This week the Global Health Office welcomes Andrew Watson, a Dalhousie Nursing student, as guest blogger. Andrew is the incoming Chair of the Dalhousie School of Nursing Global Health Committee and is working on Advocacy for the Refugee Health Day of Action Event.
As a volunteer at the Halifax Refugee Centre, a nursing student and a member of the Global Health Committee within the School of Nursing, I believe advocacy in global health begins right here at home. Standing up for the health of our communities and our public health system encompasses protecting the most vulnerable among us. Refugees, refugee claimants, and others are in unique positions of vulnerability having fled conditions of extreme hardship in their home countries. I invite and encourage you to take part in this opportunity to stand up and speak out along side many health professionals across various disciplines to oppose these cuts and advocate for their reversal.
In April 2012, the federal government announced drastic cuts to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) – a Citizenship and Immigration Canada funded program that provides health coverage to refugees, refugee claimants, and others. The negative impacts of these cuts have been well documented across the country and right here in Halifax. Many believe these cuts will result in undue suffering and hardship for resettled refugees without access to essential medications and services.
When it comes to global health, there is no ‘them’… only ‘us. ~ Global Health Council
On June 17th, 2013 join the ranks of health care workers, students, and others in solidarity against federal budget cuts to refugee health care. As a driving principle behind global health and as a point of advocacy, health equity means that “all people, irrespective of ethnic or socio-economic status, sex or age have equal opportunity to develop and maintain health through fair and just access to resources for health”. The cuts to refugee health care coverage has created barrier for some of the most vulnerable in our society to achieve and maintain their health.
Please join us on June 17th at 12:30pm at the Halifax Grand Parade. There is an excellent and compelling line up of speakers and performers to keep the energy up throughout the hour long event. Check out the Facebook page for more information.
If you are interested in joining the Dalhousie School of Nursing Global Health Committee please contact dsonghc@gmail.com for more information or to be added to our mailing list!
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