The new discipline of Global Health aims to improve health in an equitable way around the world. It is characterised by inter-disciplinary collaboration on health issues, and goes beyond the technical processes of traditional public health by engaging with the social and political determinants of health and disease.
Research into podoconiosis (a disabling leg swelling common in the tropical highlands) has many of the hallmarks of global health research, being built on strong international and inter-disciplinary partnerships, and prioritising research that is relevant to policy makers and advocates. In this lecture, Gail will explore the past decade of podoconiosis research and show how it embodies many of the attributes of the global health ideal. Examples of collaborations with social scientists, geologists, ethicists, mineralogists, economists and lawyers as well as the more familiar biomedical disciplines will be given. Finally, she will consider the role of 'poster children' in disease advocacy, and look to a future free of podoconiosis.
Podoconiosis: a 'poster child' for global health
Gail Davey
Professor of Global Health Epidemiology at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School
Wednesday 19 March 2014 at 6.30pm
Chowen Lecture Theatre
Brighton and Sussex Medical School
University of Sussex Campus
Falmer
Brighton BN1 9PX
Free event, all welcome although you must book your place. Light refreshments will be served after the lecture.