Health, education and religious representatives from Africa convened at the Divinity School Thursday to discuss modern approaches to improving health and promoting peace across the continent.
Angelina Atyam, co-founder of the Concerned Parents Association in Uganda, Maureen Nafula, an adviser with the Kenyan Ministry of Medical Services and Paride Taban, emeritus bishop and founder of the Holy Trinity Peace Village in southern Sudan, shared their personal experiences with violence, war trauma, health care and spirituality to further educate students and faculty about Africa’s need for international assistance.
Dr. Peter Morris, medical director for Wake County Human Services, led the panel, which was co-sponsored by the Divinity School, the Fuqua School of Business and the Global Health Institute. The discussion covered a broad range of topics from health care reform to the role of religious ministers in countries struggling with ethnic and religious violence
“Each [representative] spoke to the systems of thinking of individual health and global health institutions,” Morris said. “I hope we’ll see an effect at the individual and institutional level.”
Atyam spoke of the terror and anguish she experienced when her daughter was abducted at age 14 and held captive for almost eight years by the anti-government rebel group, the Lord’s Resistance Army.
“When my daughter was taken, my eyes were opened,” Atyam said. “ Other people that were suffering did not know how to overcome the grief.... The Lord taught me the hard way to forgive.”
In speaking of the cycle of violence that has taken over Uganda and other struggling African nations, Atyman, along with the other representatives, emphasized the need to forgive and let go of grudges in order to move forward.
“Forgetting the past and moving forward is something we need to preach,” Nafula said.
The leaders also spoke of their experiences helping those fighting in the wars. They unanimously noted that in helping soldiers and rebels, no patient is refused treatment. Despite repercussions from governmental authorities, all three panelist said their patients are given help regardless of the side the wounded are fighting for.
“I’ll give you clothes, not because you are a soldier, [but] because you are in need,” Taban said.
Nafula made several statements on the quality of the African health care system, noting that Kenya spends approximately $27 per capita on health care compared to the $7,500 spent by the United States.
June Tibaleka, a second-year medical student, was among the many students and faculty in attendance. Tibaleka, who was born in Uganda, commented on American attitudes toward improving the African health care system. She noted that in order for the African system to improve, it is important to recognize that Africa is very different from America both ethnically and culturally.
“Getting an African perspective in an American setting is refreshing,” Tibaleka said.
The meeting closed with the reiteration of Africa’s need for international human aid and resources, especially from America’s youth.
“I believe that the young people are so strong,” Atyam said. “They are full of wisdom and energy, and they are ready to transform the world.”
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.