS

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SCORA & WAD '09

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From the SCORE-D

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EMR6

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eVAGUS The official IFMSA newsletter.

December 2009

eVAGUS | December 2009

Conferences

International NGO Conference UNESCO 30th Nov. - 2nd December; Paris, France http://www.unesco.org/

25th Meeting of the Programme Coordinating Board UNAIDS 8th - 10th 2009 Dec.; Geneva Switzerland http://bit.ly/7RxBfi 4th Dialogue on the recognition of NFE European Youth Forum "Where Non-Formal Education and Formal Education meet" 10th - 11th December 2009; Ghent, Belgium http://www.youthforum.org/en/home 3rd Meeting of the Youth Regional Network Assembly of European Regions "YRN’s Take on Youth Employment – in Times of Economic Crisis" 10th - 12th December 2009; Paris, France http://bit.ly/8eLx59

Editorial Dear IFMSA members, two months have passed since the last edi-

JPC on Youth meeting UNESCO 3rd December; Paris, France http://www.unesco.org/

tion of eVAGUS – IFMSA's electronic news-

Important deadlines

This December edition focuses on some

Earlsy Reg. IFMSA March Meeting 2010 Deadline 15th December 2009 http://www.thailandmm2010.org/

betes Day, page 6), present celebrations

Climate Change Conference United Nations 7th - 17th December, Copenhagen, Denmark http://en.cop15.dk/ WHO 126th Executive Board Session 18th - 23rd January 2010, Geneva, Switzerland http://bit.ly/5MVARx Informal Forum of Intertational Students Organizations (FISO) Meeting 2nd - 6th Dec. 2009; Lamezia Terme, Italy

www.ifmsa.org medical students worldwide

Child Family Health International Spring Scholarship Deadline 12th December 2009 http://www.cfhi.org Women Deliver Conference Scholarships Deadline 15th December 2009 http://bit.ly/1SwKcp International AIDS Conference 2010 Scholarships and Abstracts Deadline 10th February 2010 http://www.aids2010.org/ New Investigators in Global Health Call for Abstracts Deadline 1st December 2009 http://bit.ly/mjENw

letter – was published! Two months with exciting events, motivating meetings and periods of hard work. "highlights" of past activities (World Dia(World AIDS Day, pages 7 and 8) and future events (EMR regional meeting 6, page 10).

I want to take this chance to thank everyone

The mission of IFMSA is to offer future physicians a comprehensive introduction to global health issues. Through our programs and opportunities, we develop culturally sensitive students of medicine, intend on influencing the transnational inequalities that shape the health of our planet.

who worked hard on those activities, and documented them for spreading the message of awaremess to the outside world.

Choosing the pictures was a particular challenge, so "Thank you" to all who sent them.

Special thanks to the Team of Officials and especially Melhim, for making sure this edition is published on time.

Enjoy reading and happy WAD '09!

Alexander Werni Publications SD Director 2009-2010

eVAGUS is an IFMSA publication © Portions of eVAGUS may be reproduced for non political, and non profit purposes mentioning the source provided.

Notice: Every care has been taken in the preparation of these articles. Nevertheless, errors cannot always be avoided.

IFMSA cannot accept any responsibility for any liability. The opinions expressed in eVAGUS are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of IFMSA.

Page 2

eVAGUS | December 2009

Message from the President

There had been some meetings…

IFMSA was also granted the participation

There will be more!

I believe that we should be very proud

of a delegation of medical students at the

Among many other upcoming meet-

of medical students’ activities in many

first World Health Summit, a high-profiled

ings, a delegation of IFMSA members is

major international events; which have

meeting held in Berlin. Same would ap-

preparing for the COP 15 negotiations

opened many doors for further coopera-

ply for numerous meetings organized

in Copenhagen, in order to present our

tion, new partnerships and offered oppor-

by the European Youth Forum in which

views in regards to Climate Change. We

Dear IFMSA members and

tunities to support further development of

we had IFMSA representatives taking

are preparing for the upcoming 126th

supporters,

our Federation and its members. In this

part; although I would like to stress on

WHO Executive Board Meeting in Ge-

Writing these lines, I found myself in a

period, five small delegations of medical

the League of Arab States Youth Forum

neva, where our triennial report is to be

very pleasant dilemma – what to single

students have worked on strengthening

which focused on Youth and Migration

reviewed and our official status to the

out or stress on out of numerous exciting

our partnership with the WHO by taking

and important events medical students

active part in the WHO Regional Session

were engaged in. A pleasant dilemma in-

meetings

deed, so I hope you will indulge me.

Hong Kong, Washington DC, Fez). Two

(Kathmandu,

Group photo "Team of Officials", TOM1, Amsterdam

Copenhagen,

WHO discussed. IFMSA is also invited for the 3rd year in a row to take part in the upcoming UNAIDS PCB meeting in Geneva.

IFMSA Officials took part in the UNESCO TOM 1

Youth Assembly in Paris, building bridg-

After an exciting sub-regional FINO

My personal favorite would be the first

es to other youth or student run organi-

meeting, all of us are very pleased with

meeting of the IFMSA Team of Officials,

zations under this umbrella.

the progress of preparations for the

held in Amsterdam; a very interesting

from the Human Rights Based Approach

upcoming IFMSA Regional Meetings,

and energizing meeting for our team’s

…in the past.

and the YFJ Council of Members in which

with session agendas getting their final

strategic planning and teambuilding. It

A group of medical students active in the

we participated as full members with vot-

shape, skills building trainings in their fi-

was a pleasure to work with a very mo-

field of medical research represented

ing rights. As a co-organizer, IFMSA and

nal stages and the overall excitement in

tivated and skilled group of Officials,

IFMSA at the 20th European Students’

its members have contributed greatly to

the air. You are all welcomed to take ac-

who are dedicating tremendous amount

Conference in Berlin. XIX FIGO World

the World Health Care Students’ Sympo-

tion and join us in all of our endeavors.

of time and energy to support their fel-

Congress in Johannesburg was for the

sium held in Alexandria; bringing togeth-

low colleagues across the globe and stir

first time ever open to medical students,

er students from all occupations related

IFMSA in the right direction.

a unique opportunity for a delegation of

to health care to discuss and find com-

medical students active in the field of re-

mon solutions for Urgent Care.

productive health to take an active role.

www.ifmsa.org medical students worldwide

On behalf of IFMSA Team of Officials, Silva Rukavina President 2009-2010

Page 3

eVAGUS | December 2009

Message from the SCOME-D

ing Committee Directors: we compared

Regional Meeting in Sudan, and I will be

our Plans of Action and discussed ways

leading the SCOME sessions there, the

for optimal collaboration. One of our main

thing that will give me great insight into

Dear IFMSA members,

goals for this year will be the cooperation

African SCOME projects and challenges.

dear SCOMEdians,

between Standing Committees, some-

A lot of things happened since the last Margot Weggemans SCOME-Director 2009-2010

thing you’ll definitely hear more about in

SCOME Wiki

the next months!

Last but not least, don’t forget that our

edition of eVAGUS and I will take this op-

SCOME wiki and email list are always

portunity to tell you about the main things

SCOME team 2009-2010

there. Please try to keep them updated,

that kept me busy in the last months.

Another big thing that happened was the

because with your input you can help

formation of the SCOME team 2009-2010.

other SCOMEdians worldwide!

First of all, I’ve been finalizing my hando-

I’m really happy to work with my Regional

ver with Nikos, the SCOME-D of 2008-

Assistants Lamia, Ioana, Cristobal and

2009. We had several online meetings,

Dalal and I’m already proud of how hard

we exchanged a lot of emails and we

they work! We’ve made plans and dis-

Hugs,

talked to each other through the phone

cussed SCOME work through email and

Margot

and I can safely say that handover is

online meetings. All NOMEs should have

SCOME Director 2009-2010

more or less finished now. I also had

received emails from their respective RA

meetings with Robbert, partly for hando-

by now, and it is your responsibility to

ver and partly for making plans together

keep them updated in order to achieve

for the upcoming year.

the best outcomes for SCOME. Unfortu-

Thanks a lot!

nately there’s still no RA for Asia & PaIn addition, two weeks after the start of

cific region, so if you’re from the region

this term we had our first Team of Officials

and want to be part of this great team:

Meeting in Amsterdam. This was a great

send an email to scomed@ifmsa.org!

opportunity to form a team, make plans and set common goals for the whole

SCOME @ African Regional Meeting

term. One of my favourite parts was the

December carries a very special occasion

Small Working Group with all the Stand-

for me, as I will be attending the African

www.ifmsa.org medical students worldwide

Page 4

eVAGUS | December 2009

SRT 101 Dear SCOPEans; The Standing Committee on Professional Exchange (SCOPE) has been running in IFMSA since its foundation in 1951.

SCOPE offers the largest student-run Ali Cankut Tatliparmak SCOPE-Director 2009-2010

exchange program in the world and each year around 8000 international medical students have the opportunity to experi-

ences and come up with solutions to the

people taking into account accessibility of

ence a different health-care system and

problems they commonly face. A sub-re-

the venue, expenses and time and travel

gain new practical skills. Today 86 coun-

gional training can be defined as an inter-

restrictions.

tries are participating in the program and

national meeting organized for the Local

new countries are joining each year. The

Exchange Officers of different countries

Finally, as National Member Organiza-

aim of SCOPE remains to promote inter-

within a region in order to achieve the

tions and National Exchange Officers, I

national cultural understanding and co-

aforementioned objectives. The main

urge you to consider organizing an SRT

operation amongst medical students and

driving force for organizing SRTs in IFM-

whenever possible and to make sure your

all health professionals through interna-

SA is the motivation and enthusiasm that

Local Exchange Officers get the chance

tional exchange of students.

our NEOs have to improve our exchange

to participate in an SRT sooner than later

program taking into account the following

because better trained Exchange Offic-

elements:

ers invariably translates into better ex-

SCOPEans have been actively developing new exchange ideas during our Sub-

change programs.

Regional Trainings (SRTs) which have

Firstly, participation in SRTs is encour-

Please do not hesitate to contact me with

served IFMSA in different ways. SRTs

aged but not limited to members of cer-

questions or proposals to host IFMSA's

have been motivating the Local EOs and

tain geographical regions, afterall SCO-

next SRT.

providing them with extensive information

PEans are hospitable and welcoming.

about SCOPE and the participant NMOs

exChanging the World…

in addition to creating the appropriate at-

Secondly, as international gatherings,

Ali Cankut Tatliparmak

mosphere for them to share their experi-

SRTs should aim to accomodate up to 60

SCOPE Director 2009-2010

www.ifmsa.org medical students worldwide

Page 5

eVAGUS | December 2009

14 November 2009: This was World Diabetes Day! th

vide individuals with the opportunity to

zations of the IFMSA made great ef-

understand more about their bodies,

forts to achieve these goals, with great

their lifestyles and ultimately the caus-

success! The events SCOPHians or-

es and risk factors for acquiring diabe-

ganised for WDD were innovative and

tes. By educating the population and

showed good spirit. The materials dis-

highlighting solutions, it is substantially

tributed emphasized the importance

easier to implement strategies to lower

and fundamentals that diabetes is a

the incidence of diabetes and its im-

global concern with worldwide conse-

pact on global health at all levels.

quences. Additionally, through offering blood glucose level and BMI index

The World Diabetes Day (WDD)

AMSB

Catalonia,

measurements, the public was invited

traditionally marks one of the most

IFMSA Czech Republic, IFMSA-Egypt,

to take action – allowing them to check

celebrated WHO World Health Days

MMSA Malta, TurkMSIC Turkey, and

their health status. Moreover, banners,

WDD) and decorated monuments at-

in SCOPH and every year, SCOPHi-

many more National Member Organi-

handmade blue circles (symbols of

tracted the media, which helped to in-

Bulgaria,

AECS

ans around the world unite to make

crease the efficacy of our actions even

November 14 a truly remarkable and

further.

th

orange event!

WDD 2009 was a fantastic internaThe theme for 2009, "Education and

tional event that emphasized that

Prevention"

complements

SCOPHians, wherever they are, come

the concept of Public Health and how

together as a unified team to organize

SCOPH strives to decrease the bur-

one global event in order to make a dif-

den of diabetes within our societies. In

ference – You can all be truly proud of

order to "take control" of diabetes we

your achievements. The only thing left

must not only treat and care for those

to say is…

who are already affected, but also em-

SCOPH has ROCKED again!

perfectly

power the healthy and those at risk to tackle this disease head on. Through

Louise Mulcahy

educating our communities, we pro-

SCOPH Director 2009-2010

www.ifmsa.org medical students worldwide

Page 6

eVAGUS | December 2009

Impressions from WAD '08:

HIV/AIDS

CDC named the epidemic ''The 4H Dis-

named Human Immune Deficiency Virus

History in brief

ease'' referring to Haitians, Homosexu-

(HIV) in 1986. Strangely enough, up to this

als, Hemophiliacs and Heroin users. After

day some people still argue that AIDS isn't

discovering that half of the diseased

caused by HIV; a hypothesis which was de-

In 1959, A British reporter reported symptoms of shortness

individuals aren't homosexual the

of breath, extreme fatigue, rap-

name was changed to Acquired

id weight loss, night sweats,

Immune Deficiency Syndrome

Since its discovery in the early 80s the

high fever and purplish skin

(AIDS) in July 1982.

global AIDS epidemic has become one of

lesions. The case was mys-

the greatest threats to human health and

terious and he was thought to

Dr. Luc Montagnier and his team, from the

development. In 2007, about 33.2 million

have Tuberculosis, even though no

Pasteur Institute in France, isolated the

people were known to be living with HIV.

evidence of bacterial infection was present.

virus causing the disease from lymphoid

Around 2.1 million people died of AIDS in

The reporter died in 1959 and his autopsy

ganglions in May1983 while Other reports

the same year. AIDS did not spare celebri-

revealed two unusual infections at the time:

followed confirming that the virus discov-

ties as Freddie Mercury, a British musician

cytomegalovirus virus and pneumocystis

ered was the etiological agent of AIDS.

died of an AIDS related pneumonia in 1991

carinii. 31 years later HIV tests were con-

For this fantastic contribution to the field

and American NBA star Magic Johnson is

ducted on the preserved tissue samples

of medicine, Dr. Montagnier was awarded

currently living with HIV.

of the British man and were found positive

the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

making this the first ever reported case of

in 2008.

HIV/AIDS.

The Red Ribbon was first thought of by Painter Frank Moore and was adopted by

Though Dr. Montagnier was the first man

the Visual AIDS Artists Caucus in 1991 as

On June 5 , 1981 The Center for Disease

to isolate the virus, much of the credit to its

the international symbol for solidarity with

Control and Prevention discovered clusters

relevance to AIDS goes to Dr. Robert Gallo

HIV positive people. The red color repre-

of pneumocystis carinii in 5 homosexual

of the United States. Disputes on the true

sents both passion and love and the new

men in LA. Other cases were reported in

discoverer of the virus arose between the

symbol served as a tool for raising aware-

the following months amongst gay men.

Americans and the French, and in a meet-

ness in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The unknown virus was called at the time:

ing between Ronald Reagan and Fran-

"Gay Related Immune Deficiency (GRID)".

cois Mitterrand both scientists were right-

Louay EL-Tagy

In search of a more appropriate name, the

fully claimed co-discoverers. The virus was

IFMSA-Egypt

th

Article's references: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AIDS http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_ribbon http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_C._Moore_(painter) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origin_of_AIDS http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luc_Montagnier

nied by scientific consensus.

www.ifmsa.org medical students worldwide

Page 7

eVAGUS | December 2009

SCORA & WAD '09 Branislav Chrenka SCORA-Director 2009-2010

Upcoming events Infectious Diseases in the Adult Patient: A Primary Care Update 28th - 31st December 2009 Sarasota, Florida, United States http://www.ams4cme.com/

of the most destructive epidemics in re-

be bored of the post-election headlines

corded history."

and would be excited for a fresh topic to

Dear friends,

But as one HIV-related video remarks,

focus on because he thought that media

Today, we remind ourselves and cel-

"No statistics can help you understand

would be vital for the success of WAD.

ebrate one of the most important days

the human suffering behind the pandem-

Bunn and Netter realized that December

for SCORA and I dare say for the entire

ic."

1st falls perfectly between the elections

IFMSA as well. It is a unique day, a day

and Christmas, and thus, World AIDS

like no other, with red ribbons pinned on

Day was born!

the chests of passers-by or placed on windows while some are painted on post-

We have been celebrating this event eve-

ers. Some people are dancing and sing-

ry year since the creation of SCORA in

ing in concerts, some are holding sad

1998. We often work tirelessly to make

vigils, and some are shouting and raising

Perhaps this thought, in addition to oth-

every WAD successful and meaning-

banners.The celebrations differ, yet the

ers, was behind the idea of the creation

ful. I am very proud to be the director of

basic idea is the same.

of the WAD in August 1987 when the two

this amazing standing committee bring-

gentlemen, James W. Bunn and Thomas

ing together thousands of enthusiastic

Netter, worked as public information of-

and passionate Angels. Every year our

ficers for the Global Programme on AIDS

members make a difference and let the

at the WHO HQ in Geneva and came up

world know about IFMSA is all about: that

Wikipedia tells us that "WAD (World

with this initiative for the first time. They

young medical students are raising their

AIDS Day) is observed annually, on the

took their idea to Dr. Jonathan Mann, Di-

voices against the pandemic and are ac-

Emerging Trends in Breast Cancer 16 January 2010 ; Istanbul, United States http://bit.ly/8N1rRC

first day of December and is dedicated to

rector of the Global Programme on AIDS

tively seeking a global solution.

raising awareness about the AIDS pan-

(now known as UNAIDS) who liked the

demic caused by the spread of the HIV

concept, approved it, and agreed with the

Thank you my dear friends for your ef-

The First International Congress on Women's Health and Unsafe Abortion 20th - 23rd January 2010 ; Sukhumvit, Bangkok, Thailand http://www.womenhealth.or.th/

infection". And it continues: "We estimate

recommendation that the first observance

forts!

that AIDS has killed more than 29 million

of World AIDS Day should be on Decem-

people between 1981 and 2009, and an

ber 1st, 1988. During that year there had

Yours,

estimated 33.4 million people worldwide

been presidential elections in the U.S.

Branislav

live with HIV as of 2008, making it one

and Bunn thought that the media would

IFMSA SCORA Director 2009-2010

HIV Congress 2010 8th - 10th January 2009; Mumbai, India http://www.hivcongress2010.in/ Keystone Symposia-HIV Biology and Pathogenesis 12th - 17th January 2010; Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States http://www.keystonesymposia.org/10A6 th

WAD IS IN TOWN!!!

www.ifmsa.org medical students worldwide

Page 8

eVAGUS | December 2009

From the SCORE-D

more interest in our Research Exchange Program

Dear SCORE family, dear IFMSA, The Standing Committee on Research

Training medical students in SCORE and

Exchange (SCORE) was founded in

organizing activities aimed at raising the

1991, during the 40 Anniversary of IFM-

Academic Quality of our Exchanges is

SA.

the only way to achiever the real potential

th

Federica Balzarini SCORE-Director 2009-2010

that SCORE carries.

The primary mission of SCORE is to provide intensive and focused research

Do not hesitate to contact me if you feel

projects, which allow medical students to

Pre Exchange Training (PET)

ready to organize a PET in your NMO…

expand their knowledge of specific scien-

The SCORE Pre Exchange Training is a

scored@ifmsa.org

tific areas of their choice, while encour-

great way to help them before their jour-

aging the formation of professional and

ney starts by increasing their knowledge,

social networks abroad.

their skills, their motivation and their

And don’t forget to exploRE the world!

awareness.

Federica Balzarini

In 2009, SCORE had over 60 active par-

The topics discussed could include lec-

SCORE Director 2009-2010

ticipating NMOs, offering over 1900 re-

tures and trainings on Science Philoso-

search projects, and has provided over

phy, Research Ethics, Research Plan-

1700 students with opportunities to par-

ning, Basic Biostatistics, and Intercultural

ticipate in research exchange.

Learning.

Motivating students is the key to getting them involved in their research programs

The first PET was held in Turkey in 2008

and this is achieved through offering

and since then it has been adopted by

them the chance to work on a research

different NMOs. The aim is to further ex-

project of their interest in addition to ex-

pand this program to new NMOs with the

ploring the world we live in.

support and experience of the well-established PET NMOs. Expansion will ensure further participation, and thus trigger

www.ifmsa.org medical students worldwide

Page 9

eVAGUS | December 2009

About the 6th Eastern Mediterranean Regional Meeting – Bahrain

Imprint

Editor in Chief Alexander Werni, Austria Editing, Proofreading Melhim Bou Alwan, Lebanon

The 6th Eastern Mediterranean Regional meeting (EMR6) is organized by the Inter-

Cover Picture: Photgraphed by Mardhatillah Marsa, Indonesia It shows the signing of a petition and support statement by SCORA-CIMSA Indonesia on celebrated WAD 2008, Dec 1st in Jakarta, Indonesia.

national Federation of Medical Students' Associations-Bahrain

(IFMSA-Bahrain)

and will be held in Manama between the 1st and the 5th of January 2010.

Since child abuse is a global devastating problem that affects both children and their communities, the theme of the upcoming EMR 6 will be "it should be safe to be a child". The discussions will tackle

Group picture at MM09 in Tunesia with all EMRians just after the election of IFMSA-Bahrain as the host of the EMR6.

various aspects relating to the sexual

RedRibbon: was created by Christian Heldt from Cuxhaven, Germany. He released his work on Wikipedia into the public domain.

Contact Information:

General Secretariat: IFMSA c/o WMA B.P. 63 01212 Ferney-Voltaire France Phone: +33 450 404 759 Fax: +33 450 405 937 Email: gs@ifmsa.org

abuse on children's development, the difference between neglect and psychological abuse, and the detection of abuse in medical practice. In addition, the delegates will participate in meetings for 5 standing committees of IFMSA. The participants will present and discuss

Homepage: www.ifmsa.org

their projects and activities and exchange views and share experiences. We hope

Manel Hafsi

that this meeting will be a useful forum

RC Eastern Mediterranean 2009-10

to prepare our medical students to better

Lujain Al-Qodmani

serve our region.

KuMSA, Kuwait

www.ifmsa.org medical students worldwide

For more information visit the website:

Feedback: publications@ifmsa.org

http://www.agu.edu.bh/ifmsa/

Page 10