Conflict and Health: Exploring Health Challenges in Current Conflicts

Date: June – August 2024

Location: Online, via Zoom

Join the Irish Global Health Network for a compelling exploration of the intricate relationship between conflict and health in our 4-part webinar series. Delving into the heart of ongoing conflicts, we aim to shed light on the multifaceted repercussions on both physical and psychological wellbeing, examining crucial aspects such as access to healthcare, food security, maternal health, trauma and mental health, and more. 

This series is tailored for a diverse audience, including global health professionals, development practitioners, humanitarian workers, policymakers, volunteers, students, and anyone interested in the intersection of global health, development, and humanitarian efforts. 

The series follows on from two successful webinars in 2022 and 2023 that were held in response to the evolving conflicts in Ukraine and Sudan. These webinars featured prominent speakers from organisations working both in Ireland and on the ground on humanitarian response efforts including GOAL, MSF, Amnesty International, and IOM. Both of these webinars were well attended and reported by attendees to be useful and informative.  

Our webinars aim to provide comprehensive insights into the impact of conflict on health, offering specific examples from current conflicts worldwide. Through expert analysis and firsthand accounts, we seek to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced and potential avenues for intervention. 

In partnership with Comhlámh and Trócaire.

Webinar Topics: 

1. Palestine
2. Ukraine 
3. Sudan 
4. Democratic Republic of Congo

Format

Each webinar will feature a distinguished panel of expert speakers, offering diverse perspectives and insights into the intricate dynamics of conflict and health. Participants can engage in interactive discussions, Q&A sessions, and gain valuable knowledge from those on the frontlines of global health and humanitarian efforts. 

Dates & Duration 

Mark your calendars for our 4-part series, commencing on June 26th and concluding on August 7th, 2024. Each webinar will be held for one hour, providing a concise yet comprehensive exploration of the featured conflict and its health implications. 

Join Us

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of the nexus between conflict and health. Register now to secure your spot in this vital conversation for global wellbeing. 

Episode 1 – Palestine

Wednesday 26th June, 17:00 Irish Time

Speakers

Professor Nick Maynard, Consultant Upper GI Surgeon at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Regular visitor to Gaza with Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP)

Professor Nick Maynard is a Gastrointestinal Surgeon at Oxford University Hospital, Nick Maynard has travelled for work to Gaza many times between 2010 and 2024. Since 2010 he has been to Gaza almost every year, usually leading a group of medics who teach students and junior doctors.

Marie- Aure Perreaut, Emergency Coordinator, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders

Marie-Aure Perreaut is a recently returned Emergency Coordinator with Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders in Gaza.

MSF is providing vital medical and surgical support during the ongoing war and all-out assault on Gaza which has killed over 35,000 people and injured more than 79,000 people. The assault on Rafah has yet again forcibly displaced hundreds of thousands of people who had fled to Rafah to seek protection. Hospitals have been attacked besieged by Israeli forces while patients and staff have been forced to evacuate as fighting gets closer. The remaining hospitals and health facilities that are partially functional and newly set up field hospitals are overwhelmed by mass casualty events. Humanitarian aid is blocked at crossing points as water, shelter, food and medical supplies become even scarcer.  An immediate and sustained ceasefire and the restoration of the full flow of humanitarian and medical aid is the only way to begin to respond to the overwhelming needs in Gaza. 

Marie-Aure first worked as an emergency coordinator in Gaza in November 2023 as MSF teams were just allowed back into Gaza. She returned to Gaza in February – March 2024, witnessing how the situation deteriorated further as all humanitarian actors continue to struggle to provide humanitarian relief amid the immense challenges. Marie-Aure worked at Al Aqsa hospital in Gaza’s middle area and in Rafah.

Walaa Al Abssi, MPH Candidate, University College Dublin

Walaa AlAbssi, a public health candidate, currently pursuing Masters of Public Health at University College Dublin. Originally, from Palestine, Gaza, where she earned her Dentistry degree from Al-Azhar University in 2019 and worked for over 4 years at the ministry of health and the private sector.

Walaa’s academic journey reflects her dedication to healthcare and community service. Alongside her studies, she has worked as a Teaching Assistant at the faculty of dentistry for two years, a Coordinator of scientific conferences and workshops, and a volunteer for medical NGOs where she has positively impacted the lives of students and professionals alike.

She has been working to raise awareness of the ongoing violence in Palestine, and to raise funds to evacuate her family who are currently in Rafah.

Hear Walaa’s story here.

Moderators

Dr Caroline Murphy, CEO, Comhlámh

Caroline is currently working as the CEO for Comhlámh. She has over 15 years’ experience of working for organisations across the Irish International Development sector with key experience in development education, research, policy, safeguarding and activism. Her PhD focussed on ‘Pedagogy of the Oppressed’ and ‘Theatre of the Oppressed’, exploring applied theatre as a method for addressing injustice and oppression.  Caroline has a particular passion for arts and education practices that seek to deepen affective engagement and creativity for building global solidarity.

Nadine Ferris France, Executive Director, Irish Global Health Network

Nadine Ferris France is the Executive Director for the Irish Global Health Network and ESTHER Ireland. She is a communicator, writer, trainer and civil society activist with over 20 years’ experience in gender, HIV and global health. She has worked extensively with global, regional and national civil society networks on HIV and TB for many years as the co-founder and Executive Director of Health & Development Networks (HDN).

In addition to her experience within the NGO-field, she has also worked extensively with the World Health Organization and also lectures with various academic institutions. She is currently a member of the Programme Advisory Panel for the Robert Carr Civil Society Network Fund and the European AIDS Treatment Group. At this stage in her own professional development, she is particularly passionate about issues such as self-stigma affecting people living with HIV and survivors of gender-based violence. Nadine holds an MSc in Global Health from Trinity College Dublin.

Stay tuned for more information coming soon!