March Global Health Grand Rounds: 'The Role of Advocacy in Global Health'

Dr. Joanne Carter speaks about advocacy at Global Health Grand Rounds, March 18th

Joanne Carter delivered the March Global Health Grand Rounds on "The Role of Advocacy in Global Health." Carter, the executive director of the grassroots advocacy organization RESULTS and a Board Representative to The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria, emphasized that medical students and physicians can have a powerful voice in global health advocacy. Using the example of HIV/AIDS, Carter emphasized three steps necessary for improving health outcomes of the world's poorest: building a body of evidence, setting bold targets, and scaling up. The voice of citizens, particularly medical professionals, can shape the dialog in all steps. For example, the creation and scale-up of PEPFAR and The Global Fund has been impacted tremendously by HIV/AIDS activists, scientists, physicians, and patients. Carter noted the need for increased advocacy on tuberculosis, as TB is a key driver of poverty and not just a symptom of poverty. She also highlighted advocacy efforts for microfinance and education initiatives. Carter left the audience with a sense of empowerment and hope.