Pakistan, May 2003 International Training on Refugee Health Reaching out to a Humanity Unseen ITRH 24 31 August 2003 Pakistan Organized by the International Federation of Medical Students Associations - IFMSA Conference Presentation and Outline Application form 1
Introduction: As conflicts around the world continue to exist and proliferate, there has been a rapid increase in the number of victims who have been displaced and are at the mercy of others for their survival. Conflicts, wars, famine, disease and other natural and man-made disasters have created large populations of refugees and displaced people. The largest refugee population increase in the past 12 months was in Pakistan where the number of Afghan refugees rose by an estimated 15,00,000 persons. The refugee situation in Pakistan has become so complex that these individuals are living in highly distressing conditions with poor infrastructure which has contributed to the re-emergence of many infectious, communicable, non-communicable and preventable diseases. The local population is equally at risk due to the spread of such disease patterns. It is understood that until and unless we invest in refugee health issue, the world at large will see the global re-emergence of TB, malaria and other forms of deadly infectious diseases. Medical students and physicians have the unique opportunity to improve refugee health on a physical, psychological and social level, both as advocates for justice and as health care providers. It is important, therefore, to provide medical students with a good understanding of refugee problems, so that they might play a more active role in the global refugee effort in the course of their professional lives. During the 8- day training local and international medical students will acquire the basic skills and knowledge of refugee health issues. The training will aim to expose medical students to refugee health conditions, to interact with vulnerable individuals and to learn to provide health-care using limited resources. In addition medical students will also be reminded of their responsibility as the primary spokespeople for the ailing whose voices are often not heard internationally. Topics of the Training Within the context of the training we plan on including the following topics that are directly related to the dynamics of refugee health in the eight-day training program: 1.Introduction to Refugee Health and role of Medical Students Overview to refugees and introduction to refugee health Structure of healthcare in a refugee camp Examining a region in crisis Afghanistan Arrival in a refugee camp Managing complex humanitarian emergencies in refugee settings 2.Epidemiology: Infectious, Communicable and Non-communicable Diseases in Refugee Populations Rolling back Malaria: Scaling up action and interventions Eliminating preventable blindness: Trachoma Recognition, management and counseling for Leishmaniasis 2
Understanding AIDS among refugees and the displaced Diarrhea, Dysentery and Disaster Tuberculosis and HIV: Critical but ignored linkage Tuberculosis: DOT or not? Strategies to control antimicrobial resistance in refugee camps Strengthening and evaluating infectious disease surveillance and response systems in refugee settings 3.Maternal and Child Health issues in Refugee Populations Prenatal care and pregnancy related problem in refugees Children s immunization coverage in refugee settings Maternal mortality in refugees Mobilizing for Maternal health in times of crisis Emergency obstetric care among refugees Integrated management of childhood illnesses in refugee children Assessing population dynamics and family planning needs of refugees and IDP s Reproductive health service models among adolescent refugees 4.Nutrition: Concepts and Methods Assessment of micronutrient deficiencies among refugees Overcoming obstacles to food security and nutrition 5.Mental Stress and Psychological Problems in Refugee Settings Overview to mental health in refugee settings Post traumatic Stress Disorders and management of other common mental problems in refugee populations Psychosocial programming: theory and practice Approaches to rebuild trust in healthcare system for refugees Rehabilitation and repatriation 6.Trauma, Violence and Injury Violence and injury: the neglected epidemic Sexual and gender based violence in refugee populations Gender inequality and its effect on women s health Child abuse and neglect in refugees Human Trafficking: Raising awareness among vulnerable populations From trauma to transformation 3
7.Environmental Health in Refugee Settings Water & Solid Waste, Shelter and Sanitation Water in crisis: supply, sanitation and environmental hazards Tobacco s global reach: the preventable crisis Hygiene in refugee camps and environmental linkages to infections and vector-borne disease 8.Conflict Resolution, the Rights of Refugees and role of IGO s and NGO s The rights of refugees Ethical issues in humanitarian aid Media and health: partnership in crisis Refugee Health: UNHCR and partnerships among NGO s Conflict transformation and peace building Using health as a bridge to peace How to deal with anti-personal landmines Examining a conflict trigger zone: South Asia Nuclear War and its medical implications Measuring quality of care in a refugee camp Preparing health professionals for handling refugee health crisis This integrated training will prove to be a hallmark in introducing and appreciating refugee health as a medical specialty that will result in the production of future health care practitioners who will become specialists in this field of medicine. What is IFMSA The International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA) is a non-profit, UNrecognised non-governmental organisation with membership in over 94 countries. Since 1951, IFMSA has existed as a voluntary organisation with the overall objective of improving public health worldwide and to serve as a forum for sharing ideas and expertise among medical student organisations. IFMSA is a global organisation whose motto is to act locally through its member organisations and its various standing committees. The focus of SCORP (Standing Committee on Refugees and Peace) activities are on relieving the health effects of displacement caused by natural disasters and war, conflict prevention and peace-building, nuclear disarmament, ban on anti-personnel landmines, and the promotion of human rights. IFMSA has carried out this work through several workshops, exhibitions and refugee camp projects. In 2002 IFMSA received together with UNESCO, UNAIDS and the International Pharmaceutical Students' Federation the Gold Medaille d' Excellence for their work on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights from the International Human Rights Consortium. More information of IFMSA can be founded at the IFMSA s website, www.ifmsa.org Working languages: 4
The working language of the workshop will be English. All participants must be able to work in English. Profile of participants: Seventy-five (75) medical students will be invited to attend the training. In all cases participants should be: Ready and able to attend for the full duration of the workshop; Supported by an organization/ faculty/ IFMSA NMO; Able to communicate and work in English; Be medical students at the time of applying preferably should have completed 2 years of medical studies. Recent medical graduates based on the quality of the application form will also be considered Participants will be selected on the basis of the quality of their application form and on the basis of the following criteria: 1. Geographical balance between north, south, east and west, and the continents; 2. Gender balance; 3. Personal motivations for participation; 4. Experience of working on the issues of the workshop; 5. Cultural diversity; Travel costs, board and lodging The costs of board and lodging, and internal transport costs will be covered by the workshop organizers. Participants will cover the cost of their own travel to and from Islamabad for the workshop. However, a limited number of partial financial support for travel costs can be given depending on the funds. In order to request financial support for travel costs, participants should write a letter justifying their need, and the amount of financial support requested and enclose it with their other application materials. Requests for financial support from applicants resident in developing countries, or countries at an extreme distance from Islamabad, will be considered when distributing financial support. However applicants are strongly encouraged to seek alternative sources of funding to cover their travel costs. The conditions for receiving reimbursement of travel costs, if granted are as follows: 1. Full participation in the workshop; 2. Use of the most economical fare, or reduced rate fares where possible. 5
Registration fees: Each participant will have to pay a registration fees according to the IFMSA country category based on the gross domestic product GDP. The registration fees will be as follows: Pakistani participants Pak Rupees 1200 A and B category countries USD 50 C and D category countries USD 100 E and F category countries USD 200 For more information to find out your country category please click at the following link and then on your country name: www.ifmsa.org/members/nmos.html Participants are encouraged to request their sending organization, faculty, and/or IFMSA NMO to cover the cost of this participation fee. The registration fees shall only be payable once the participants have been selected. Participants from non IFMSA member countries should contact the organizers to find out the amount of registration fees payable by them. Visa: All nationalities require a valid short term visit visa to enter Pakistan. This can be obtained from any Pakistani embassy or consulate. Please check if your country has a Pakistani embassy or consulate/honorary consulate. There is no provision of landing visa to enter Pakistan. The organizers will send an invitation letter to all accepted participants, which should be presented to the embassy/consulate to obtain a visa along with other documents. In case of any problems or questions, please contact the PR division of ITRH. Important: Please note that transport of any drugs into Pakistan carries the life sentence. IFMSA- Pakistan and any of the organizers WILL NOT be responsible in any way if any participant does not abide by this rule. Insurance: All participants are advised to be covered by travel/health insurance for the duration of the seminar. The organizers will not be responsible for any compensation or liabilities in case of accidents while in Pakistan. Selected participants will have to sign a waiver of liability document. In case a participant refuses to sign this document he or she will not be allowed to take part in the workshop and will be sent back immediately. Arrival and flight details: Upon prior information, the organizers will arrange to pick you upon arrival at the airport in Pakistan. 6
What to bring: We request all participants to bring their stethoscope and while coat that will be utilized during the field trip. Climate: The temperature in Pakistan during August is hot and sunny. August is also the rainy season. Participants are advised to bring with them a cap, sun-block and umbrella Clothes: Smart casual is the dress code for the workshop. Formal clothes will be required for the opening and closing ceremony. In addition all participants are asked to bring their cultural clothes also for the cultural night Other information and details: Please contact the PR division for further details Applicants are encouraged to send their applications by e-mail to facilitate communication and to speed up the process of selection. We must receive the applications no later than 15 th June 2003. So please send in your applications well in advance. Applications being received AFTER the 15 th June will not be accepted. Those candidates accepted to participate will be informed in the last week of June 2003 and will subsequently receive information by post, including a full programme and other relevant details. 7
Application form Personal Information Surname Given name Gender (M/F) Home Address Telephone ( ) Fax ( ) Address for correspondence (if different from above) Email address Date of Birth (DD/MM/YEAR) / / Country of birth Country of normal residence Nationality First language (Enclose CV, documentation of exams, publications if any) Educational information Name of University Current semester Semesters total Have you passed community medicine: YES NO Have you passed pathology: YES NO 8
Note: Applicants with a minimum of two years of completed medical studies will be preferred. Written and spoken English language skills: Fluent Average Poor Please note: The working language of the workshop will be English. No translators shall be provided in any other language. Participants should be able to have good written and spoken English language skills Any other places of higher education previously attended (give dates) List any courses that you are currently following and which are not already mentioned on your transcript Please note that submission of your application does not necessarily entail acceptance to the workshop. In case you need a visa to enter Pakistan please fill the information below: Do you require an invitation letter: YES NO Full name as written in passport: Date of Birth: / / Country and city of birth: Passport issued in which country: Country of nationality: Passport number: Place and date of issue: DD/MM/YEAR / / Date of expiry: DD/MM/YEAR / / City and country where visa will be applied for: 9
Telephone number of nearest Pakistan embassy/consulate: Fax number of nearest Pakistan embassy/consulate: If you are a member of an IFMSA national member organisation, please fill the information below: Full name of NMO: Country: Address of NMO: Tel no of NMO: ( ) Fax of NMO: ( ) Name of NMO President: Email address of NMO President: If you are NOT a member of an IFMSA national member organisation, then please fill the information below: Name of organisation (Student/youth organisation if any): Address of organisation: Tel no of organisation: Fax: Name of Referee/supervisor/university tutor/counsellor (any one): Address of referee/supervisor/university tutor/counsellor: Any special needs you wish to inform the organisers about? Please write short answers to the following: Academic Statement 10
-why you have chosen to participate in this workshop, your motivation -what do you hope to gain academically from the workshop and what are your expectations -What refugee problems, if any are most relevant in your country? -What work, if any, have you done in the field of refugee health? (experience not necessary) 11
- Describe your plans after attending the workshop. To what extent would you remain involved in refugee health after the workshop? I certify that the details given in this application are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. I agree that the decision of the organisers will be final and cannot be challenged at any forum. Name/signature of applicant: Date: The completed application form should be sent to the address below: Mail: IFMSA-Pakistan 75-A, Kh-e-Shahbaz Phase 6, DHA Karachi - 75500 Pakistan (Att: ITRH) Email: itrh@imcc.dk (subject: ITRH application) 12
Important: 1.We prefer receiving applications by email although applications can be posted at the address given above. 2.Please attach copies of first two pages of your passport with this application. You can either scan and send them by email (preferred) or send it by fax. This is not applicable for Pakistani participants. You can also send this atleast ONE month before the start of the workshop. 3.Please also attach a picture of yourself (passport size preferred) with this application. You can scan and send it by email as an attachment. This is applicable for all participants and should be sent with the completed application form before the 15 th June 2003. Note: Incomplete applications will not be entertained Should you have any questions while filling in the application form, please contact the ITRH Pr Division at itrh@imcc.dk for assistance. Thank you for taking out time to fill in the application. We wish you good luck 13