Student Advocacy

World AIDS Day 2007

Leadership is the theme for World AIDS Day 2007. The US is a global leader in the fight against AIDS thanks to innovative programs like PEPFAR (the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), contributions to the Global Fund and pending legislation like the African Health Capacity Investment Act. Meanwhile, however, crumbling health systems in developing nations compound the problems caused by AIDS and other diseases. To continue to lead the world, the US must invest in health systems and ensure the fundamental right to health for all people. On World AIDS day, PHR students and health professionals are calling on policy makers to build high quality health systems that are available, accessible and affordable.

about Health Systems

• See slideshows featuring clinical officer Jane Byarugaba and Dr. Fred Katumba. Dr. Katumba and Ms. Byarugaba work in rural Lyantonde District in southwest Uganda, where three doctors and eight clinical officers serve a population of 70,000.
• Learn more about health systems strengthening
• Read fact sheets on the health workforce crisis

 to Spread the Word about Health Systems Strengthening

• Use the slideshows on Ms. Byarugaba and Dr. Katumba at your next PHR Student Chapter meeting to educate your members.
• Use the "Send to a friend" link in the slideshows to educate classmates, friends, colleagues and family

 and Advocate for the Right to Health

• Sign an online petition to Members of Congress urging them to invest in stronger health systems in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Create a video message to your member of Congress.
• Collect petition signatures from classmates, friends, and colleagues who are concerned about health and human rights. Please contact Pete Witzler at 617-301-4200 or pwitzler@phrusa.org if you plan on collecting signatures to discuss logistics and tips for petitioning. PHR will deliver all signed petitions to Members of Congress on December 10th, Human Rights Day.