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Two weeks in Africa: My experience at the African Regional Meeting Ahmad Badr Mesbah
Ahmad Badr Mesbah, NOME, IFMSA-Egypt.
Although everyone advised me not to skip two weeks of medical school to travel to Tanzania, I knew that the opportunity to attend the African Regional Meeting (ARM) would be a trip of a lifetime. Looking back, I realize that I had made a wise decision!
spirit of the whole team was beyond the great success of the TNT in the pre-ARM. By the end of the third day, the training support division welcomed 40 amazing new trainers to the team under the slogan, “Badilika Ubadili ulimwengu”, which means, “Change yourself! Change the world!” in Swahili.
Before my visit to Tanzania, I passed through Kenya. I immediately observed the significant cultural differences between Kenya and Egypt which made me realize how diverse the African continent can be. Other than the overcrowded streets and crazy traffic, Nairobi was different from Cairo in every sense of the word. One excellent way to explore Nairobi was by the “matatu”, or local minivans which are powered by gas (and the grace of God!). With their funky colourful decorations and Kenyan hip-hop music booming from their speakers, they are definitely something to try. Although I only had one day in Nairobi, I plan to revisit Kenya in the future.
During the ARM, under the theme, “Health crisis in Africa”, medical students from all over the African region discussed the challenges and setbacks to healthcare systems, and aspired to create resolutions and recommendations to these barriers. Furthermore, four days of Standing Committee sessions, trainings, seminars, discussions, and small working groups were filled with hope, determination and dedication from all the participants to create change in our region. These dedicated efforts were recognized in the conference’s own “Arusha Declaration”, an attempt to establish guidelines for health policies in Africa. This commemorated the original “Arusha Declaration” of 1967, which was one of the most prominent political statements on socialism and self-reliance from the continent.
The next day, it was time to head for Tanzania, to meet with other delegates attending both the preARM and the ARM. Along with Mike, Gugu, Andres and Rania, I enjoyed the beautiful scenery on our five-hour bus ride from Nairobi to Arusha. The event was held in a lodge at the foot of Mt Meru (Mt Kilimanjaro’s smaller sister) and our accommodation consisted of beautiful cottages surrounded by lush vegetation. Our team demonstrated dedicated efforts and collaborative leadership while participating for three days in the organization of one of the two Training New Trainers (TNTs) sessions in the preARM; and then for four days in the planning of the ARM’s SCOME sessions. Although exhausting, facilitating the TNT was an amazing experience which provided new insight on self-development and selfdiscipline. The TNT crew started work early in the morning before everyone wakes up and continued working into the night. The amazing dedication and
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Although there were many academic activities, the ARM had many special social events as well. The hallmark of the social program was the energetic, lively evenings with dancing and music continuing until dawn. By far, the Ghanaian “Azonto” and Tanzanian “Kwaito” were the most popular song choices! With many friends, fun, and almost-sleepless nights, the ARM was perfect! Without a doubt, I plan to skip two weeks of my medical coursework to attend ARM each December. To my ARM colleagues: “Asante! Asante!”
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