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A discussion with Lawrence Summers, President of Harvard University
October 28, 2003
3.45 – 5.30 pm
Harvard School of Public Health, Snyder Auditorium
A webcast of this event is available at http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/africa/.
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INTRODUCTION:
The fact that Africa is facing a public health crisis is no longer news to the majority of the people who work in the area of global public health. Africa has some of the worst health outcomes of any region on the planet. Infectious diseases, malnutrition, political conflicts, and natural disasters have hit at a socio-economic structure that has already been weakened by a combination of entrenched poverty, corruption and the vestiges of a colonial era.
Despite this gloomy picture, the Africa Health Forum (AHF) believes that the health conditions in Africa can be improved through new public health efforts. However, in order for meaningful changes to occur, a new approach will be required. Our academic institution, Harvard University, has had a long history and good reputation as an institution that has been genuinely interested in issues relating to Africa and its students and faculty have undertaken numerous studies and initiatives in Africa. We therefore believe that Harvard is uniquely positioned to be able to leverage its intellectual capacity and resources in such a way to effect positive changes in the health of people on this afflicted continent.
It is this belief that was the inspiration behind the initiation of this panel discussion. Numerous notable members of the Harvard community have been invited to discuss what role Harvard could play in this effort. Joining President Summers will be the Dean of the Harvard School of Public Health, Dr. Barry Bloom, and the Chair of HAI, Dr. Max Essex.
This panel was the first in a series of high-level discussions on the health problems in Africa to be hosted by the AHF this year. The AHF was formed in 2001 by HSPH students in order to bring together students and staff with interests in health issues affecting Africa and Africans. The AHF has created a forum for learning about, discussing, and increasing awareness of the public health crises affecting the African continent. In addition, the AHF strives to create a social network of people with links to, or interests in, Africa, and networking opportunities for people wishing to pursue a career in Africa.
OVERVIEW OF EVENT:
3:45 Targets for Discussion
Pride Chigwedere, President, Africa Health Forum
Doctoral Student, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases
3:50 A Vision for Harvard
Lawrence H. Summers, President, Harvard University
Questions from Audience to the President
4:30 Overview of HSPH Programs in Africa
Barry R. Bloom, Dean of the Faculty, Harvard School of Public Health
Professor of Immunology & Infectious Diseases
4:40 Fighting AIDS in Africa
Max Essex, Chairman, Harvard School of Public Health AIDS Initiative
Chairman, Department of Immunology & Infectious Diseases
Mary Woodard Lasker Professor of Health Sciences
4:50 Questions from Audience, All Panelists, How may Harvard Do More?
Deborah Prothrow-Stith, Moderator
Associate Dean for Faculty Development
Professor, Department of Health Policy and Management.
5:25 Vote of Thanks
Emmanuel Akyeampong, Chairman, Committee on African Studies
Professor of African History, Faculty of Arts and Sciences
5:30 End
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