On 4 October 2024, ICARS participated in the Nordic-African Women’s Health Forum. On the theme of ‘delivering for women’s and children’s well-being’, the event brought together Ambassadors, government officials, and representatives from international initiatives, the private sector, non-governmental, community-based, and civil society organisations.
Following country-specific perspectives from Rwanda, Zimbabwe, and Ghana, a panel of Ambassadors from Uganda, Kenya, and the previously mentioned countries had a dynamic discussion focused on collaborative efforts to combat cancer, enhance vaccination programmes, advance diagnosis, improve maternal and child health and manage health threats.
These reflections laid a great foundation for Erica Westwood, Senior Science Advisor from ICARS, to present the interconnected nature of AMR, gender, and equity in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Her presentation made evident how AMR affects the most vulnerable, and emphasised the cross-sectoral, gendered impact of AMR:
“In household and community settings gender inequalities can restrict mobility and decision-making power, leading to limited or delayed treatment. In healthcare settings women make up 70% of the global workforce and are therefore more exposed to drug-resistant infections. While in agricultural settings most poor smallholder farmers are women, who may struggle to access training and afford vaccines.”
Drawing on examples from ICARS’ project portfolio, Erica showed how an intervention in Zambia has helped to break myths about urinary tract infections, and another project in Lao PDR aims to improve antimicrobial use in children and pregnant women. Finally, the Practical Pathways resource was introduced, to inspire others to integrate gender and equity considerations into their AMR research.
It was an honour to take part in this important event and join other esteemed speakers including:
- Ulla Muller, Director, United Nations Population Fund Nordic Office
- Kelle Moley, Vice President, Ferring Pharmaceuticals
- Dr. Hauqing Li, CEO and Founder, Gynius Plus AB
- Dr. Anette Kraus, Senior Research Scientist, International Vaccine Institute
- Florence Charamba Christensen, CEO & Founder, Connecting Nordic businesses to Southern & Eastern African markets
- Dr. Diane Gashumba, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the Nordic Countries & Dean of Women African Ambassadors
- Amb. Margaret M. Otteskov, Ambassador of Uganda to the Nordics and Baltics
- Amb. Angeline Kavindu Musili, MBS, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to the Nordics and Baltics
- Amb. Sylvia Naa Adaawa Annoh, Ambassador of Ghana to Denmark & Sweden
- Amb. Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga, Ambassador of Zimbabwe to the Nordics
ICARS thanks the organisers: Women African Ambassadors in Sweden, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, UNFPA, Rwanda Women’s Association in Sweden and HillConnect for inviting us to participate in this exciting event.