THET Conference Day 1
1st Oct 2020
Such a privilege to attend Day 1 of the Tropical Health Education Trust (THET) Global Health conference today: www.THETconference.org
After opening plenaries by Ben Simms,THET CEO, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director General of WHO, and others, we had a very stimulating session on Developing Effective Health Partnerships, with global health experts on the subject. Professor Sophie Witter, University of Edinburgh, defined 'health systems', 'strong health systems', discussed types of interventions contributing to health service strengthening, and outlined lessons learned from research in the field.
Dr Aku Kwamie, Technical Officer, WHO, discussed how partnerships can enable 'adaptive spaces' where relationships can be built, contexts understood and both exploratory and functional organisational goals achieved.
Much food for thought for a potential, evolving health service Twinning programme between Chitambo and a Scottish Health Board.
Other highlights of the day included joining the Zambia breakout table, Chaired by Ba Eunice Sinyemu, Zambian THET Country Director and, in a fringe event in the Wales for Africa conference, we were able to hear Zambia's Health Minister, Dr Chitalu Chilufya, updating us on Zambia's response to COVID-19.
A final session on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Equality shared expert insights on the need to prioritise women and girls' health, including a plug for a new book on the subject: Half the Sky: how to change the world.
What an enriching day. More tomorrow and Monday and Tuesday!