Program

Prof. Vivette Glover

Title: Prenatal stress, effects on the child, and interventions; a global perspective

Keynote Presentation

Prof. Vivette Glover

Professor of Perinatal Psychobiology, Imperial College London, UK

Abstract

Women suffer from as many symptoms of depression and anxiety during pregnancy as they do postnatally. About 15% have symptoms of concern in high income countries, and often about double that in low income countries. Many pregnant women suffer from increased stress also, including from domestic abuse. Again this is often higher in low income countries, together with the additional stresses caused by poverty, food insecurity or climate change. All this matters for the pregnant woman herself, but also for her baby. Her child has an increased risk of neurodevelopmental problems such as ADHD, conduct disorder or being on the autistic spectrum, as well as having symptoms of anxiety or depression. They are at increased risk of premature delivery or having other physical conditions such as of asthma also. 

All this means that it is important to help pregnant women improve their mental health and reduce stress. In high income countries health professionals this can include talking therapies and appropriate drugs when necessary. Many are quite safe. In low income countries this may not be possible, but family and community can provide emotional support. We have also recently found that a music intervention, in which the whole antenatal clinic sing and dance, reduced symptoms of common mental disorders. More help of this kind will improve the wellbeing of the women, and also improve the outcome for the next generation. 

 

Biography

Vivette Glover is Visiting Professor of Perinatal Psychobiology, Imperial College London. Her research has shown the effects of stress in the mother during pregnancy, on the developing fetus and .the child, together with biological mechanisms that may underlie this. She has published over 450 papers, and been awarded the International Marcé Society medal the John Cox medal, and the PIPUK award. She is President of The Association for Postnatal Illness, Treasurer of the Marce Society, and an advisor to the he Global Alliance for Maternal Mental Health. Her work is contributing to changes in government policy.

Prof. Ezra Lockhart

Title: The Global Impact of Internet Gaming Disorder: Prevalence Rates Across 22 Countries

Keynote Presentation

Prof. Ezra Lockhart

Yorkville University, Canada.

Abstract

The Global Impact of Internet Gaming Disorder: Prevalence Rates Across 22 Countries

 

Ezra Lockhart1,2, 

1 Faculty of Behavioural Sciences, Yorkville University, Canada and 

2 School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Northcentral University, USA

 

Problematic gaming behaviors which leads to functional impariment or distress has been investigated since the late 1990s. Its precise definition continues to generate extensive debate and numerous, nonstandardized screening and assessment tools. While in 2018 the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11) listed gaming disorder as an official diagnosis it does not go into effect until January 2022. The most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) listed Internet gaming disorder as a condition warranting further investigation since 2013. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) the publisher of the DSM has no official diagnosis to date. These factors have reduced the fidelity of epidemiological investigations of gaming disorder and Internet gaming disorder. Overall, global prevalence rates range widely from 2.4% to 45% equating to between 52 and 900 million people impacted by problematic gaming behaviors. This review of the literature found 21 studies reporting prevalence rates of problematic online gaming behaviors from 22 countries. The majority of these studies are recent between 2014 and 2019; however, the only prevalence data reported for the United States was in 2009 and in 2010 for Australia. This study investigated national weighted samples from 22 countries. National weighted means are estimated for the United States (8.50%), Asia (10.28%), and Europe (7.21%). Mean prevalence rates are higher in Asian countries, while pooled prevalence rates indicate higher incidence of problematic online gaming behaviors in the United States. This investigation explored the sociocultural difference, which may influence prevelance rates across different countries. 

Biography

Ezra Lockhart completed his PhD from the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Northcentral University, USA and master’s studies from the University of Sydney, Australia. He has been working as a Professor of Behavioural Sciences, Yorkville University in Canada since 2021. He has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals, has been serving as the founder and clinical director of Easy Does It Counseling, and board member for AAPA, the Alaska chapter of NAADAC in USA. He has 18 years’ experience in mental health and addiction counseling across multiple settings and countries.

Prof. Swapna Chaudhuri

Title: Concerns of Public Health

Keynote Presentation

Prof. Swapna Chaudhuri

Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, India

Abstract

Biography

Prof Swapna Chaudhuri is an alumnus of University of Calcutta. Presently she is an Emeritus Medical Scientist at Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute,Calcutta, India.She had joined School of Tropical Medicine in 2008 as Professor. Her research area is the fields of Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, Respiratory and Infectious Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cryptoccocal Immunology and Immunotherapy and Haematopoitic Stem cell Immunology and Immunotherapy.Taught at both postgraduate and undergraduate levels. Published seventy five papers in high impact factor journals and also reviews, monograms, book chapters, commentaries. Has won many Academic laurels and Fellowships, affiliated to twelve Academic Societies, Editorial Committee member of many National and International journals, Reviewer of fifty six high impact factor journals, Principal Investigator of twenty one projects, Supervised 21 PhD, MD and DM students. ORG

Prof. Rostislav Stefanov Kostadinov

Title: Pandemic lessons identifying the need of comprehensive medical planning

Keynote Presentation

Prof. Rostislav Stefanov Kostadinov

Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Abstract

Title: Pandemic lessons identifying the need of comprehensive medical planning

Author: Prof Rostislav Kostadinov, MD,PhD, DSc

Affiliation: Department for Epidemiology and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Abstract

Introduction The ongoing COVID 19 pandemic has impact on both individuals and society. All the activities performed were disrupted and changed due to the imposed different restrictive measures. One of the most affected by the virus spread is the medical community. Almost two years the medical specialists are at the frontline, struggling for saving lives and preserving the health of the infected and the society as a whole. Throughout this continuous efforts medics are facing challenges affecting the efficiency of their activities. The experience gained during these months has proven that the existing pandemic management contingency plans on all levels - local, regional, national and the international, in particular, are ineffective. Both preplanned activities and allocated for their performance resources obviously were and are insufficient or not effective enough for biological threat eradication and consequences management.

The objective of this study is to analyze the pandemic management plans shortfalls in Bulgaria.

Materials and Methods By the means of the descriptive and comparative methods the available records regarding the performed medical measures from the beginning of the pandemic are thoroughly analyzed for highlighting the most vulnerable parts of the medical contingency and operational plans that were created and implemented during the efforts for pandemic localization and consequences management.

Based on the results of the performed analyses several medical planning deficiencies are noted and measures for improvement are presented.

 

 

 

Biography

Prof Colonel Rostislav Stefanov Kostadinov is Organizing and leading the educational process for Medical University of Plovdiv and Medical College of Plovdiv students. Delivering lectures, leading seminars and the students examine. Monitoring, organizing, and facilitating the International relations and Project activities of the Public Health Faculty academic staff. Organizing and leading Ph.D. and resident programs on Disaster Medicine and Disaster Medical Support at the Medical University of Plovdiv Planning, organizing, and managing courses for improvement of the population skills for healthy behavior in case of disasters and catastrophes. Leading and managing courses for disaster medical support (for medical professionals) and advance medical training for search and rescue team members.

Mr. Osman Elmahi

Title: Perception and practice of self-medication with antibiotics among medical students in Sudanese universities: a cross-sectional study.

Invited Speaker

Mr. Osman Elmahi

Hull York Medical School, UK.

Abstract

Perception and practice of self-medication with antibiotics among medical students in Sudanese universities: a cross-sectional study.

Osman K.O. Elmahi1*, Reem A.E. Musa2, Ahd A.H. Shareef3, Mohammed E.A. Omer3, Mugahid A.M. Elmahi4, Randa A.A. Altamih5, Rayan I.H. Mohamed5, Tagwa F.M. Alsadig6

Introduction:

The benefits of antibiotics are under threat by self-medication, which culminates in economic burdening in developing countries, treatment failures, emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria and an increased probability of infection of the general population by antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.

Materials and Methods :

This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and institution-based study. 1,110 medical students were selected and surveyed by multistage cluster sampling.Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors of self- medication with antibiotics among the study participants.

Objectives:

This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of medical students in Sudan towardsthe use of antibiotics, the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics among medical students in Sudan and to identify risk factors promoting self- medication with antibiotics.

Results :

The median knowledge score was 7/10 (IQR: 5-8). A moderately accurate attitude was also observed among the participants (Median: 7/10; IQR: 6-8). 675 (60.8%) used non-prescription antibiotics, mostly from community pharmacies (42.8%). Antibiotics were most commonly used to treat respiratory tract infections (38.1%) and cough (30.4%). Non-prescription antibiotic use was significantly associated with gender, year of study and monthly income (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

Undergraduate medical students had moderate knowledge and attitude towards antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance, and an alarmingly high prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics, highlighting the need for tighter regulations on antibiotic sales and revision of antimicrobial resistance in medical education in Sudan.

Biography

Osman completed his graduation is Hull York Medical School, United Kingdom. He is currently working at the Faculty of Medicine, Ibn Sina University, Khartoum, Sudan.

Dr. Tambe Elvis Akem

Title: Universal Health Care through Humanitarian services in Fragile settings, amidst COVID-19

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Tambe Elvis Akem

Epidemiologist at Medicines Sans Frontiers Belgium, Belgium.

Abstract

Title: Universal Health Care through Humanitarian services in Fragile settings, amidst COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic took the global population by surprise and has now plunged the world into a state of social and economic hardship. The hardship though huge, has not been proportional. The vulnerable population have been hit the most, with little access to COVID-19 vaccines. 

Fragile, conflict-affected and vulnerable settings are generally seen to include those experiencing humanitarian crises, protracted emergencies, prolonged disruption to critical public services or governance (e.g., due to political or economic challenges, conflict or natural disaster), or armed conflict. Other terms variously used to describe such environments include ‘settings of extreme adversity’, ‘humanitarian settings’ and ‘acute’, ‘protracted’ or ‘complex’ emergencies (WHO, 2020). World Bank reports over 2 billion people live in such settings. The lack of essential services in fragile settings (healthcare, food security, water and sanitation, and protection) has worsen with the COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of these services increases their vulnerability to disease outbreaks. This abstract describes the provision of quality health services in fragile settings as part of UHC coverage and challenges face by the providers. 

Humanitarian work in this environment need coordinated action between NGOs as defined by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). This is guided by humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. The principles of community engagement are fully applied as to let the population be the owner of the humanitarian work.  The need of the community is defined by the community members and partly supported by the experts through community need assessment. 

The disruption of, or little or no access to essential and quality healthcare services due to conflicts, climate change and economic stress continue to raise concern as it is likely that these trends will continue to increase. Majority of the countries with ongoing humanitarian need have weak healthcare system. The delivery of humanitarian services have been greatly affected by the pandemic as the impact on trade, number of aid workers, etc.  decrease. Furthermore, aid workers face enormous challenges to access fragile settings, especially in conflict zones. The population in dare need are difficult to reach. Recent report by WHO shows that, 60 % of preventable maternal deaths, 50 % under-five mortality, and 45 % neonatal deaths worldwide occur in these settings. Also, over 80 % of major infectious disease epidemics happen in these environments. According to GHO 2020 report, 825 attacks were carried out against health workers and healthcare facilities in the first 9 months of 2019, resulting in 171 deaths. This is contrary to the international humanitarian law, and puts millions of lives at risk. 

Most at time when we talk about UHC, we fail to take into consideration population in fragile environment which is a strong barrier towards achieving UHC. Quality health service delivery looks quite different in these settings as opposed to a stable setting.  Multiple actors collaborate and coordinate to produce better results. As seen with COVID-19, protection of the global population is the duty of each one of us. A deadly disease outbreak in a remote community can become a pandemic. There is need to provide quality healthcare services to this population. Several models of care are being employed in fragile settings. Multiple factors should be considered in the implementation of each model, as such, should be adapted to the context.  Examples are, mobile clinics, community care for malaria, community ARV groups, BEmONC, CEmON. Conditions such as disability, psychological distress, hypertension, HIV, Diabetes, etc. are often under looked in fragile settings. 

The quality of healthcare delivery should be held in high esteem as in a stable setting, this is often neglected by some actors. Access to care that is unsafe, ineffective, and not trusted by the communities, results in worsen health outcomes with increasing vulnerability to other health conditions. This way, it will be difficult to regain the trust of the community. Quality healthcare delivery should be safe, effective, people-centred, timely, equitable, integrated, and efficient. The provision of services in humanitarian settings must be people centred; that is, a more people-centred humanitarian action. Full engagement with local population helps humanitarian actors to tailor their responses on local needs and priorities. Making the people owner of the projects help in continuity of care, and security. Effective collaboration and coordination between partners prevent duplication of activities or creation of gaps. Women, girls and children, and people with disabilities have to be taken into consideration in humanitarian action. Increasing cases of sexual and gender-based violence are reported in such settings. Lack of access to quality sexual and reproductive healthcare is important cause of morbidity and mortality among displaced women and girls of reproductive age in humanitarian environments.

Conclusion

Quality healthcare delivery is as important as access to essential healthcare. The delivery of quality healthcare should be context-specific and people-centred. Indicators of quality healthcare delivery should always be measured as part of the monitoring and evaluation process of the activities to identify areas of improvement. Collaboration and coordination between different actors is paramount in achieving better health outcome.

Reference: 1) Quality of care in fragile, conflict-affected and vulnerable settings: taking action. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2020. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO 2) Fragility, conflict and violence. Washington, DC: World Bank; 2018 (https://www.worldbank.org/en/
topic/fragilityconflictviolence/overview) 3) Global Humanitarian Overview 2020.

Biography

Dr Tambe Elvis Akem, MD, MSc, MPH, is an ARES Scholar in the University of Liege, Belgium where he studied MSc in Integrated Health Risks Management, through the application of the One Health concept. He proceeded to study MPH-Public Health and Epidemiology in the Free University of Brussels, Belgium. He has worked as a Medical Doctor for four years. In 2020, he worked with Doctors of the World in Brussels where he was the Medical Team Lead. He managed the team in screening vulnerable population for COVID-19. From January 2021 till present, he has been working as Mission Epidemiologist with Doctors Without Borders (MSF). He implements and follow up epidemiological activities, development of appropriate methodology and quality of studies to identify risk factors for diseases and determining optimal management approaches to clinical practice and preventive medicine. He also manages Community-Based Surveillance for mortality, nutrition, common diseases, and health events. He is the pivot for COVID-19 epidemiological activities in the mission. His interest is to alleviate suffering through the production of public health evidence and sound public health decisions that will shape interventions. He is a member of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Collaborator Network.

Matt Kazam

Title: A Laughing Matter: Humor to Improve Wellness, Mental Health & Raise Emotional Intelligence

Keynote Presentation

Matt Kazam

Humor Scientist, Virtual Speaker Las Vegas, United States

Abstract

Concept:

Humanity is at a tipping point. There has been a loss of connection, a reduction in emotional intelligence and our empathic engines have stalled. This combined with a world in the grips of a pandemic, social unrest, racial injustice, climate change has created such a toxic landscape for humans to thrive. Happiness & joy levels are down, and stress, anger and fear are at an all-time high and it is taking a toll on both our physical & mental health. 

Humor has been shown to be a powerful tool in helping to manage such disruptive negative emotions as anger and anxiety/tension. Humor can also elevate one’s mood from the depths of the daily sources of (non-clinical) depression we all occasionally suffer from every day.

Humor can also bring us together during these tough times allowing us to engage with each other, share your truth, story, message & perspective while forming a powerful human connection through laughter, empathy & trust and creates a sense of belonging, inclusion and safety.

It is safe to say we are at our best as humans where we are laughing and making each other laugh. This talk will explore the public health problems facing our society and look for ways where humor can help. From education & communication to treatment & patient experience we will look to show ways humor is being successfully used both organically and strategically in the Public Health space around the Globe. 

Humor Scientist Matt Kazam will take the audience along with him on this journey to show that laughter is not only the best, but the right medicine to address this very real public health problem.  When the going gets tough, the tough get laughing. 

This talk also hopes to change the mindset when it comes to humor the art form and humor the powerful part of the human experience and through the data and science, reconnect the audience with the funny that lives inside of all of us.  Empowering the audience with the strategies, tools & insights into how to use humor with intention to thrive in both our personal & professional lives.

Biography

Matt Kazam is a veteran comic who can be seen performing at the nation’s top comedy clubs, casinos and theatres. He has performed stand-up comedy over 6,000 times in 45 states and 7 countries. Matt has also performed at over 1,000 corporate and private events. He has an amazing ability to work any crowd, anywhere, any venue. Stand-up comedy has been a dream of Matt’s his whole life. Growing up in New York City, he started performing shows for family and friends at the age of three, but it wasn’t until graduating college from George Mason University with a degree in finance that Matt finally took the plunge as a full-time stand-up comedian. He has made television appearances on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing”, Fox’s “Big Red Couch”, Comedy Central’s “Stand-Up Stand-Up”, VH-1’s “Fools For Love”, TLC’s “Two For Vegas”, The Discovery Channel’s “Lux List”, WGN’s “The Bob & Tom Show. He has appeared with Tommy Davidson on the Rascal’s Comedy Club Webcast “Live Caught On The Net”. In addition, Matt’s comedy special,“Stand-Up and Sit-Down with Matt Kazam,” is currently airing on XM Satellite Radio. In addition to these television projects, Matt was a writer for the 2008 “Fox Reality TV Awards” on the Fox Reality Channel. Matt’s 1-man show, “40 Is Not The New 20,” had a residency at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The hilarious show tackles the subject matter both literally and figuratively. The material explores how much the world has changed in the past 40 years. The show is a mid-life celebration of the knowledge and experience that can only be gained with age. The show is like comfort food for the soul. It puts the notion that 40 is the new 20 on trial and breaks down the concept into categories such as technology, the media, politics, relationships, family, our priorities and even how much our bodies have changed over the years. Matt walks the audience through specific and general examples on how the 40 is not the new 20 and more importantly why? All the while, the audience is being thoroughly entertained as well as feeling an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. Everyday topics like marriage, fashion, parenting, work, commuting, bills and exercise, just to name a few, will be compared and contrasted though the eyes of a 40+ year-old taking a look at today’s 20 year-old young adult. Matt’s energetic style, witty observations and unassuming charm combined with his youthful enthusiasm and instant likeability are the driving forces behind his unique and hilarious comedy.

Dr. Stefan Haller

Title: From “Voluntourism” to “Grassroots Maternal Healthcare” - a blueprint for transforming short term medical missions (STMM) into effective tools for global universal healthcare.

Keynote Presentation

Dr. Stefan Haller

Physician, Diagnostic Imager & Global Health Activist, USA

Abstract

From “Voluntourism” to “Grassroots Maternal Healthcare” - a blueprint for transforming short-term medical missions (STMM) into effective tools for global universal healthcare. 

Stefan Haller, MD, DTM&H

 Abstract 

Background: With most Lower Middle Income Countries (LMIC) struggling financially now more than in 2015, looking for additional resources to work towards universal healthcare and United Nations 2030 sustainable development goals (SDG) has become imperative. Short term medical missions (STMM) have been a growing phenomenon over the past decades despite concerns regarding their effectiveness. The vast human and financial resources of thousands of medical volunteers and their supporters represent a reservoir waiting to be explored for effective use in global public health. We propose detailed blueprints for the use of STMMs to reach the first target of the UN SDG for health - reducing maternal mortality - in a municipality in the Philippines over a period of 2-3 years and simultaneously set the stage for preventive medicine at the family “grassroots” level through strengthening the mothers’ stakeholder role in avoiding the need for “sick care” (= preventing disease). Materials and Methods: Training of midwives, other trained birth assistants and nurses in basic Point Of Care UltraSound (POCUS) and population management is one of two main components of the program. The second is training mothers in specific healthy habits including diet, reproductive health, vaccinations, cancer prevention and the entire concept of preventive medicine and health maintenance at the grassroots level adapted to local social and cultural conditions. Result based management with set data points assessed at fixed intervals, quality control and a culturally sensitive approach to maximize acceptance using repeated STMM over a time limited period of 2-3 years. The effort is tailored toward cooperative integration into locally existing existing healthcare and other health maintenance structures through partnerships and is scalable. Results: Local healthcare stakeholders become and remain proficient in basic Point Of Care UltraSound (POCUS) and population management and thus achieve and sustain decreased maternal mortality. Mothers are trained in specific health maintenance areas to support their own health and that of their family within their cultural environment. Medical volunteers develop cultural awareness and appreciation of measurable outcomes through effective mutually respectful collaboration and partnership. Conclusion: Transforming STMMs from a controversial global phenomenon into effective tools to reach SDG 3 targets in LMIC exemplified by this “grassroots maternal healthcare” leverages additional existing human and financial resources for the stepwise introduction of universal healthcare in LMIC. Keywords: UN Sustainable Development Goals - Grassroots Maternal Healthcare - STMM transformation - knowledge transfer - POCUS - capacity building - result based management - cultural sensitivity - global partnership - universal healthcare

Biography

Stefan Haller completed his education Universities Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany (Pre-med)1980-82, Technische Universities Muenchen, Munich, Germany (Medical School)1982-87, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Obstetrics, Medicine 1984, Univ. of Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica, Tropical Medicine 1992, Univ. of London, London, UK, Tropical Medicine (DTM&H) 1994, Univ. of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Ctr., Houston, TX (Radiology Residency) 1995-99, Univ. of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Ctr., Houston, TX (Chief Resident)1998-99, Univ. of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Ctr., Houston, TX (Fellowship IR & Body Imaging) 1999-2000. Stefan haller worked as Medical Officer, Surgery Dept., Armed Forces Central Hospital Koblenz, Germany 1987-88, Flight Surgeon, NATO E3-A Component, Geilenkirchen, Germany 1988-89, Primary Care Physician, Air Force Training Rgt 2, Budel, The Netherlands 1989-92, Liaison Officer, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, El Paso, Texas 1992-93, Consultant in Trop. Medicine, United Nations TAC, Phnom Penh, Cambodia 1993, Medical Officer, Medicine Dept., Armed Forces Central Hospital Koblenz, Germany 1993-94, Medical Officer, Radiology Dept., Armed Forces Central Hospital Koblenz, Germany 1994-95 Chief, Interventional Radiology, VA CCHCS, Fresno, California 2000-03, Staff Radiologist, Highland Hospital, Oakland, California 2003-07, Staff Radiologist, Kaiser Permanente GSAA 2007-09, Chief Imaging Dept, Kaiser Permanente GSAA 2009-14, Staff Radiologist, Kaiser Permanente GSAA since 2014

Dr. Kenetra Young

Title: Utilizing the Concept of Storytelling to Educate and Influence People in Healthcare and Public Health Settings: An Epidemiologist’s Perspective

Keynote Presentation

Dr. Kenetra Young

Public Health/Infectious Disease Epidemiologist, Health Science/ Public Health Professor, USA.

Abstract

Title: Utilizing the Concept of Storytelling to Educate and Influence People in Healthcare and Public Health Settings: An Epidemiologist’s Perspective

Author: Dr. Kenetra Young, PHD, MPH, MBA

People learn by various methods but the goal of delivering the message is to educate. I utilized knowledge and science, but have also implemented the ancient concept of storytelling to educate and influence my audiences. I have been in the classroom setting teaching adults about infectious diseases, in hospitals training healthcare professionals about appropriate infection prevention techniques and in the community setting educating the public about vaccinations. It is important to appropriately craft the storytelling technique to the audience, but more important to be truthful and factual.

In order to help students understand the integral parts of the immune system response when fighting off infections, I would give examples of the various branch levels of the armed forces to compare the various responses of the cells in the body when combating a bacteria or virus. When training or educating healthcare professionals on proper techniques to prevent infections, I would tell true stories about the number of deaths that occurred in that setting due to breech of protocols or failed techniques. When educating the public and community about the need to get vaccinations, I would tell historical facts and stories about what society was like before science evolved and vaccinations were created. Some stories shared are testimonials of people that contracted a disease and recovered or stories from people who witnessed someone succumbed to a disease or issue.

As a professor, public health and infectious disease epidemiologist, I will discuss my perspectives and share narratives of the storytelling techniques that educated and influenced various audiences that I have interacted with over the last decade in different settings.

Biography

Dr. Kenetra Young has nearly 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She has a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, Master of Business Administration specializing in Health Care Management, Master of Public Health specializing in Community Health, and a Doctorate of Public Health specializing in Epidemiology. She started off her career journey as a laboratory scientist in chemistry/toxicology and blood banking. She later transitioned into Infection Prevention and Control where she researched and prevented hospital acquired infections. Dr. Young has taught collegiate level health science courses such as pathophysiology for 14 years, and has been teaching on-line graduate level public health courses for 6 years. Dr. Young most recently worked as a Communicable Disease Program Manager for a local health department where she oversaw a team of epidemiologists and supported contact investigations for food borne illnesses and reportable diseases such as hepatitis. She was responsible for the design of evaluation protocols, data collection instruments and data management tools that was used for conducting epidemiologic investigations and disease surveillance. Dr. Young has obtained several FEMA certificates have been front line with responding to critical incidents and disasters within both the hospital and public health settings. She received the 2018 Hometown Hero Award from the State of Michigan for her leadership and guidance during the Hepatitis A Outbreak response efforts. In addition, she co-led COVID-19 response activities, onboarded, and trained numerous partners to respond appropriately and effectively during the pandemic.

Gregg Boalch

Title: Digitising the Process and the Procedure – the Win-Win for Patients and Healthcare Providers

Keynote Speaker

Gregg Boalch

Managing Director, Caretech Services, Australia.

Abstract

Much of the digital health innovation / digitisation to date has been focused on two things

  • new & improved diagnostic and monitoring technologies, and the subsequent maintenance of the patient’s health record, and
  • supply chain optimisation for health service providers

What about the healthcare process itself – the process by which the patient is provided with the necessary care and medical procedures.  How can we cost-effectively improve the quality and safety of the healthcare being provided to patients through digitisation? How can the healthcare worker spend more time face-to-face with the patient without also being a data entry clerk? How can the health service provider treat more patients using existing resources without placing undue pressure on care givers? How do we make the treatment data available to public health custodian and regulator? And importantly, how do we ensure this change is least disruptive for all stakeholders?

Biography

Gregg Boalch is a recognized leader, guide, and mentor within the Australian digital community. He has a successful industry track record in Australia, SE Asia and Europe over more than 30 years, resulting in more than 700 LinkedIn endorsements and recommendations. Gregg has led strategic technology-enabled change for both business and Government (all three levels) clients in Australia and the UK, in verticals including health, finance, media, national retail, publishing, tourism, energy & resources, environment, education, and community services/NFP. Gregg was a Senior Adjunct Fellow with the Graduate School of Business at Curtin University, lecturing and researching Information Systems and Health Record Systems, and he delivered Masters programs in e-Commerce throughout SE Asia. He created, grew, and subsequently sold a sustainable, multi-award-winning business in food and wine tourism. He has also been a Board member of a number of WA and Victorian NFP organizations, including roles as President, vice-Chair, and Finance Director. He was until recently Alliance Chair for WAITTA, and recently co-chaired APACMed’s Interoperability White Paper. Gregg misses travel, still plays guitar & bass, and is a proud supporter of his local football team, the arts, and his community.

Dr.B.Sendilkumar

Title: SKILL SETS &INDUSTRY ACADEMIA COLLABORATION

Keynote Speaker

Dr.B.Sendilkumar

Vinayakamissions Research Foundation and VIMS Hospital, India

Abstract

Skill set is a collection of skills and abilities that can be applied to a professional or creative endeavour. Skills development is the process of identifying your skill gaps, and developing and mastering these skills. Skills and knowledge development are the driving forces behind the financial growth and community development of any country. Skill building is a powerful tool to empower individuals and improve their social acceptance. For this, they will need a broad range of skills, including cognitive and meta-cognitive skills like  critical thinking, creative thinking, learning to learn and self-regulation; social and emotional skills like empathy, self-efficacy and collaboration; and practical and physical skills like using new information and communication technology devices. As we understand and realize the importance of skill education ,to improve the soft skills and also technical skills we engage and train our students in different ways. The Industry Academia collaborations is the key to developing the technical and discipline specific skill. India stands first in producing more number of graduates but quality and employability requires significant improvement. The industry-academia gap need to be bridged. Across the world motivated and skilled brain is the most precious asset, which is available at large scale in India. This huge mass need to be converted into a positive force by making the spirited youth employable. Schools and Higher education Institutions can prepare them for jobs that have not yet been created, for technologies that have not yet been invented, to solve problems that have not yet been anticipated. It will be a shared responsibility to seize opportunities and find solutions.

Biography

DR.B.Sendilkumar,Dean and Director of School of Allied Health Sciences,Vinayaka Missions Research Foundation-DU hails from the beautiful temple city of Kanchipuram in India and has acquired the following Qualifications starting from BDS,MBA,MPH,MPhil-HHSM,PhD,D.Litt,D.Sc, FISRO,FSASS,FRSPH[UK],FSAPHO(UK),MDP in HM & DA [IIM-Ahmedabad].He is also a qualified NABH Assessor, CII SR EHS Assessor,Certified Six Sigma Blackbelt in Quality,ISO Lead Auditor for ISO 9001:2015, IS0 14001:2015, IS0 45001:2018 ISO 21001:2018 Standards. Administering nearly 20 UG and 11 PG courses in Allied Health Sciences at 3 different campuses in Salem,Pudhucherry & Karaikal. Since July 2018, He has been serving as Head-Transformation for the Vinayaka Mission Hospital, Salem, and as an additional responsibility, oversees its overall operations and is also responsible for ensuring that the hospital’s quality of service, efficiency and customer satisfaction is at its highest at all times Ensured Diploma in Family Medicine & Diploma in Emergency Medicine courses are accredited with Royal College of General Practioners, UK Executive Member in Purchase committee of the VIMS Hospital,Salem Executive Member in NABH accreditation process and Quality Control board in the VIMS Hospital,Salem Secretary for the Infection Control Committee ,VIMS Hospital,Salem Chief Executive Member of Ethical Committee, VIMS Hospital,Salem Chief Executive in International affairs of the Vinayaka Mission’s and working out for the Collaboration with Harvard University He also holds the valuable posts and memberships of being the Chairman,Board of Studies,Allied Health Sciences,Vinayaka Missions Research Foundation,Salem, Subcommittee member in CII Southern Region on Education,Skills & Job Creation for the year 2021-22 ,Member in CII Tamilnadu Healthcare Panel and Member in CAHO Startup-Tech Committee. With a rich 25 years of experience including Academics ,He has published 25 Research Papers and Articles,Had been invited as a Guest speaker and Panelist in around 30 International and National events, Organized 20 International and National Conferences and 100+ webinars.As a recognition for His Outstanding and Excellent Contribution to various academic and research activities he had been awarded 21 prestigious and honorary awards by different International and National conclaves. The CSR activities organized by him for the benefit of the society has been well appreciated and acclaimed by people of all sectors. His vision is to work towards an education system of equal access to all .He is a dynamic and versatile person having a quest for knowledge and is continuously marching towards success.

Ms. Samaa Akhtar

Title: Accelerating the Standardization of Cancer Immunotherapy Through Precision Medicine

Invited Speaker

Ms. Samaa Akhtar

Children’s heart hospital and research institute, Pakistan

Abstract

Accelerating the Standardization of Cancer Immunotherapy Through Precision Medicine

Ms. Samaa Akhtar

Department of Health Sciences

City, University of London

United Kingdom

 

Abstract:

Cancer ranks as one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. In 2020 alone, there were an estimated 20 million cancer related deaths globally. A stark increase in the incidence rate has also been reported. Approximately 19.3 million patients have been newly diagnosed with cancer. Treatment options are fairly limited to chemotherapy and radiation. Immuno-oncology (immunotherapy) is a novel approach to cancer management. It is a form of biological therapy that involves harnessing the body's immune system to combat cancer cells. The treatment involves targeted antibodies, cancer vaccines, adoptive cell transfer, tumor-infecting viruses, checkpoint inhibitors, and cytokine-based therapies. However, immunotherapy is still under rigorous development. It is not a standard treatment for several cancers. In the United States, only 43.6 percent of cancer patients receive immunotherapy. Fundamental reasons include expensive and lengthy developmental pathways. A 20-40% response rate of patients to immunotherapy, cost of treatment and proven efficacy. Only 70 immunotherapy drugs are currently under clinical development, around 1000 clinical trials are registered and there are only 4 FDA approved immunotherapy checkpoint inhibitor treatments. The therapeutic efficacy and integration as standardized treatment of cancer immunotherapy can be accelerated by refining current processes and successes. In this context, my review incorporated applying reciprocal translational analysis, refutational synthesis and lines of argument synthesis. This resulted in identification of 5 key domains. These included multimodality, targeted therapy, tumour heterogeneity and personalization, physiochemical design. Sub-themes and refutational themes were also identified in the process. A theoretical framework of hierarchy of prioritization of methods of augmenting cancer immunotherapy efficacy and integration was also constructed. Thus, with the appropriate tools, the full potential of immunotherapy can be harnessed into cancer treatment.

Biography

Dr. Samaa Akhtar MD, MSs (London) is an experienced physician-scientist who is an ardent advocate of improving patient care and health systems through clinical and translational research. Following completion of her Bachelors in Medicine and Surgery from NUST (Pakistan), she went on to complete her Master's in Health Policy, with a concentration in public health, from City, University of London (United Kingdom). Additionally, Dr. Akhtar has completed a certification in Health System Strengthening from John's Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (United States). She is also certified in the International Conference on Harmonization-Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP). Dr. Akhtar is member of the European Society of Cardiology and The Global Health Network. She also volunteers as contributing researcher in the Oli Healthcare Magazine Organization (OHMO) and as a peer-reviewer for The Cureus Journal of Medical Science. Her research has been published in coveted journals such as The Harvard Public Health Review (HPHR) and the Journal of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology (ICHE). Dr. Akhtar is currently working as a Senior Research Fellow and Chief Advocacy Liaison in pediatric cardiology, with a concentration in congenital heart diseases, at Pakistan Children's Heart Foundation and the Children's Heart Hospital and Research Institute (Pakistan). Her research areas of interest include non-communicable diseases, global health and global surgery and artificial intelligence in healthcare.

Dr. Parimala Mohanty

Title: Pattern and distribution of nutritional status of an Indian subpopulation among older adults aged 50 years or more: Results from WHO Study of global AGEing and adult health

Invited Speaker

Dr. Parimala Mohanty

IMS & SUM Hospital & Siksha 'O' Anusandhan Deemed to be University, India

Abstract

We aimed to estimate the prevalence of nutritional status and examined the distribution across various strata among older Indians aged 50 years and above.We used national representative data of older Indian adults (n=7273) extracted from the Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE), India, first wave (2007–08). Underweight was defined as body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 Kg/M2, normal weight as18.5- 25 Kg/M2 and >25 Kg/M2 as overweight. The various stratifying axes comprised age, caste and wealth. Bi-variable cross tabulation with Chi-squared tests was used to test the differences in distribution of nutritional status across various strata.In the study population the prevalence of underweight (35.5%) normal weight (49.7%) and overweight was (14.7%).The gendered difference of nutritional status was marginal except for over weight (10.9% in male versus 18.6% in female, p<0.001). However, the distribution across the caste groups was significantly graded, the privileged being more overweight (7.9% in least-privileged ~ 17.2% in privileged caste, p<0.001).and less privileged being under weight (49% in least-privileged ~30% in privileged caste, p<0.001).Similar pattern of graded distribution across wealth quintiles (for underweight :49% in least-privileged ~30% in privileged caste, for overweight: 5.6% in least-privileged ~ 29.3% in privileged caste, p<0.001).The result provides insight into the complex issue of nutritional and weight inequality among older Indian adults. In India, and perhaps in other low and middle income countries, there is a strong inverse relationship between underweight and social privilege, wealth and direct upward gradient pattern for overweight. 

 

Biography

Dr Parimala Mohanty is a Public Health Doctoral Research Scholar from IMS and Sum Hospital, Siksha "O" Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, and Odisha, India. She has four years of experience in the field of health with an effective leadership skills, enthusiasm in teaching and great interest in research activities. She currently works in the domain of geriatric nutrition. She was resource person, for Training Programme on “Dementia Care and Management” for Functionaries of Home for Senior Citizens(Nurse) by National Institute of Social Defense (NISD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJ&E), Govt. of India and also a resource person in the workshop at, “National workshop of basic biostatistics using SPSS at IMS and Sum hospital. She has published few Research Papers, and had participated and presented in several International and National Conferences and webinars. She also serves as a reviewer at International Journal for Equity in Health. As recognition for her Outstanding and Excellent academic records she had been awarded gold medal by GOVERNOR during her bachelor’s studies and batch topper in her Master of Public Health course. She was awarded with cash prize at New York, Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) Conference for Essay on Global Reflection. She is also member of International Epidemiological Association, Epidemiology Foundation of India, life member of “Indian red cross society” and involved in several voluntary activities being a part of Rotaract club and Bakul Foundation. With a strong public health background and interest, she aims to address nutritional issues in low and middle-income countries especially for older adults. Parimala is also a “you tuber” who has started the channel “Health and Eudaimonia with Parimala” for health promotion activities. She being a dynamic and versatile person mostly enjoys to works and connects with people at community for their need. She believes with her dedication and perseverance she can solve lot many public health issues at the grassroots level and create some substantial change in society.

Dr. Valerie McGaha

Title: Exploring BioPsychoSocial Framework, Integrative Model, and Cultural Factors that Impact Mental Health and Wellness

Keynote Presentation

Dr. Valerie McGaha

Oklahoma State University, USA

Abstract

Exploring BioPsychoSocial Framework, Integrative Model, and Cultural Factors that Impact Mental Health and Wellness

 

Dr. Valerie McGaha, LPC, LMFT, LADC

Psychologist

Oklahoma State University

 

The biopsychosocial framework and integrative model have played an instrumental role in client care.  These model include various factors regarding client care that includes: physical and mental illness, social, and psychological factors.  Personal influences and client narratives provide an increased ability to diagnose client problems in a systemic manner. For example, clients who struggle with depression or grief may experience physical, somatic, social, and psychological symptoms associated with the reported problem(s). In addiiton to the BPS framework and integrative model, there is an increased need to explore cultural factors that strenghen and/or limit client wellness. Thus exploring the multiple factors of client care and providing systems of care between clinicians and mental health providers are vital.  In addition, there is an increased need for physicians to collaboratively work with mental health providers to eliminate client biases that may limit psychological client services. The biopsychosocial framework, interative model, and cultural inclusion of client services would provide more depth towards client empowerment and welless. 

 

Biography

Dr. Valerie McGaha is an Associate Professor of Community Health Sciences, Counseling and Counseling Psychology at Oklahoma State University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor. Her research interests center around multicultural counseling, psychosocial development, mental and addictive disorders, and suicide prevention and education. In her scholarly work, she has examined individual and collective factors related to academic, personal, and social success of various populations.

Prof. Andy Smith

Title: A Premier League Community Foundation providing clinical services in a non-clinical setting to promote public health.

Keynote Presentation

Prof. Andy Smith

Edge Hill University, UK

Abstract

Abstract:

A Premier League Community Foundation providing clinical services in a non-clinical setting to promote public health.

Dr Christopher Pritchard, Sunlight Group Practice, Everton in the Community. 

Michael Salla, Director of Health and Sport, Everton in the Community 

Professor Andy Smith, Edge Hill University.

Aims/Objectives/Background

 This new service design allowed a GP to work for Everton in the Community (EitC), the official charity of Everton Football Club. Patients often do not engage with the normal medical model of attending healthcare settings. Offering new ways of accessing healthcare in their community through the influence of a sporting organisation is vital to target to those hard-to-reach groups. This is the first programme of its kind in the country with a GP working in a community setting as part of a Premier League Football Club. 

Content of Presentation 

EitC has many well-established health-related programmes across the lifecourse. Where appropriate, medical advice and basic intervention was offered from a GP. Further important communication links have been established with the local Primary Care Networks. Drop-in sessions allowed individuals attending to seek help from a GP and other allied support staff. Advertising these sessions was undertaken through the football club’s social media platforms. The work is evaluated with appropriate research methodologies by Edge Hill University as part of placed-based, community[1]centred, approaches to health. 

Relevance/Impact 

New funded projects have been developed targeting key health inequalities in areas of social deprivation including mental health and diabetes prevention. It has allowed for a funded GP training post to be established and further complement the work already started. This can hopefully allow other deaneries to create similar educational posts. 

Outcomes/Discussion 

Future primary care settings will make greater use of community assets as part of place-based approaches to public health promotion locally.

Methods:

• EitC delivers 40 projects across Merseyside and Cheshire. The primary base is in the L4 postcode, an area of high socioeconomic deprivation. It includes a total of 32,844 Lower Super Output Areas (LSOA) and is ranked 165th worst for overall IMD scores and 77th worst for Health (IMD 2019) (1).

 • More than 20,000 individuals access the programmes and EitC has worked in collaboration with several primary and secondary providers, including Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, Alder Hey Hospital and local Primary Care Networks. Several programmes are evaluated and delivered in collaboration with Edge Hill University. Professor Andy Smith and his team of academic researches use appropriate research methodologies to maximise progarmme impact and ensure these engage the target audience and produce successful outcomes for participants. 

• A Health Education England (HEE) funded pilot for 12 months involved a GP working with EitC. This is a new and innovative post which is the first of its kind. The GP provides medical support and infrastructure to established and new programmes. The GP attends EitC one day a week for face-to face work for 12 months. The GP was also available during the rest of the week for any medical or health related queries involving any participants. Assessment of physical health parameters such as blood pressure, pulse, weight and also mental health screening were undertaken. No prescribing of medications is involved and there is limited information relating to patient’s medical records.

 • One of the first new projects created involved a diabetes pilot screening undertaken in November 2019. This involved identifying individuals who may have undiagnosed pre-diabetes or diabetes using a point of care testing analysis kit on fans attending a football match day screening event.

 

Conclusions:

EitC offer current and future primary care providers with an opportunity to individuals who do not access healthcare through the normal medical models. These people are hard to reach and offer suffer from a number of underlying health comorbidities. Using the power of the football club provides an alternative route to engaging those with health problems and enhance long-term sustainability in allowing patient advocates to have greater roles in projects. 

• Doctors working in these community settings need to adapt in terms of public health promotion and prevent chronic illnesses from developing especially in areas of socioeconomic deprivation. Greater emphasis needs to be placed on diet and lifestyle measures and the role of poor mental health. These new skills can then be translated back into their everyday clinical practice and help develop the roles of future GPs. 

• A new GP training post has now been created and developed with guidance from the RCGP. This commenced in August 2021 and involves a 12 month pilot of two GP trainees working in a community setting for separate 6 month rotations as part of their overall three year development. This post is the first of its kind in the country. It is hoped that this will lead to further training posts which involve doctors gaining experience in similar community settings. 

• A 12 month diabetes screening and lifestyle intervention programme has been funded by North West Coast networks following the successful results of the initial EitC pilot scheme. This involves identifying those members of the community who are hard to reach and have failed to engage with or complete the National Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP).

 • Further opportunities for match day screening using point of care testing to identify underlying metabolic disorders in football fans are available. Individuals are offered a 12 week diet, lifestyle and holistic support programme and are monitored by the GP, GP trainee and Programme Co-ordinator. Funding has been obtained to undertake work looking at Atrial Fibrillation screening within community settings. This is one of the key Impact Factor Targets for Primary Care Networks in 2022. A mental health programme looking at supporting new dads will also take place in the next 12 months.

 

Results:

A well-being Wednesday service was available to local residents who were able to drop in and seek medical support and advice. Several case reports involved people seeking crisis help for their own mental health and being directed onto EitC programmes.

 • The results of the diabetes pilot demonstrated that 50% of those screened were either pre-diabetic or diabetic. Individuals were given appropriate advice and directed to seek further medical interventions regarding this from their own GP provider. 

• A screening programme addressing blood pressure, pulse and BMI screening programme for participants involved with the Blue Base projects and Everton Veterans Hub was provided. These identified several people with high blood pressure, a raised BMI and one new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. Individuals were directed towards their own GP for further medical support and given health and lifestyle interventions from a health coach.

Biography

Andy Smith is Professor of Sport and Physical Activity at Edge Hill University, Lancashire, UK. He has worked with Everton in the Community for over eight years, including on the award-winning Tackling the Blues programme which was cited as a model of good practice in the 2017 UK Health Select Committee Suicide Prevention report. His research focuses on developing mental health awareness and literacy (alongside suicide prevention) in children and young people, schools and local communities, as well as in professional sport. Andy contributed to the government’s independent Duty of Care in Sport review, works with a range of sports organisations on mental health and suicide prevention, and led the UK’s first research project into mental health in the sport and physical activity workforce.

Dr. Christopher Pritchard

Title: A Premier League Community Foundation providing clinical services in a non-clinical setting to promote public health.

Keynote Presentation

Dr. Christopher Pritchard

GP at Sunlight Group Practice, Wirral, North West England.

Abstract

Biography

Dr. Christopher Pritchard is a GP at Sunlight Group Practice, Wirral. He has worked with Everton in the Community since 2019 as part of a ground breaking initiative which was the first of its kind in the country to have a GP working as part of a Premier League Football Club’s Foundation. Dr Pritchard is now supervising further doctors as part of their GP training who are working with the charity. This enables the existing physical and mental health programmes to have an additional layer of support. Dr Pritchard graduated with a degree in medicine from the University of Liverpool and had previously undertaken a degree in Applied Biochemistry. Dr Pritchard had previously established the first sports medicine society and national conference during his undergraduate training. He now is the mental health lead for his local federation and primary care network. He is the clinical lead for the first primary care ADHD led service in the country. Dr Pritchard is also a GP trainer and appraiser.

Michael Salla

Title: A Premier League Community Foundation providing clinical services in a non-clinical setting to promote public health.

Keynote Presentation

Michael Salla

Director of Health and Sport at Everton in the Community, North-West England

Abstract

Biography

Michael is the Director of Health and Sport at Everton in the Community, the official charity of Everton Football Club. Michael leads a team to deliver a range of community-based programmes to tackle health inequalities and improve health outcomes across some of the most deprived communities in the Liverpool City Region in North-West England. Reaching 20,000 people each year, who are at-risk of premature mortality and a poorer quality of life, Michael’s work provides life-course provision supporting various population groups including those living with dementia, cancer, diabetes, obesity and other non-communicable diseases. Michael’s work has shown to generate £14.74 of societal value for every £1 invested. Separate to Michael’s role at Everton in the Community, he is a Trustee at Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services (LCVS), which has a focus on supporting the voluntary sector and making improvements in the areas of health, education and employment.

Dr. Linda R. Gordon

Title: The United States and its Resistance to universal health care, historical perspective, and challenges.

Invited Presentation

Dr. Linda R. Gordon

Liberty University, College of Osteopathic Medicine, USA

Abstract

Dr. Linda R. Gordon, MD MPH PMP

Clinical Instructor, Pediatric Community Clerkship

Liberty University, College of Osteopathic Medicine

The World Health Organization has declared the essential right to health care mandated by enactment of universal health care with the goal of all nations enacting coverage by 2030. This tenant is fundamentally to ensure human dignity, elevate the human condition, and promote public health. 

In the United States, the Constitution guarantees a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The definition of life, however, debated regarding the origin of life at conception and autonomy within the criminal justice system. With regard to life as an essential right, Americans are still conflicted as to how best to regard the inherent rights of the individual and the population, with respect to the best health care system to ensure those rights to life. The WHO mandate and in recent years the COVID pandemic have in addition forced Americans to consider not only rights to life but to universal health care for the human dignity, elevation of the human condition and public health promotion needed here in an industrialized nation just as well as abroad in the developing nation. 

In this presentation, we will consider the historical perspective of the American view of life as mentioned in the Constitution but not defined as a right to health care or its provision as a universal right. We will explore the evolution of universal health care in this country and the ongoing battle between labor, politics, the medical establishment, and the insurance industry. These stakeholders have influenced modern healthcare concepts in Americans debate. Such fundamental concepts will aid in the discourse of those challenges under debate in reframing the healthcare coverage infrastructure.

The discussion will then explore the perspective of race and religion. Americans have yet to address the complexity of their history of racial identity and Judeo-Christian beliefs regarding the values of human life, health, and medical service. It is inarguable that the overarching duty to heal the sick has conflicted with definitions of race and subjective qualifications of humanity. The history of race and religion in the Universal Healthcare argument in the United States, as well its implications extend from the Civil War to the inception of the Affordable Care Act 

Thereafter we will continue with an examination of those issues in healthcare reform most concerning to Americans, cost and ideology or politics. The cost of health care and of reform has been most concerning given the daily sacrifices of patients and state governments and the politics remain treacherous given the inability of the ACA to bridge the gap between private-public option and universal coverage. 

We will conclude with a look at the COVID pandemic and the way this has shaped the American outlook on Universal Healthcare with respect to each of these aspects, human dignity, race, politics, ideology, cost, labor, constitutional ideals.

 

Biography

Dr. Linda is a General Pediatrician with a long history of working with the underserved in rural and urban settings. As well she has worked in the non-profit and academic sector to promote health education and contribute to outpatient clinical research. She completed her education at the University of Virginia, B.A Chemistry, B.A French, University of Chicago-Pritzker School of Medicine, M.D, Emory UniversitSchool of Public Health, MPH. Informatics She can speak to the diversity and disjointed nature of the American Health care system given my diverse geography of training and professional experience which includes urban and rural American, the North-East, the South and the Atlantic Coast. She has been a community advocate serving on local boards for the Red Cross, March of Dimes, and Mental Health organizations. A faithful member of Rotary International and steward of Food for the Poor. She is a proud adjunct faculty member of Liberty College of Osteopathic Medicine; however, this presentation represents my personal and professional assessment of America’s wavering decision on if to engage in Universal Healthcare.

Dr. Nehal Elsayed Soffar

Title: Education and community-based health practices.

Invited Speaker

Dr. Nehal Elsayed Soffar

High Institute of Public Health - Alexandria University, Egypt.

Abstract

Education and community-based health practices play a crucial role in preventing diseases and improving health and quality of life. Following this belief drove me to cocreate "Psychology" a Facebook advocacy page in 2013. I used it as a platform to promote, support, and advocate for young people's mental health and social wellbeing after I sensed the lack of accessibility to mental health and social care support in my community. Earlier in 2014-15, I joined the Egyptian Pharmaceutical Students' Federation (EPSFAlex) as a Public Health Committee Team Leader to spread awareness by contacting the public in schools, faculties, malls, clubs, orphan shelters, villages, and others. As a result, I reached 8000+ people in 21 different locations within Egypt through 12 health promotion monthly campaigns. Additionally, I co-founded the "Wander Destinations" initiative that targets integration between safe tourism and health promotion. Achieving our objectives through 2 approaches; the first is to manage touristic trips within Egypt, prioritizing safety. The second is to link each trip with a global health challenge where advocacy is a needed value. My work was awarded among the top 100 startups at the “Startup Istanbul2019” global competition out of 160,000 startups founded in 166 countries. I was also awarded one of the top 10 science communicators in Egypt by the British Council in Famelab 2020 international competition for my health-related educational talks to the public. I am expanding my dedicated health education activities in Egypt by developing my current initiative's health promotion aspect and targeting underserved populations and minorities. I am working in the clinical pharmacy field, where I am confronted with Egypt's reach and vibrant health and socio-economic realities. The fast changing society, together with its live issues and underlying obstacles, provides me with an understanding to accurately analyze events and come up with potential solutions. I aim to promote effective and safe healthcare across Egypt and beyond. Education and community-based health programs can help to spread awareness for preventing diseases and detecting them earlier. It is a needed value to develop the health system globally. I would share my experiences and the lessons I learned in the Global Public Health webinar, explaining educational and Community-Based Programs and where we could apply them, why they are essential, and how they could contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal-3 (Good Health and Well-being). It will be an excellent opportunity to strengthen the network between public health experts, researchers, other scholars, and our diverse communities' challenges, discussing a potential collaboration to find lasting solutions for these similar challenges and innovations in the fields of public health

Biography

Nehal Soffar is a Clinical Pharmacist for Alexandria Pediatric Center and a Health Promotion Volunteer at Red Crescent Alexandria, with almost 7 years of health-related volunteering and work experience, driven by public health advocacy and equality for all. She was recognized by the British Council as one of the top 10 science communicators in Egypt in Famelab international competition 2020. Nehal co-founded the "Wander Destinations" initiative, responsible for road safety and health promotion during the trips. It has been honored as one of the top 100 startups at the "Startup Istanbul-2019" global competition out of 160,000 international startups. Earlier in 2014-15, Nehal began her activities in the health promotion. She was appointed as Public Health Committee working group in Egyptian Pharmaceutical Students' Federation Alexandria and kept going in other health-related activities.

Audrey Wong

Title: Youth Engagement in Public Health Advocacy

Invited Speaker

Audrey Wong

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA

Abstract

As the future leaders, youths have been a big part in public health advocacy. Due to COVID-19, a lot of countries were under lockdown and schools were closed. However, this did not stop youth from making an impact locally, nationally ,and even globally. During the pandemic, it is observed that more youth-led organizations have taken the opportunity to hold public health campaigns and webinars online which were available for people from different time zones. As conferences were generally virtual, youth engagement increased and youth participants were passionate to connect with other participants who have similar interests. While some question how youth can be a part of public health advocacy, there are several ways they can get involved in making public health changes. In this session, we will explore different ways youth can get involved in public health advocacy, strategies in advocacy, and examples of intervention during COVID-19 and their impact on global public health.

Biography

Audrey Wong is a current PY4 at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy Chapel Hill Campus. She is an active member in the International Pharmaceutical Students Federation. Her passion for global health has motivated her to join the Global Health Workforce Network (GHWN) Youth Hub. Not only is Audrey passionate about global health, but she is also interested in clinical pharmacy, especially in infectious diseases. Audrey has a strong team spirit and is a dedicated leader. She would like to join a non-profit organization one day to serve the underserved population in developing countries

Dr.Sreeshma K S

Title: ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION AMONG PRIVATE ENGINEERING COLLEGE STUDENTS OF KOZHIKODE DISTRICT, KERALA

Invited Speaker

Dr.Sreeshma K S

State Health Systems Resource Centre Kerala, India.

Abstract

TITLE: ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION AMONG PRIVATE ENGINEERING COLLEGE STUDENTS OF KOZHIKODE DISTRICT, KERALA Introduction Anxiety and depression can be considered two common mental disorders in all age groups. Anxiety is a subjective feeling, where the person being in a state of unease, fear and worry whereas depression is a mood disorder it causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. The incidence of anxiety and depression is increasing among college-going students, it can be due to academic pressure, lack of support from family and peers, and increasing unemployment rate. College-going student population is one of the most neglected in case of mental health-related problems. Engineering students are facing a high rate of unemployment in India, Covid-19 pandemic again increased the risk of mental wellbeing among students. Objectives The primary objective of the study is to determine the level of anxiety and depression among private engineering college students of Kozhikode district, Kerala. The other objectives were to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression among the students and to find an association between the influencing factors with anxiety and depression among private engineering college students of Kozhikode district. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study among private engineering college final year students was conducted in Kozhikode district, Kerala. The data was collected during the period of February-April 2021. Cluster sampling was performed and samples are drawn from each college based on population proportion to the streams. A total of 359 samples were collected. The study population was the final year engineering students of private engineering colleges in Kozhikode district. DASS-21 questionnaire was used to assess the level of anxiety and depression among students. Data was collected through online mode and data was analyzed in SPSS 15.0 version. Results It was observed that 68.8% of respondents had anxiety symptoms among which 15% had mild anxiety, 39% had moderate anxiety, 9.7% had severe anxiety and 4.7% respondents had extremely severe anxiety. The total depression prevalence was observed as 66.6% and among which 24% have mild depression, 29% moderate depression and 12.8% have severe or extremely severe depression. It was observed that there was a strong positive correlation between anxiety and depression. Age of the respondents, economic status of respondent’s family, and mode of accommodation were significantly associated with the prevalence of anxiety and depression. Conclusion vii The prevalence of anxiety and depression among students is considered very high, more than onefourth of the respondents are suffering from moderate and severe levels of anxiety or depression. So the student population seeks preventive, promotive and therapeutic care. The untreated or neglected people can have a lifelong negative effect themselves and to the society

Biography

I have completed my bachelors in homoeopathic medicine and surgery from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in 2019 and did Master’s in Public Health from Nitte (Deemed to be University) with second highest cumulative score in the university. I have worked with Sate Health Systems Resource Centre- Kerala as a research intern for a duration of two months. My area of interest is mental health and I have conducted studies on the same during my UG and PG.

Dr. Sajan Thomas

Title: Disease, Disaster and Climate change: Public health impacts of coastal erosion in central Kerala 2021

Invited Speaker

Dr. Sajan Thomas

Public health officer - COVID19 health protection at Luton Borough Council, UK

Abstract

Rationale: Countries across the globe are now fighting with COVID-19 pandemic, the worst biological shock of the century. Many of these countries have also had to deal with different natural disasters simultaneously. Pandemic when combined with disasters like flood, landslides, sea level rise, coastal erosion, droughts, and cyclones made the governments difficult to contend effectively. This convergence of biological and natural disasters is again worsened by climate changes which evidently affecting weather extremes. Almost 6.9 billion people were directly affected and more than 2 million were killed in natural calamities over the past 50 years in Asia and Pacific region. In 2019 and 2020, per year 122 million people were affected and 6200 were killed in relation with environmental disasters. On the other hand, Asia – Pacific region has reported around 49 million confirmed COVID cases and more than 748000 virus deaths until 6th of June 2021. On this context, the public health impacts of coastal erosion from the intersection of disease, disaster, and climate change in central Kerala gains relevance. 

All the 21 wards of the Chellanam panchayat in Central Kerala were affected by sea level rise and coastal erosion on 14th May 2021 where there were already 470 active COVID cases reported. The sea wall got destructed entirely making the whole area submerged in water including the primary care centre in Kandakkadavu. Seashore erosion has dismantled the coastal ecological equilibrium as well as the COVID regulatory protocols in the region. 

Thoughts: Public health entirely depends on the climate and are greatly intertwined. For instance, “if you are really concerned on the climate change and ready to take efforts, you can improve your health and health of your friends and loved ones, just like in the case of COVID-19”.

Implications: Raises the necessity of comprehensive public health preparedness for health, disaster, and climate resilience at regional, national, and international levels. Attempts to encourage the countries to develop policies that can better respond to these interconnecting hazards. 

Biography

Dr. Sajan Thomas, recently graduated in MSc Public Health at University of Bedfordshire, UK. Doctor in Ayurvedic medicine and a postgraduate in health & hospital management. Trained and experienced in advanced emergency life saving skills -BLS, ACLS, and ITLS. Conducted a primary research on cardiovascular risk prevalence among Kerala emigrants settled in England. Interested in public health improvement and protection.

Precious Olayinka

Title: Big Ideas and New Strategies in E-health

Invited Speaker

Precious Olayinka

APIN Public Health Initiatives, Nigeria.

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), e-health is the cost effective and secure use of information and communication technologies, to support health and health-related fields including healthcare, health surveillance and health education, knowledge and research. E-health simply means the use of information and technologies in healthcare. E-health can be used for diverse things- treating patients, conducting research, tracking diseases, educating the health workforce, Monitoring Public Health, amongst many others. It is imperative to give account of the new possibilities the internet is opening up, to the area of healthcare. The internet creates new opportunities every day and it is ultimately smart, for healthcare to join the train, to proffer solutions, for health. Many countries have started programmes, centred on e-health, to improve overall wellbeing of populations. There are different subsets of e-health, like - Digital Health, Electronic Health Records (EHR), Telehealth, Telemedicine, etc. Some of the ideas that birthed the provision of services, provided through e-health are: Telepathology, Vital Signs Monitoring, Telesurgery, Electronic Prescription, Teleradiology, Teleconsultation, Treatment and care, Hospital management, Ubiquitous Health, amongst others. This approach to healthcare progressively being harnessed in geographically extended areas, where there is low availability of healthcare or even non-existent. Also, when fittingly qualified medical personnel are available only in centralized locations. Computers are now fundamental, in most clinical practices. Through the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) innovation, computer generated prescriptions have been of so much help and comes with many benefits including links to software that highlights risks from drugs and drug-drug combinations. Another example is the fact that the National Cancer Institute in the USA had developed an Internet-based program that allows the physician or counsellor to input clinical information relevant to breast cancer risk, including family history and previous breast pathology. The health professional then gets this information, in form of a relative risk. The internet is now used, to deliver DNA tests directly to consumers. There is also the Diabetes e-heath ecosystem, which was defined by the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES), as the use of information and communication technologies for health. The e-health ecosystem includes personal health devices like the physical activity and sleep trackers, smart home assistants, smart implantables, data management platforms, cloud-connected monitoring systems, telehealth services, digital education, mobile apps and digital therapeutics.  A great part of the e-health innovation is the fact that the internet has been essential for educating patients, families and the community at large, and this helps people to increase their comprehension of what can be complex issues to their wellbeing.  

Biography

Precious Olayinka graduated recently, with a B.sc in Public Health. She had her internship with Monitor Healthcare Limited, a health NGO, whose present focus is to reduce the burden of Breast Cancer in Nigeria. She has anchored sensitization programmes on the risk factors and prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases. She has concentrated most of all in Community Health, Epidemiology and Health Promotion. She has also developed a profound interest in Global Health and Research for public policy. She has a research paper that has been accepted by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, for Publication. She has participated actively in community and volunteer services and she is currently volunteering with APIN Public Health Initiatives, a health NGO that works to reduce the burden of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. She loves Public Speaking and she is an active member of the Toastmaster’s club. She is determined to pursue postgraduate studies in Public Health, to heighten her contribution to the health of the society, assume positions with high level of responsibility in education and program planning and translate

Randa Ahmed Altamih

Title: lifestyle and mental status among medical students at Khartoum University 2020/2021

Invited Speaker

Randa Ahmed Altamih

University of Khartoum, Sudan.

Abstract

Background: Mental illnesses are high among youths worldwide. The World Health Organization has stated that 800,000 people die due to suicide every year, ranking it as the second leading cause of death globally. Objectives: The study aimed to measure the mental status of Khartoum university medical students and assess the association between lifestyle factors and mental status in the period November 2020- till April 2021. Methodology: This study was a descriptive, cross-sectional and institution-based study conducted at the University of Khartoum, Faculty of Medicine. 322 medical students were selected by simple random sampling. Data was collected through self-administered online questionnaires. Chi-square testing and correlation analysis were used to identify relationships between lifestyle factors and mental status of the respondents. Results: Depression, anxiety and stress were present in 43.8%, 55.9% and 48.5% of the respondents respectively. Female gender (p = 0.02) and smoking (p = 0.004; OR = 2.06) were significantly linked to higher levels of stress. Sleep disturbance (p=<0.01) and inadequate sleep (p=0.014) were associated with increased risk of depression. increased stress and anxiety with p value of (p=<0.01) for both associations. Eating daily courses containing fruits, vegetables and whole grain bread and drinking water were found to be associated with lower levels of stress (p=0.015) and (p= 0.018) respectively. Conclusion: The study concluded that depression, anxiety and stress among medical students are high. Female gender, smoking and poor sleep has been associated with high levels of stress. Healthy dietary behaviors are associated with lower levels of stress.

Biography

Randa Ahmed Altamih is a final year medical student at the University of Khartoum, Faculty of Medicine. Randa has 3 years of experience in Research. Published 2 papers as co author in 2 international journals and working within 6 researches currently. She also has 4 years of organisational management experience. She is currently working as the International activities coordinator at Student Network Organization ( SNO) 2021/2022. Has CV highlights include: - Fellow at YALI East Africa (Young African leadership initiative) 2021. - Scientific and research affairs secretary at the national Khotwa Charity Foundation 2020/2021. - Founder of (What we know for sure platform) for mental wellbeing and strategic development. - National coordinator for public health at the international federation of medical students association (IFMSA) 2019/2021. - Local coordinator for public health at Medical students international network (MedSIN-Sudan) 2018/2019. - Certified international trainer at the international federation of medical students association (IFMSA). - Certified Public health leader at the Standing Committee On Public Health at the IFMSA.

Mrs. Ragni Kumari

Title: Post Operative Visual Prognosis In Tobacco Consumers: Community Based Study In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

Invited Speaker

Mrs. Ragni Kumari

Amity University, India.

Abstract

Introduction: Tobacco use is a leading cause of chronic diseases in India. It kills almost 1.3 million people every year. The country is the second largest producer and consumer of cigarettes. The use of tobacco is very easy to start and is available at very low prices. One of the biggest threats to public health is tobacco use. It leads to the deaths of thousands of people and has a heavy social and economic cost. In India, the economic costs associated with tobacco use stood at over USD 27 billion in 2017(WHO). There are around 267 million tobacco users in India. The most common type of tobacco used by Indians is smokeless tobacco. Khaini, which is a tobacco mixture used by almost every ninth adult, is followed by bidi smoking and gutkha tobacco. According to the Global Adult tobacco Survey, around 11% of Indian adults smoke cigarettes. They are most likely to smoke in rural areas and urban areas. About 38% of workers are exposed to secondhand smoke in workplaces. It increases the risk of Age-related Macular degeneration, Cataracts, Glaucoma, Diabetic retinopathy, and Dry eye syndrome which is further aggravated if accompanied with poor nutrition. Carcinogenic, Cardiovascular etc. health hazards of tobacco use have been extensively advertised and studied but, its hazardous effect on Ocular health needs to be extensively highlighted to prevent blindness/low vision and thereby preventing physical, social, and economic burden on the society. Materials & Methods: This is a community-based study involving 626 patients having Immature cataracts with H/O chronic tobacco use from rural population of central Uttar Pradesh in North India coming from low Socio-economic strata with no major Ocular pathology who underwent Cataract surgery (Manual Small incision cataract surgery/Phacoemulsification) with best input in form of surgical techniques & skills, equipment’s, material used and uncomplicated surgeries. These patients were subjected to questionnaire in their local language to check the lifestyle & intake of tobacco in form of bidi smoking as well as consuming Gutkha/Khaini. Comprehensive & extensive Ocular examination was performed preoperatively and post operatively. Serum Vitamin B6, Folic acid and B12 levels were checked to assess nutritional status of these patients. Results: The visual outcome in these patients was not very good. BCVA is 70% poor and only 30% is good. There was color vision deficiency and Visual field defects in most of the patients. All had a very strong history of chronic bidi smoking along with Gutkha/ Khaini consumption and had Vitamin B6, Folic acid & B12 deficiency indicating poor nutritional status. Conclusion: Lack of awareness, low socioeconomic status, ignorance, easy availability of tobacco products leads to tobacco addiction especially in rural population. 

 

 

Biography

Mrs. Ragni Kumari, born February 15, 1986, Gopalganj, Bihar, India. She completed her basic education in her village. She completed her Bachelor of clinical Optometry and Master of Clinical optometry from Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune and Amity University, Haryana, respectively. She also has post-graduation in MBA (Hospital Management and Supply Chain Management). She is pursuing Ph. D. in Public Health from Amity Institute of Public Health, Amity University, Noida, U.P. Presently she is working as an Optometrist in Lokbandhu Shree Rajnarayan Combined Hospital, Lucknow. She was former and founder HOD & Assist Professor, Department of Optometry, Era University, Lucknow. She was Assistant Proctor and member of anti-ranging committee of Era University. She is member of Society for Allied Health and health care professional’s education and research, Era University, Lucknow. Ragni Kumari has 15 years of clinical and academic experience. She is Ex. Sr. Consultant Optometrist in various organizations (Vision Express, AB Optique Pvt. Ltd, Lenskart.com). She organized many national and international conference in Era University and Amity University. She has Attended and presented papers in National /International Conferences and training programs. She Chaired Several National Scientific Conferences. Mrs. Ragni Kumari written more than 25 articles and Research Papers for National and International Journals of optometry and ophthalmology and Multidisciplinary Journals. She has been invited faculty in training programs and conducted many Workshops and training programs all over India. Mrs. Kumari has been invited as guest faculty in several conferences. She is member of Optometry council of India and International Contact Lens Educator, Australia. She is teaching the Contact lens, Indian Medicine & Telemedicine, Binocular Vision & Orthoptics, Dispensing Optics, Public Health for Diploma, UG and PG optometry students. She has several research interests subjects like contact lens, public health, Cataract, dispensing optics. She has published two books as co-author handbook of Ocular Terminology (Kavya Publication) and textbook of clinical optometry (Taurean Publication). She has written a book chapter in Challenges in eye care services and deliveries during COVID-19 pandemic”- An overview (Special Issue on Covid-19 by Ramaiah group of Educational Institution with collaborators; University of Illinois, U.S.A and University of Manitoba, Canada). These books are prescribed as Textbook in many Optometry Schools in India Besides this she has written chapters and articles in other books and Magazine. She is reviewer of journals, Acta Scientific Ophthalmology journal & International Journal of Creative Research Thought (IJCRT).