The Federation of African Medical Students Associations (FAMSA) and Futurize are announcing a strategic partnership to solve major public health challenges in Africa through a brand-new initiative, the 2024 Pan-African Digital Health and Innovation Challenge, dubbed AfroHack ‘24. Both organizations seek to support young Africans to generate innovative ideas and technology that could evolve healthcare delivery in Africa.

According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, a large proportion of people living within Africa are below the age of 25. In a world where many African countries are grappling with high rates of poor health outcomes like high maternal mortality and high HIV transmission rates, young Africans are often misperceived to be observers without agency rather than actors with the potential to actively participate in solving these issues.  Through this initiative, we aim to counter this inaccurate narrative.

Spearheaded by FAMSA Vice President and Lead Organizer, Victor Femi-Lawal, as well as Hackathon Co-Chairs, Stephen Igwe and Adetayo Adetokun, and Programs and Communication Leads, Olaoluwaposi Ogunlana and Temilola Aderemi, the 2024 Pan-African Digital Health and Innovation Challenge will involve teams of 3 to 5 university students and early career professionals from across Africa in a 72-hour hackathon. The hackathon offers young people the opportunity to brainstorm and develop creative solutions to specific problems within their communities. The hackathon will be held virtually, between the 21^st and 24^th of November, 2024. Innovative ideas across subject areas such as maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, sexual and reproductive health, and vaccine preventable diseases will be supported.

About Futurize

Futurize designs and delivers innovation & venture-building programs and help businesses and universities accelerate technology to meet their innovation goals. Futurize is trusted by global top-tier universities to provide young people a platform to build their ventures. The company works with industry-leading companies in healthcare, renewable energies & tech.

About FAMSA

FAMSA is an independent, non-political federation of medical students’ associations in Africa. As a project-oriented organization, FAMSA is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the African Union (AU) as the official international forum of African medical students. FAMSA’s vision is to become a strong network of medical students, aware of global health issues and responsive to the current questions facing the medical profession and global health. A key objective is to enhance and broaden the general and special education of member medical students in and about various parts of Africa, and thus to contribute to the improvement of medical education and healthcare outcomes in Africa.

Gender mainstreaming in health is not just a buzzword; it’s a powerful approach that can transform healthcare systems, improve outcomes, and inspire true inclusion. Gender mainstreaming is a strategy to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in all aspects of society, including health. Gender mainstreaming in health means integrating a gender perspective into the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of health policies, programs and services. It also means addressing the different needs, preferences and experiences of women and men, as well as the social and cultural factors that affect their health outcomes. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) is at the forefront of promoting gender mainstreaming in health. This is evidenced by the various activities organised by it including;

• Policy Integration: WHO integrates gender considerations into its policies, programs, and actions. It recognizes that gender equality benefits everyone, regardless of sex.
• Practical Guidance: WHO provides practical resources for health managers. Their manual on gender mainstreaming emphasizes the importance of making both women’s and men’s concerns central to health interventions.
• Advocacy: WHO advocates for gender equality as a global health priority. It encourages member states to adopt gender-responsive policies.

There is need to delve into the importance of gender mainstreaming in health and explore how it can shape a more equitable and effective health sector. It’s not about creating separate health programs for men and women; rather, it’s about integrating gender considerations into every aspect of health policy, planning, and implementation.  It entails;

• An Integral Dimension; Gender mainstreaming makes both women’s and men’s concerns fundamental to the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of policies and programs. It ensures that both genders benefit equally, and inequality is not perpetuated.
• Beyond Gender Disparities: It goes beyond addressing gender disparities. Gender mainstreaming also considers other dimensions of equity and human rights. By doing so, it targets discriminatory social norms and structural barriers from the outset.

What is the relevance of Gender Mainstreaming?

Gender mainstreaming in health is important because gender is a key determinant of health. 

✓ Health Equity and Outcomes; Gender influences health outcomes. For instance, women and men may experience diseases differently due to biological factors, social roles, different beliefs, and access to healthcare. Biological differences between women and men, such as reproductive organs, hormones and chromosomes, can influence their susceptibility to certain diseases and conditions. For example, women are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis, breast cancer and urinary tract infections, while men are more likely to suffer from prostate cancer, cardiovascular diseases and injuries. Moreover, gender norms, roles and relations can affect the access, utilization and quality of health care for women and men. For example, women may face barriers to health care due to lack of decision-making power, mobility, education, income and information, while men may face barriers due to stigma, discrimination, violence and lack of awareness. By mainstreaming gender, we can tailor interventions to address these differences. For example:

• Prevention; Gender-sensitive health promotion campaigns can encourage behaviours that benefit both sexes and discourage any beliefs that put people of a specific gender at a disadvantage.
• Diagnosis and Treatment: Considering gender-specific symptoms and responses can lead to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.

• Intersectionality and Inclusivity; Intersectionality recognizes that individuals have multiple identities (e.g., gender, race, socioeconomic status). These intersecting identities shape health experiences. Gender mainstreaming takes intersectionality into account. It ensures that health programs consider diverse needs, including those of marginalized groups. Gender mainstreaming in health can inspire inclusion by ensuring that the health needs and rights of women and men are equally recognized, respected and fulfilled.
  
• Empowerment of Women and Girls; Gender mainstreaming empowers women by recognizing their agency, autonomy, and rights. When women are actively involved in health decision-making, it leads to better health outcomes for families and communities.
• Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); The SDGs emphasize gender equality and health for all. Gender mainstreaming aligns with these goals. For instance, SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) aims to ensure universal health coverage. Gender-responsive policies contribute to achieving this goal. Some of the other SDGs that are directly related to gender mainstreaming in health are:
  • SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
  • SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

To implement gender mainstreaming in health, some of the practical steps that can be taken are;

• Conducting gender analysis to identify the gender-related gaps, challenges and opportunities in health to aid in the formation of targeted solutions to the problems.
  • Developing gender-responsive health policies, programs and services that address the specific needs and priorities of women and men.
  • Allocating adequate human, financial and technical resources for gender mainstreaming in health.
  • Building the capacity and awareness of health workers, managers and decision-makers on gender issues and skills.
  • Engaging with stakeholders, such as civil society, media, academia and communities, to promote gender equality and social inclusion in health.
  • Monitoring and evaluating the progress and impact of gender mainstreaming in health using gender-sensitive indicators and data.

Therefore, Gender mainstreaming isn’t an abstract concept; it’s a powerful tool for creating inclusive, effective, and equitable health systems. It is not only a matter of justice and human rights, but also a matter of efficiency and effectiveness. By weaving gender considerations into the fabric of healthcare, we inspire true inclusion—one where everyone’s health matters, regardless of gender or background and thus contribute to the development of more equitable and sustainable societies. Let’s continue to champion gender mainstreaming and build a healthier world for all! 

References. 

1.World Health Organization (WHO). https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/360406/9789240049291eng.pdf?sequence=1.

2. Gender and health – World Health Organization (WHO). https://www.who.int/newsroom/questions–and–answers/item/gender–and–health. 

3.Health           |           European         Institute           for       Gender            Equality. https://eige.europa.eu/gendermainstreaming/policy–areas/health?language_content_entity=en.

4.Gender Mainstreaming in Health: A Practical Guide | IGWG. https://www.igwg.org/k4htoolkit/gender–integration–and–mainstreaming/gender–mainstreaming–in–health–a–practicalguid–e/. 

5.         Gender            Mainstreaming            in         Health:            A         Practical Guide –           PAHO. https://www.paho.org/en/documents/gender–mainstreaming–health–practical–guide. 

AUTHOR;
NANDERA KETRA VENESA.
UGANDA.

The human race embodies diverse genders, each with unique experiences and health needs. Yet, healthcare systems often resemble a faded, singular cloth, neglecting the intricate peculiarities that define our well-being. This is where the powerful concept of Gender Mainstreaming in Health Programs steps in, promising a better healthcare landscape that celebrates inclusivity.

Imagine a bustling health clinic, no longer evidenced by the silence of unmet needs. Here, women receive culturally sensitive screenings for cervical cancer, a disease that disproportionately affects them. Male-dominated spaces like mental health clinics become welcoming, offering resources tailored to address anxieties surrounding masculinity. Transgender individuals find healthcare professionals equipped to understand their specific medical history and concerns. This is the transformative power of Gender Mainstreaming.

But what exactly is this transformative force? Gender Mainstreaming is the systematic process of integrating a gender perspective into the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of health programs. It’s about acknowledging the biological, social, and cultural factors that influence men’s and women’s health differently. This translates to recognizing that women, for example, may face specific barriers to accessing healthcare due to childcare responsibilities or cultural taboos. Men, on the other hand, might be less likely to seek preventive care due to societal expectations of stoicism.

The benefits of Gender Mainstreaming ripple outwards, creating a more equitable healthcare system for all. When programs take into account the different needs of various genders, participation rates rise.  Stigma surrounding certain health issues begins to fade as diverse voices are heard and addressed. Health outcomes improve as preventive screenings and treatments become more accessible to a wider range of people.

This doesn’t suggest that men and women require entirely separate healthcare systems.  The goal is to create a nuanced and comprehensive approach. For instance, during heart disease awareness campaigns, Gender Mainstreaming might highlight the often-overlooked symptoms women experience compared to men. It’s not about creating a divide, but a richer understanding of the spectrum of human health.

Inspiring inclusion requires action. Healthcare professionals must undergo gender sensitivity training, equipping them to provide culturally competent care. Data collection and analysis should be disaggregated by sex (male/female) to identify existing inequalities. Community involvement is crucial, giving room for dialogue and understanding the specific needs of diverse groups.

The right way towards a truly inclusive healthcare system is paved with awareness, education, and a commitment to dismantling existing biases. By embracing Gender Mainstreaming in Health Programs, we can transform the healthcare landscape into a vibrant tapestry, where every thread is valued, and every individual has the opportunity to create a life of health and wellbeing.

The power of Gender Mainstreaming extends far beyond the walls of a clinic. It’s a philosophy that ripples outwards, influencing policy decisions, resource allocation, and the very fabric of a community’s health.

Gender equality in health starts with education. Breaking down gender stereotypes surrounding health knowledge is crucial.  Imagine workshops in schools that teach young boys and girls about healthy relationships, body image, and the importance of preventative care. This dismantles harmful cultural norms from a young age, fostering a generation that prioritizes health and well-being equally.

Community involvement is essential for successful Gender Mainstreaming. Local leaders, women’s groups, and LGBTQ+ organizations all have valuable insights to offer. Engaging with them throughout the process ensures programs are culturally appropriate and address the specific needs of the population. This collaborative approach fosters trust and ownership, promoting long-term sustainability of health initiatives.

Health isn’t just about medical care; it’s a complex web influenced by social determinants like poverty, education, and access to safe housing. Gender Mainstreaming recognizes this connection.  For instance, addressing the higher rates of poverty experienced by women can lead to improved maternal health outcomes.

Gender-based violence remains a tragic reality for many. Integrating gender perspectives into healthcare programs can help break this cycle. This might involve training healthcare professionals to identify and support victims of violence,  as well as providing resources and referral pathways to ensure safety and access to justice.

Technology can be a powerful tool for promoting inclusivity. Imagine mobile health apps with information translated into local languages or educational videos featuring diverse individuals sharing their health journeys. These innovative approaches can bridge the gap between healthcare services and hard-to-reach communities.

In conclusion, the journey towards a truly inclusive healthcare system is an ongoing process. However, by embracing Gender Mainstreaming in Health Programs, we can move beyond mere slogans and statistics. We can create a tangible reality where every individual, regardless of gender identity or background, feels empowered to take charge of their health and well-being. This is a future where inclusivity isn’t just a concept, it’s the vibrant thread running through the very fabric of our healthcare system.

REFERENCES

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) (2023). World Population Prospects 2023.

[https://www.unfpa.org/swp2023]

(https://www.unfpa.org/swp2023)

World Health Organization (WHO) (2023). Gender mainstreaming in health.

[https://www.who.int/news/item/06-07-2022-who-updates-widely-used-gender-mainstreamingmanual](https://www.who.int/news/item/06-07-2022-who-updates-widely-used-gendermainstreaming-manual)

Agyepong, I. A., & Adjei, S. (2016). Gender and health in Africa. In The Routledge Handbook of African Development (pp. 261-274). Routledge.

George, A., Patel, V., & Mahal, A. (2013). Gender, equity, and human rights in health: Why sex and gender matter in global health. The Lancet, 382(9892), 1335-1345.

[https://www.thelancet.com/series/gender-equality-normshealth](https://www.thelancet.com/series/gender-equality-norms-health)

Mberu, B. (2015). The impact of gender inequality on health in Africa. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 19(3), 36-44.

[https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3402/gha.v7.23717](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/f ull/10.3402/gha.v7.23717)

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

United Nations Women (UN Women) (2023). Gender equality in health. [https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/2022-07/Gender-equality-for-health-and-wellbeing-en.pdf](https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/2022-07/Gender-equality-for-healthand-well-being-en.pdf)

African Union Commission (AUC) (2017). The African Union Agenda 2063: One Africa, One People, One Destiny.

[https://au.int/en/agenda2063/overview](https://au.int/en/agenda2063/overview)

Introduction

What is gender mainstreaming? 

The UN Economic and Social Council defines gender mainstreaming as the process of assessing the implications for women and men of any planned action, including legislation, policies or programmes in all areas and at all levels. It is a concept that recognizes the importance of considering gender in roles, expectations and experiences associated with a specific gender. In the health sector, it is aimed at promoting gender equality and health equity.

Gender Equality is the absence of discrimination based on the person’s sex in the allocation of resources or benefits or in access and or control of services or resources (MOH). There should be equal treatment of women and men in laws, policies, opportunities, access to resources and services in families, communities and society. Gender equality is achieved when men and women can equally share power, resources, and influence.

However, in order for gender equality to be achieved, the concept of gender must me understood to its fullest extent. According to WHO, Gender refers to the characteristics of men, women, girls and boys that are socially acceptable. This includes norms, behaviors and roles associated with being a boy, girl, woman or man. Gender influences ones experience and access to health care. Unfortunately, the health sector is built in a way that may limit access to proper health care based on gender.

Importance of gender mainstreaming in heath programs.

The concept of gender mainstreaming in the health programs directly aligns with some of the UN Sustainable Development Goals like including Health and well-being for all( Goal 3), Gender equality (Goal 5), and reduction of inequality within and among countries (Goal 10)

1. Gender mainstreaming in the health sector helps to better understand the determinants of health for men and women like the biological factors, societal norms, which in turn gives a basis to address the unique needs of men and women enabling planning and allocation of resources in a more appropriate manner. This is done all the while understanding the inequalities that are faced by the different genders, how these impact their lives and how gender specific interventions can be put in place.  For example, specialized women’s hospitals with highly trained personnel have now  been put in place that cater to the health needs of women specifically after understanding the health needs of women. 
   
2. It is also a basis for creation and implementation of policies and interventions through which gender inequality can be eradicated. It is a well-known fact that women are the most vulnerable when it comes to the effects of gender inequality. This is observed through unpaid or low wage salaries in health care work which hinders them from accessing proper nutrition and health care.  There is also a higher incidence of gender based violence with over 70% of women reporting to have been victims or are at a risk of facing gender based violence. (WHO, Mainstreaming Gender within WHO Health Emergencies 2022-2026). All these forms of gender inequality predispose women to physical injuries, mental health problems like depression, anxiety and PTSD, social and economic hardships that in turn affect their health.
   
3. Policies that increase gender balanced representation in the political field and decision making committees have been put in place for example in Uganda, every district has a female representative to the government. These policies have helped to increase advocacy for the health needs of women by the representatives that better understand these needs. Additionally, Interventions towards eliminating injustices towards women have been put in place like the National Plan of Action for Sexual and Gender Based Violence, an intervention by the Ministry of Health whose goal is to strengthen the role of Uganda’s Health System within a multi-sectoral response to address gender based violence has been developed and implemented.  In order to address the issue of inequalities in the health sector work force, the ministry of Health Gender Discrimination and inequality Analysis (GIDA) was formed in order to assess Gender Equality in terms of equal opportunity and equal enjoyments of benefits and privileges of employment by women and men working in the public health sector. The key findings were segregation of women and men “male” and “female” jobs, with the concentration of men at the top of occupational hierarchies and women at the bottom. This information helped the ministry of health to develop an equal opportunity strategy to recruit more women into senior management positions in the public health sector. (http://library.health.go.ug/publications)
   
   
   
4. Gender mainstreaming also improves health communication and avoids inadvertently promoting negative gender norms or stereotypes. The ministry of Health refers to gender stereotyping as the act of assigning roles and responsibilities to a particular sex. Some of the gender stereotypes in Uganda include women being regarded as lazy, emotional, weak and dependent while men are regarded as independent, strong, decision makers and leaders. These stereotypes largely influence the positions that women take up in the health sector with women taking up lower positions as they are believed to be weak and lazy and unable to perform tasks as would be required. Gender stereotyping also affects the health seeking behaviors of men. They are usually hesitant to seek medical treatment when sick in fear that they may be looked at as weak and vulnerable.  

Conclusion 

Gender mainstreaming serves as a vital pathway toward fostering gender equality within the health sector. By comprehending gender concepts and incorporating gender considerations into health policies, programs, and projects, we pave the way for meaningful change. We can actively contribute to this cause by advocating for and influencing organizations to adopt gender-sensitive policies. Additionally, educating ourselves and others about gender mainstreaming in the health sector is crucial towards promoting change. Through these efforts, we can take significant strides towards creating a world where everyone feels safe and secure, advancing the journey towards gender equality in the health sector.

References 

1. World Health Organization report on gender and health
2. Uganda Ministry of Health address on Gender inequality in the workforce.
3. UN Women: Gender Mainstreaming https://www.unwomen.org/en/how-we-work/un-system-coordination/gender-mainstreaming

EXCITING NEWS FOR AFROMEDICS

You have an exclusive invitation to participate in the Pan-African Medical Marathon.

At CLIRNET, we are committed to advancing medical education globally on a philanthropic basis, and with the Pan-African Medical Marathon, we aim to empower healthcare professionals across Africa with a comprehensive and engaging Continuing Medical Education (CME) series.
This unique initiative, comprising 75 CME sessions, is designed to address the evolving needs and challenges faced by healthcare practitioners in Africa, equipping them with the latest advancements, best practices, and insights to enhance patient care and professional growth.

How to join the sessions –

1. Details of the sessions on Day 1
2. Please find the registration links for the two sessions of Day 1 of the series below –

Click here to participate in Session 1

Click here to participate in Session 2

1. Download the CLIRNET app from the App Store/Play Store.
2. Click on Sign in.
3. Click “New User” and complete your registration with your basic details. While entering your phone number change the country code from “+91” to “your country dialing code”. Create your simple password. The referral code is non-mandatory. You can go ahead and skip it.
4. Upon registration, you will get access to the CLIRNET platform where you can reserve the session and attend.

We sincerely hope that you will join us in this transformative initiative as we embark on this journey to elevate medical education in Africa and beyond.

Together, let’s make a lasting impact on healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Dear Afromedics,

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting medical students across Africa, we are thrilled to extend an exclusive opportunity for clinical exchanges in the USA, through our partner, AMOpportunities.

For a limited time, FAMSA members can take advantage of a significant discount on our US clinical experiences. By using the special code FAMSA-400 during registration, you can save $400 on your chosen clinical experience in the United States. This will expire at the end of May.
Kindly sign up here to access this discount:

Embark on a transformative journey to enhance your medical education and gain invaluable hands-on experience in a diverse clinical setting. Whether you’re seeking to strengthen your clinical skills, expand your professional network, gain letters of recommendation, or explore specific medical specialties, our tailored experiences offer unparalleled learning opportunities.

Exciting news! FAMSA will be joining the global conversation at GPHW24!
Join us as we contribute to the global dialogue on public health and shape the future together. Don’t miss out!

Join us for a riveting #FiresideChat hosted by FAMSA

We’re delving into the crucial topic of “Empowering Tomorrow’s Healthcare Leaders: Nurturing Essential Competencies for a Resilient Health Workforce” at the Global Public Health Week 2024.

Mark your calendars for April 12th, 2024, at 5:30 PM GMT and be part of the conversation shaping the future of healthcare leadership.

Register here

More information here

Dear Afromedics and Esteemed Colleagues,

FAMSA is a proud partner of the Fuel Africa 2024 program by Futurize. To tackle problems like providing access to healthcare and screen, early-detection of cancer, and climate change- we call all students interested to join the Fuel Africa Innovation Program from March 20-April 3, 2024. Last year, the program had over 1,000 students across the continent compete and pitch their ideas to advance healthcare. Read about the program and sign up for free here:

https://www.futurize.studio/fuel-africa

You will get the exclusive opportunity to get mentored by industry experts, access to skills development, build your CV with a certificate, and network with hundreds of like-minded students across Africa. Form a team from your university of 3-6 students or form a team with members from other universities, attend workshops and industry insight sessions, and win USD 1,500 + first entry to various incubator programs in prizes in this competition to launch your entrepreneurial career with the help of our partners. Register now before March 15th, 2024 as seats are limited. The program is launched by Futurize in partnership with AstraZeneca, through the A.Catalyst Network, and co-funded by Bristol Myers Squibb.

FAMSA SCOPE – Mozambique is thrilled to invite you to our very first conference

“Science, Solidarity, and Action: Bases for Sustainable Global Health.”

By being part of this incredible event, you will be; Investing in Knowledge: Come connect with experts in global medicine and gain fundamental insights for sustainable global health.

Investing in Professional Network:Connect with students and professionals who share your commitment to global health. This network can open doors and create lasting bonds throughout your future career.

Investing in Lasting Impact:Your participation will contribute to advancing sustainable global medicine.

Together, we can build a healthier and more equitable future. We are committed to making the event accessible. We will be exploring virtual resources so you can participate regardless of your location.

Don’t miss this opportunity. Your decision can transform your academic and professional journey. We count on your presence to enrich this experience.

Date: [10 & 11 Feb 2024]

Location: [Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique]

bit.ly/-conferencia_nacional_2024

We look forward to having you be part of this journey