Welcome from:
THE INTERNATIONAL MEDICINE CLUB
The International Medicine Club (IMC), composed of students in the School of Medicine, is pleased to join the Center for Global Health in welcoming our many guests and contributors to this third annual symposium on global health.
Over the past several decades, Americans have become increasingly aware of the links between our country and the global community. More than ever we are confronted by our responsibilities to the world-the need to provide resources to fight poverty and disease on other continents and the need to be a force for peace and human rights abroad. Since September 11, 2001 we have also become acutely aware of our vulnerabilities to developments beyond our borders. While security issues are often atthe forefront of our national conscience, the reality is perhaps the greatest threat to our collective wellbeing lies in the realm of health. The developed world is increasingly threatened by emerging infectious diseases-such as SARS and the avian flu-and old foes that have taken on new challenges-such as XDR tuberculosis. Meanwhile the developing world has become well acquainted with our diseases-such as type II diabetes and hypertension. Contemporary world health is not simply an individual or public health matter, it is a security and a developmental issue. Poverty and disease breed political instability and erode economic development just as quickly as they weaken the health of people and communities.
Global health is also an environmental issue. The same poverty that incubates our most feared infectious diseases also leads to deforestation, water contamination, and species loss. The same development strategies that have led to worldwide epidemics of diabetes and cardiovascular disease have also led to air pollution, global warming, and the loss of other species.
In view of this, we are honored to have Dr. Michele Barry, a veteran in the field of global health, lead today's discussion of our current responsibilities in international health. We are also grateful to the many students who have taken the time to share their own experience working abroad, and to the many individuals at the Center for Global Health who have made this event a reality.
There is no more exciting or important work than fighting for health at home and abroad. Thank you for joining us for this timely discussion. We hope you are able to learn, enjoy, and take some of these experiences with you as you go forth.