The Latin American coordination of the People's Health Movement is pleased to open the call for applications for its International People's Health University Course, a training program for health activists in collaboration with the Instituto de Altos Estudios en Salud Arnoldo Gabaldón (IAES) in Maracay (Venezuela).

This fortnight

For over a year, the United Nations has consistently reported the same scene: "Israeli bombardment from the air, land and sea continues to be reported across the Gaza Strip, resulting in further civilian casualties, displacement, and destruction of civilian infrastructure." Gaza’s health services—hospitals, ambulances, and clinics—have been ravaged, and thousands of health workers have been killed, torture

In this episode of charter for health, we talk about the struggle for the right to health in Europe, gender justice and health, freedom of the press and the challenges of communication for health 
Our guest today is one of Charter4Health Podcast Producers, Ana Vračar, she is a Cultural anthropologist focused on critical and medical anthropology, master in public health. 
She has been an advisor to trade unions like the Organization for workers initiative in her country, Croatia 

The People'e Health Movement stands in solidarity with Palestine and Lebanon. PHM members, allies and affiliated networks demonstrate on the streets in South Africa in solidarity with the people of Palestine and Lebanon and against the war #stopthewar #NotATarget

The People'e Health Movement stands in solidarity with Palestine and Lebanon. PHM members, allies and affiliated networks demonstrate on the streets in The Philippines in solidarity with the people of Palestine and Lebanon and against the war #stopthewar #NotATarget

The People'e Health Movement stands in solidarity with Palestine and Lebanon. PHM members, allies and affiliated networks demonstrate on the streets in India in solidarity with the people of Palestine and Lebanon and against the war #stopthewar #NotATarget

Since October 2023, the region has been experiencing a state of high and ongoing tension. In Lebanon, due to regional conflicts and military clashes on the southern Lebanese-Palestinian border, the risk and humanitarian threat have increased, particularly with the daily exchange of fire across the southern border. The most intense bombardment is concentrated within 12 km of the Blue Line, while targeted Israeli airstrikes reach deep into the country, extending up to 100 km from the border.

The Belgian organization Viva Salud organized a clothesline action on Albertina Square in Brussels. On a clothesline, they hung bloody doctor's coats, gloves and other medical equipment as a symbol of the destruction of the health infrastructure in Gaza and the wounding, kidnapping and killing of health workers by the Israeli occupation army.

The People's Health Movement is launching a fundraising campaign to support a new field hospital of the AWDA Health and Community Association in Al Nuseirat, the center of Gaza.

The Conference on Biodiversity -COP16- is scheduled to take place on October 21st - Nov 1st 2024 in Cali - Colombia. This event will involve many governments, social organizations and movements, private and public institutions, and academics (See here: https://www.cbd.int/conferences/2024). 

The world is facing an unprecedented convergence of crises—climate change, pandemics, natural disasters, genocides, wars, and soaring inequality. The international response, led by the United Nations and its multilateral system, has largely failed to deliver real solutions. Instead, global governance continues to be shaped by the interests of powerful corporations and a handful of wealthy nations, perpetuating a system that overlooks the needs of the majority, particularly in the Global South.

After the Israeli invasions in the North (Jabalya) and afterwards in the South (Rafah), the center of Gaza has been flooded with displaced people. Before the war the population in mid-Gaza was estimated at 320,000, today around  940,000 people are seeking shelter in the center of Gaza. This led to a situation in which the AWDA hospital in Al Nuseirat, the center of Gaza, is working at 400% of its capacities.

The PHM Democratising Global Health Governance programme invites you to a webinar to discuss Gender Politics and Global Health Governance.

The People's Health Movement stands in solidarity with the people of Sudan, suffering from a conflict that has been raging since 2023.

The high price tag on the HIV drug lenacapavir underscores the widespread dysfunction within Big Pharma
By Alan Rossi Silva (Originally piublished in the People's Dispatch)

Photo: HIV PrEP campaign, Washington DC. Source: Elvert Barnes/Flickr

PHM Europe invites all health activists within the EU region interested in Democratising Global Health Governance to apply for the upcoming Online People Health University Training course.

The aim is to strengthen the articulation between our global and local activism as a movement and to deepen and broaden our understanding of Global Health Governance, encompassing the political economy of capitalism and imperialism and the geopolitics of intergovernmental relations.

Note: The applicant selection has been delayed. We expect the course to start a week later i.e. from 18th September. We hope to notify the applicants before 13th September 2024. 

The East and South Africa Regional Coordination of the People’s Health Movement (PHM) is pleased to announce International People's Health University (IPHU) short online course on Democratising Global Health Governance (GHG): “Local Strategies for Global Health: How Grassroots Mobilisation and Advocacy can Contribute to Democratising Global Health Governance”

The Colombia Circle of the People's Health Movement (PHM) invites you to participate in the national training course of the International People's Health University (IPHU), Health for and with the indigenous peoples of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia, which will be held from October 7 to 11, 2024 in Pueblo Bello, Cesar, Colombia.
Opening of the call for registrations: August 12, 2024 
Deadline for applications: September 12, 2024 
Information on selected participants: September 18-19, 2024

Solidarity Statement
People’s Health Movement (PHM) - Global

Bangladesh is currently experiencing a turbulent period that began with a demand for quota reform in early July. What started off as a peaceful protest by the university students against the quota system has transformed into a full-fledged crisis affecting the lives and well-being of the citizens due to a nationwide crackdown by state authorities.

We, the undersigned, are calling for a stop to funding from Development Finance Institutions to private for-profit healthcare providers.

Mounting evidence shows that this funding is going to expensive out-of-reach private hospitals and clinics in low- and middle-income countries that are widening healthcare inequalities, exacerbating poverty and gender-based discrimination and violating human rights. Far from advancing progress towards Universal Health Coverage as governments have committed, this form of development finance is undermining it.

A discussion with Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, South African physician, health activist and UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health

Faced with the deadly prospect of a Rassemblement National government, we call on political parties and voters to take a democratic and republican leap forward!
The decisive second round of voting takes place at the end of the week. In a very large number of constituencies, there is a Rassemblement National candidate who could win on July 7 in the event of a three-way tie.
We call on the political parties to decide to maintain a single candidacy against the extreme right wherever it is in a position to win.

The People's Health Movement (PHM) Global stands in solidarity with the Tour de France pour la Santé in its crucial campaign to expose the devastating impacts a far-right victory would have on health in France. We commend the collective efforts of trade unions, health activists, and social movements rallying under this banner to protect the fundamental right to health for all.

This Report reflects the activities carried out by the global programs, thematic circles, regions, countries and, in general, the PHM activists during the year 2023 around the world in their struggles to contribute to achieving Health For All, a strategic objective set by the PHM since its constitution in 2000. 

*Amel International Association's Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs) located in Arkoub and Khiam in southern Lebanon, identified and protected by international humanitarian law, have been targeted by artillery shelling. The situation remains very tense in the area and attacks continue.

In a statement released Wednesday, "Amel Association International strongly condemns the recent Israeli attacks on our Arqoub and Khyiam health and social development centers."

Statement in Solidarity with Palestinian Health Workers in Gaza and the West Bank

We the undersigned Civil Society Organizations and Coalitions, considering the ongoing genocide in Gaza for more than seven months, the people of Gaza are suffering from severe food shortages, a continuous decline in nutrition levels, widespread malnutrition among children, and increased mortality rates due to diseases caused by hunger and malnutrition, along with the difficulty of accessing medical and healthcare services.

Check out the PHM WHA77 Policy brief used at the Assembly to advocate PHM's position on

• The International Negotiating Body to draft and Negotiate a WHO convention, agreement or other international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparednes and response.
• Climate Change, Pollution and Health
• Economics and Health for All

WHO watchers write statements together with global health activists and read them out on the floor at the WHA77. 

PHM Statement on Health Conditions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. ENGLISH

Each day of the WHA77, PHM WHO watchers develop a short overview highlighting key points of discussions and deliberations of the day.

By Dr. T. Sundararaman and David Legge

Every year in the last week of May, the representatives of 194 countries who are the Member States of World Health Organization (WHO) meet at Geneva in the World Health Assembly (WHA) to endorse a number of reports and adopt a number of resolutions. Considering the high prevalence of international meetings that amount to little more than discussions without subsequent action, it might be alluring to overlook the importance of the annual WHA. But that would be a mistake.

This May 2024 PHM gathers in Geneva to attend the WHO Watch, a PHM programme which closely follows the two annual meetings at the World Health Organization - the Executive Board meeting which takes place in January-February, and the World Health Assembly held in May. The WHO watch is part of a process towards democratising global health governance. 

Keep track of the discussions, documents, commentaries and the agenda of the 77th World Health Assembly WHA77 on the PHM's WHO Tracker. 

This fortnight

In over seven months of continuous attacks on healthcare in Gaza, Israel has decimated Palestinian care capacities.

Statement by Gender Justice and Health Thematic Circle, People’s Health Movement (PHM)

As we commemorate International Workers' Day this week, the Gender Justice and Health Thematic Circle of the People’s Health Movement (PHM), reflects on how women’s work, particularly that of the most marginalized, racialized, gender non-binary people, and those living with disabilities, continues to be undervalued and invisibilized.

At the 5th People’s Health Assembly, international social movements came together to debate ways of guaranteeing health for all. It was an important moment to unite voices against inequalities, the privatization of knowledge and war.

by Gabriela Leite , OutraSaúde, special for PHM

 Health Denied, Palestine

This fortnight

More than 600 activists from 60 countries gathered in Mar del Plata, Argentina, from April 7 to 11 for the 5th People’s Health Assembly (PHA 5).

Follow the PHA5 news on our social media accounts, download and share our photos and video feed from the PHA5 in Mar del Plata at

PHM Global NEW flickr account

We salute the growing diverse group of women activists, who around the world defend life, the earth and human rights. Their struggle is our struggle. We march together for gender justice.
#InspireInclusion #8M #IWD2024
 

PHM is preparing to  watch the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA77) of the World Health Organisation. The Watch will last from the week before, so 19 May to 1 June. During the first week there will be a preparatory workshop, and during the second week Watchers will following the WHA proceedings. The WHA Watch is in-person only. English will be the working language of the Watch. 

The case of the Health Work Committees (HWC), West Bank, Palestine

 Founded in the 80s during the first Intifada, the Health Work Committees have played a crucial role providing health services to the Palestinians living in the West Bank, Palestine. Hundreds of thousands health services are provided every year, lots of them related with the brutal Israeli occupation. The last couple of years the Israeli repression against the Health Work Committees intensified. The headquarters of HWC, one of the most important health organizations in Palestine, were raided several times.

 Dr. Thaer Altallouli, Indonesian Hospital, Gaza

“I am a doctor at the Indonesian Hospital. On November 3, 2023, I was on a mission to transfer the injured from the hospital to the Rafah crossing near Egypt. We prepared 5 ambulances. Each ambulance was carrying 5 injured individuals due to the shortage of ambulance vehicles. We left around 1 pm from the front of the hospital, heading to the Al-Shifa Hospital. There we coordinated with the Red Cross to allow us to pass through Rashid Street by the sea.

Dr. Essam Fasl Aldawor, Indonesian Hospital, Gaza 

Dr. Essam Fasl Aldawor worked in the Intensive Care Unit at the Indonesian Hospital in the Northern part of Gaza City before it was destroyed and taken out of service by the Israeli occupation forces. “On Sunday, October 15, 2023, I was on duty at the Indonesian Hospital doing a 24-hour emergency shift. That day, at around 7pm the apartment of my parents was struck by two Israeli missiles. I don´t know what type of missiles were used, but they wiped out the entire apartment, it destroyed the staircase and the neighbor’s house.

Dr. Alaa Muti' Al-Ghafir, Al-Shifa Hospital, Gaza

My name is Dr. Alaa Muti' Al-Ghafir. I was detained for a period of 56 days by the Israeli occupation forces from November 19, 2023, to January 14, 2024. I worked at the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza as the head of consultants in the radiology department.

During that time, I was at the hospital as a displaced person and a doctor. On November 18, 2023, I, along with my family, evacuated our home in Al-Sahaba Complex, Burj Al-Quds, in the Rimal neighborhood after the Israeli airstrikes bombed and destroyed it. 

The International People’s Health University (IPHU) Nairobi 2023 short course on “Action for Equitable Health Systems – Advancing universal comprehensive primary health care in pandemic times” organized by People’s Health Movement Kenya in coordination with the PHMs Equitable Health Systems Thematic circle and the concerned regional PHMs of East and Southern Africa, was organized to build the capacities of young health activists from East and Southern Africa (ESA) region.

Watch the webinar on Palestine and the building solidarity with Gaza’s health sector organized by No Cold War and People’s Health Movement 

“Apocalyptic!” That’s how the Special Rapporteurs of the United Nations are describing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Dr. Ahmed Muhanna, Palestine

The People's Health Movement demands the immediate release of dr. Ahmed Muhanna, and a halt to the detention and murder of Palestinian Health Workers
 

From the ancestral territory of the Mapuche people in Patagonia, Argentina, the voice of the people in defense of the right to health was heard at the global launch of the 5th People's Health Assembly in a hybrid event that brought together activists and members of the PHM from around the world.

Peoples marching in diversity, fists raised, in the midst of a humanitarian crisis and profound discussions on the right to health around the world, the People's Health Movement (PHM) together with affiliated networks and popular and community organizations in Argentina launched the 5th People's Health Assembly (PHA5) for Latin America, Mar del Plata 2024, in the framework of the closing of the 33rd National and Latin American Meeting of Laicrimpo Health "We are the dream, the ancestral echo, the mother earth that we embrace" Trenque Lauquen, Argentina this Sunday, November 5, 2023.

The People’s Health Movement (PHM) reaffirms its support and solidarity to the Palestinian struggle for their freedom, land and dignity. 

Latest in Gaza

The Palestinian Medical Relief Society PMRS Gaza Update 7-26th Oct 2023 

As the days go by, the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip deepens, the armed conflict has intensified, civilians and medical personnel remain under threat, fatalities and injuries grow by the minute, caravans of forcibly displaced people seeking safety have also come under attack, water, food, shelter and medical supplies are in short supply.

The International People’s Health University (IPHU) of the People’s Health Movement (PHM) Jointly with its Thematic Group on Equitable Health Systems announce “The Struggle for Health” a six-day short training course for young health activists in the East and South Africa (ESA) region from 27th November to 2nd December 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya

"(CDoH) - Concept, cases and challenges for activism" is the title of a new webinar organized The People's Health Movement (PHM) Equitable Health System / Food Sovereignty and Nutrition thematic groups together with the Public Health Resource Network (PHRN).

In 2023 or safe abortion campaign enphasized on our demand for 'Access to safe, quality, and legal abortion' and strengthen global solidarity on feminist and public movements. As PHM, we stand affirm in speaking out for the Abortion rights of ALL young girls, women, and gender non-binary persons. As ardent supporters of reproductive justice, we reiterate that abortion is healthcare and equitable access to safe, legal, and healthcare system-provided abortion must not be compromised under any circumstances.

Dr. Helena Paro, Brazil

1. Who is Helena Paro? 

The People’s Health Movement congratulates the Health Justice Initiative (HJI) on their important victory. In August this year, the Pretoria High Court ruled that the South African National Department of Health should provide HJI with access to all COVID-19 contracts the South African government had signed with Pfizer, Johnson and Johnson, Serum Institute of India, and COVAX.

We are thrilled to introduce the new PHM instagram account on Instagram.

Our new instagram account its an opportunity to engage with a wide audience of people, activists and organizations from around the world, to share news and information on the global health agenda, the social determinants of health, our thematic circles  and the 5th People’s Health Assembly  to be held in Mar del Plata, Argentina in 2024.
Our instagram account is available in English, Spanish, French and Arabic

Follow us, share, engage, join us in the struggle for health for all 

The People's Health Movement -PHM- will participate in the United Nations 78th General Assembly Meeting, which will be held from 20th to 22nd September in New York this year. PHM will set its position at UNGA78 in three of the health related agenda items: Universal Health Coverage -UHC-; Tuberculosis -TB-  and Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPPR).

The PHM expresses its solidarity with the Libyan people after the floods that have left a whole community devastated with thousands dead and so many more affected by the consequences of this disaster. We want to bring a message of hope and relief to those who are suffering and mourning their losses in a country already battered by years of conflict.

We urge the international community and civil society organizations to provide the necessary support to bring relief to the survivors and rebuild communities in the affected areas without a geopolitical agenda at this time of crisis.

People of the world who struggle for social justice and health equity fondly remember and carefully reflect on the legacy of Salvador Allende this September 11, on the 50th anniversary of the tragic coup d'état in Chile. This brutally ended, with thousands of dead and disappeared, the constitutional government of Allende who led the unprecedented, peaceful and democratic  construction of socialism, anointed by popular vote.

The People's Health Movement expresses its solidarity and support to the Moroccan people for the material destruction and human suffering caused by the recent earthquake. 

We call on our fellow health activists in the Mena region and Europe to participate in the reconstruction and promote support and relief to those who need it. 

Solidarity is the love of the people, and this is the time to make it effective.

PHM Global Secretariat

The COVID pandemic finally convinced even the most skeptical: public health is, and must more than ever be, a concern for politicians. Submitting it to the laws of the market is a crime. 

Nobody would dare saying that public health is exclusively a national matter and that Europe has no powers in this area. However, European cornerstones such as the golden rules of budgetary convergence, free competition, freedom of establishment, etc. pose an enormous risk to public health.

Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, was the setting for the first global summit on ancestral medicine organized by WHO and the Indian government in August 2023. Although it came as a surprise to some media, to others, it is a further step in the recognition of traditional ancestral knowledge. The WHO summit was preceded by the creation of the World Center for Traditional Medicine in India in 2022.

Dr. Aye Nyein Thu, Myanmar

Background

Great Britain made Burma a province of India in 1886, assigning Rangoon as the capital city. This colonial history set the stage for undemocratic rule in the nation for decades. Burma suffered military rule starting in the 1960s, challenged by a large protest movement in 1988 that was crushed by authorities.

Dr. Paulo Fleury, Brazil

1. Who is Paulo Fleury Teixeira?

Paulo Fleury Teixeira is a graduate of the Federal University of Minha Gerais (1986), with a specialization in Preventive and Social Medicine at the Hospital das Clínicas of the UFMG. He also holds a Master's degree in Philosophy from the Federal University of Minha Gerais (1993) and a PhD in Philosophy from the same institution (2003).

Lucrecia Salva Fuentes, Mexico

1. Who is Lucrecia Salva Fuentes?

Lucrecia Salva Fuentes was a nurse, activist for the right to health, activist for the rights of migrants and against gender violence. Lucrecia was head nurse at the General Hospital de Alta Especialidad Ciudad Salud in Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico, on the border with Guatemala. Lucrecia had a doctorate in Public Health and Health Management, a master's degree in Education Sciences and a specialty as a medical-surgical specialist.