“Youth are the spearheads of change.” Around the world youth are leading changes towards the realization of justice, equality and healthy life for all. It does sound idealistic, but medical students stand as a testimony to this. Internationally, the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA) mobilizes medical students to initiate health awareness, development and promotion the world over.
Nationally, AMSA Global unites Australia’s medical students to discuss initiatives and empower each other with new initiatives. This was ever-more evident at AMSA DWC 2007. Locally, Global Health Groups all over Australia provide medical students with opportunities to participate in global health.
But, such a brief description certainly doesn’t do justice to the multitude of amazing initiatives and activities that are involving medical students in this plethora of global health……And among all this talk of global, equality and healthy life is the AMSA Global Health Network.
So who are we?
Formerly known as the AMSA International Health Network, the recently named AMSA Global Health Network (GHN) is set for this coming year. With a team that’s on fire and blazing with all things global health, we’re hoping to encourage and support even more grass-roots initiatives!
The GHN brings together GHN Representatives from every university around Australia (and this year we extend a huge welcome to UoW and UWS). Last year a lot of ground work was made to further refine the structure and functions of the GHN. In its third year the GHN hopes to build upon all the fantastic work of the previous committee. We will continue to develop efficient networking strategies and collaborative projects between global health groups across Australia.
Additionally, we will be working towards increased representation and advocacy on global health issues. This year also sees a close collaboration between the AMSA Global Health Conference and the AMSA GHN. We look forward to working with our fabulous GHC conveners and crew in contributing to the brilliant program they will have lined up for everyone come July 2008 in Melbourne.
Talk to your friendly GHN Representative and get involved today.
Negin Sedaghat
AMSA GHN Chair 07/08
