Conflict and Health: Exploring Health Challenges in Current Conflicts

Date: June – August 2024

Location: Online, via Zoom

Webinar Topics: 

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

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.

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

WATCH THE RECORDING EVALUATION FORM

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.

Resources

• Save the Children report on missing children https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/news/media-centre/press-releases/over-20000-children-estimated-to-be-lost-in-gaza
• MSF report on Silent Killings https://www.msf.org/gazas-silent-killings-destruction-healthcare-system-rafah 
• Oxfam’s call for a ceasefire https://www.oxfamireland.org/campaign/call-for-a-lasting-ceasefire 

• Read, and learn more about Palestine and the Israeli Occupation and system of Apartheid Palestine https://padlet.com/Comhlamh_1/development-education-and-palestine-informing-ourselves-cv0dmv6jtg44rtp5  

• Get fully informed on the Boycott, Divestment and Sanction Movement and support all their calls to action https://bdsmovement.net/  

• Become an Apartheid Free Zone https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/bills/bill/2018/6/  

• Learn more about the Occupied Territories and call on the Irish Government to implement this bill https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/bills/bill/2018/6/  

• Demand our government to stop allowing warplanes bound for Israel to pass through Shannon Airport  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxgqyA3rJ5_TvYU0S6JJHTPc–RQvVk67vJgl_JzLTBK9YCA/viewform  

• Follow https://www.ipsc.ie/ and support their calls to action and national and regional demonstrations 

• Become a Comhlámh member (https://comhlamh.org/become-member/) and join a movement for change and connect with our member groups, including Comhlámh Justice for Palestine https://comhlamh.org/member-groups/comhlamh-justice-for-palestine-group/  

Episode 2 – Ukraine

Wednesday 10th July, 17:00 Irish Time

WATCH THE RECORDING EVALUATION FORM

Speakers

Iryna Mogilevkina, Professor of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Perinatology, Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv

Iryna Mogilevkina received her training in obstetrics and gynaecology at the Donetsk State Medical University, Ukraine (graduated in 1981). She obtained her PhD (Candidate of Science) degree from the Scientific Research Institute of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Kyiv, in 1991. She defended her PhD thesis at Uppsala University in 2003. In 2004, she received her habilitation (Doctor of Science) from Shupik Medical Postgraduate
Academy, Kyiv and was appointed Professor at the Donetsk State Medical University, Ukraine and later at the Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine. Her extensive experience in maternal care, involvement in the development of national protocols as well as successful implementation of various national and inter national projects contributed to the enhancement of maternal and child care in Ukraine. She was awarded several scholarships, including Uppsala University Scholarships (1999, 2002, 2015, 2022).

Dr. Glenn Goss, Clinical Social Worker and Senior Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Technical Advisor, Americares

Dr. Glenn Goss is a Clinical Social Worker and the Senior Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Technical Advisor for Americares. His primary focus is to support the development and implementation of strategies to expand existing mental health programs in 15 countries and to build new global initiatives. Americares started working in Ukraine from the beginning of the war and have so far provided over $120 million to 80 local organizations including those involved in providing mental health interventions, staff care and training to those in need. Prior to Americares he worked with international organizations in 40 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East. He is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and has a post-graduate certificate in Global Mental Health from the Harvard Refugee Trauma Program.

Prof Gerard Bury, Professor of General Practice, Director, UCD Centre for Emergency Medical Science, Associate Dean for Medical Education and founder of the Coombe Family Practice 

Gerard Bury has been Professor of General Practice in UCD since 1991 and during this time he developed the General Practice curriculum to expand the UCD GP Tutor network. Prof. Bury has been at the forefront of paramedic education in Ireland since the 1980s and he has been integral in the development of third-level education for the paramedic profession in Ireland.  

Gerry has worked as a GP in Dublin 8 for almost 40 years. He is passionate about patient and community care and in 1994 he established the UCD Coombe Family Practice. In 2021 the UCD Coombe Family Practice moved into their new premises in the HSE Rialto Primary Care Centre. 

In 2001, Prof. Bury established the UCD Centre for Emergency Medical Science (CEMS) to provide a national centre of excellence for research, development, education and training in pre-hospital emergency care, and in doing so he cemented long-standing relationships between UCD and the HSE National Ambulance Service, Dublin Fire Brigade, Defence Forces, Dublin Airport Fire & Rescue Service,  Civil Defence and a far-reaching network of General Practitioners across Ireland and further afield.  

Under the auspices of UCD CEMS he also worked with colleagues to develop the MERIT (Medical Emergency Responders: Integration & Training) project in 2004. This is a highly successful collaboration between UCD CEMS, the National Ambulance Service, and General Practitioners nationwide who have been trained to provide excellent pre-hospital emergency care for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. To date over 500 GP practices across Ireland participate in the MERIT Project. 

In addition to his valued work in patient and community care in Ireland Gerry has also made a very positive impact in training medical professionals internationally. In 2011, Prof Bury led a team to provide Immediate Care training to doctors in Lahore, Pakistan and he ensured the ongoing sharing of this vital education locally via the provision of an Instructor course. 

In April 2022 Gerry organised a donation by the UCD Centre for Emergency Medical Science of its ambulance, filled with clinical equipment, to Medical Help Ukraine, and he currently leads a project to train Ukrainian paramedics and medics to treat major haemorrhage in the context of injuries inflicted as a result of wartime activities. The medical training and equipment being provided is hugely appreciated and the demand for this training is increasing. 

Moderator

Unarose Hogan, Deputy Senior Vice President Technical Unit, Americares and IGHN Board Member

Unarose Hogan has spent the past eighteen years working in global health security, infection control, academia and clinical practice; primarily living in Sub Saharan Africa but also working in Central and South East Asia and Eastern Europe. . She held several former positions with WHO. She served as Infection Control Advisor for Medical Operations during the Ebola Response with United Nations Mission Emergency Ebola Response (UNMEER, Sierra Leone), PATH- CDC Global Health Security Partnership (Vietnam), GIZ (Malawi), New York University (Rwanda), Irish Aid and University of East Anglia (UK). She has published broadly in operational research in low-income countries.

Resources

• Get informed and donate to UNFPA https://www.unfpa.org/ukraine#:~:text=The%20war%20in%20Ukraine%20continues,livelihoods%20and%20increasing%20poverty%20levels.  
• Get informed at UN WOMEN https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/in-focus/2024/02/women-and-girls-after-two-years-of-war-in-ukraine#:~:text=Women%2C%20children%2C%20and%20female%2D,%2C%20including%20gender%2Dbased%20violence.   

• Get inform and donate to UNICEF https://www.unicef.org/emergencies/war-ukraine-pose-immediate-threat-children 

• Get informed from Americares https://www.americares.org/emergency-program/war-in-ukraine/  

• We’ve put together a list of reputable organisations working on the ground in Ukraine to support in any way that you can: https://globalhealth.ie/ukraine-how-you-can-help/ 

• For more information about Ukraine and how global health organisations are supporting the response, please take a look out our dedicated Crisis in Ukraine web page which includes dashboards, situation reports and other information about the refugee crisis: https://globalhealth.ie/crisisukraine/  

Stay tuned for more information coming soon!