International Festival of Public Health

S4 - Global Health

Media Matters: A deconstruction of the disparity of media coverage in humanitarian crisis

Presenter: Samuel Moody, University of Manchester

Other Author(s): None

Abstract Text: The media is an extremely powerful tool for the aid industry. Increased awareness and advocacy the media brings to humanitarian situations has been shown to increase pressure on governments to respond effectively- and is linked to an increase in both public and private donations to the cause. However, our media remains disparate in its coverage of disasters around the world. Some situations receive a disproportionately large amount of airtime; others receive very little, and subsequently suffer from funding shortages and poor public engagement. A background into the rocky relationship between aid and the media industry is given, with emphasis on the key celebrities and the rise of 'compassionate consumerism'. The disparity in media coverage of certain disasters are then explored using a variety of tools allowing the quantification of mention in the media of certain keywords and phrases in a given time period. This is then correlated with two factors; public engagement of a situation, cementing the link between media cover and interest, and official money flow into areas or disaster funds. Although the media face a formidable task and reporting is not easy, it is concluded that coverage of disasters is largely based on western self-interest and agenda. An appeal for enhanced co-operation between aid and media, and specific media tools, may lead to more even coverage, thus reducing suffering through better awareness and equitable funding.

Women as peace-builders: Addressing GBV in Colombia

Presenter: Amy Smith, University of Manchester

Other Author(s): None

Abstract Text:

Aims: This research aims to study gender based violence (GBV) in conflict and women's participation in peace processes. Using Colombia as a case study, the two areas of research will be linked to analyse GBV in times of conflict and women's involvement in peacebuilding to examine if greater involvement of women influences levels of GBV through repositioning of women in society.

Setting: GBV is defined as 'any act of violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women'. GBV can be used as a strategic weapon in wartime to destabilise and humiliate enemy communities as well as being an expression of gender norms in patriarchal societies. Colombia is a country with a long-standing conflict and patriarchal society. Actions of armed groups and intimate partners have disproportionate effects on the rights of women. Grassroots initiatives led by women are being developed in order for them to protect themselves from GBV and call out to governments and the international community to protect their rights.

Results: It emerged that recognition of women at current peace talks and the unifying of women to make a coherent voice has enabled women to better establish their rights in Colombia. However, it remains dangerous for women to act as leaders of these groups, and they can be targeted by armed groups for attempting or daring to speak out.

Conclusion: Repositioning of women in society could reduce levels of GBV and help to bring about peace.

Are Health Education Interventions Effective for the Control and Prevention of Urogenital Schistosomiasis in Sub-Saharan Africa? A Systematic Review

Presenter: Amy Price, University of Manchester

Other Author(s): Arpana Verma, William Welfare

Introduction: There are estimated to be 129 million people infected with urinary schistosomiasis in Sub-Saharan Africa. Current treatment recommendations endorse mass administration of praziquantel. This has been able to reduce disease prevalence in several countries, but there are concerns as to its long-term efficacy. The WHO states the importance of health education as a component of effective schistosomiasis prevention and control, but very little research has been done to understand the importance of this intervention within the context of this disease and population.

Aims: This review aims to examine the efficacy and importance of health education in the prevention and control of schistosomiasis in Sub-Saharan Africa, by analysing and collating the findings from existing studies.

Methods: Three databases were searched using key words. Papers were selected based on pre-defined inclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria: published in English; conducted in a sub-Saharan African country; health education included as an intervention; measured outcomes must include either prevalence, incidence or transmission of schistosomiasis, behaviour change associated with infection or changes in knowledge of the disease.Results: Of the 88 papers identified 5 were included in the final analysis.

Results:The results of all of these indicate that health education has a beneficial impact on knowledge and understanding of schistosomiasis within the target groups.

Discussion: Poor methodology of the studies means further research is needed. Studies highlight the importance of involving the community in the interventions as much as possible, and future research should focus on how best to implement and achieve this.

Minimising the harm that celebrity humanitarianism causes: How can we move forward from Band Aid and Make Poverty History?

Presenter: Iain Murphy, Manchester Medical School

Other Author(s): None

Abstract Text: A look at the harm caused by celebrity humanitarianism and how this can be minimised, when monitoring the health outcomes of target populations. Through desk-based research and analysis of the criticisms associated with the campaigns, the strengths and weaknesses of celebrity humanitarianism are developed into recommendations for the future. Band Aid and Make Poverty History are studied in depth, as major examples of celebrity-endorsed campaigns. The 2005 Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness is also referenced as evidence of international policy on the importance of effective aid. It is argued that despite the strengths of celebrity endorsement, the campaigns were limited by a lack of politics, too great a focus on Western-based aid, and a contradictory utilisation of consumerism to support their aims. In conclusion, there are three recommended courses of action for the future: deepen the public understanding of poverty, increase the emphasis on national ownership for target countries, and encourage informed debate between the public and all parties involved in international aid.