More than 1000 people from 107 countries and all sharing one goal…’Serving with love in a hurting world.’

Every 4 years health care workers gather for a global conference for the International Christian Medical and Dental Association (ICMDA). This 17th conference was the biggest ever, the second time in Africa and the 60th Anniversary of ICMDA. Arusha gave a warm Tanzanian welcome to the many delegates from all corners of the globe.

Delegates could attend the student’s stream, the pre-conference stream as well as the main conference where a number of plenary talks, bible readings and myriad breakout sessions were on offer. Topics covered included climate change, demon possession and mental illness, decolonising health, sexuality, leadership, education and many more.

These reflected the breadth of interest and work with a focus on those marginalised or left behind in many societies and the need to rethink heath care in the modern age.

I was asked to lead one breakout session entitled; Palliative care; compassion in action.’ With a packed room and even folk sitting on the floor colleagues from across different settings through about the nature of hope, how that is relevant to understand and counter moves to medically assisted dying and how to integrate palliative care using a transformational model. We could have explored much more but it’s good to see palliative care on the programme and discussions are ongoing to increase access to training.

One talk stood out for me…Vinod Shah is a giant of health care. He has championed access to care for rural areas and strengthened primary care provision in India and beyond and I had the privilege of working with him in the distance learning department at CMC Vellore some years ago. He championed ‘refer less and manage more’ education for rural and mission hospital settings.
His talk ‘Justice in Healthcare Distribution’ examined health as a right, global inequalities and causes plus theoretical and practical ways to change this dangerous status quo. The most unequal societies; whether low income settings such as in many sub-Saharan African countries or high income setting like the USA have some of the poorest health outcomes.

Vinod Shah skilfully described how most of the current monetary systems simply drive poorer nations further into debt and require hard currency to serve that debt…a vicious cycle that further entraps. Using a redistributive model all can benefit. Those on low incomes, who previously were driven into further poverty by chronic illness, can have the protection they need for health and education. In turn they can start to generated wealth for their families and communities and in turn benefit the whole economy including the rich.  He challenged us all…advocate for increased funding for health with a focus on primary care with a more flexible workforce. Work to achieve community- based insurance schemes and cooperative systems such as pharmacies. Then harness new technologies to rethink digital healthcare and home based care.

I also loved the joy and exuberance from our East African colleagues as they taught the rest of the world how to dance and sign during worship sessions. There were opportunities to showcase national cultures through dress, dance, food and song as well as pre and post conference travel opportunities in beautiful Tanzania. I think the Burundian’s captured many hearts with their dancing. I was able to meet new friends, including from Uganda, as well as reconnect with others. I appreciated the opportunity for in depth conversations and exploring vulnerability together.

A highlight was my visit to the ELTC headquarters in Arusha and meeting several previous mentees who completed BSc in palliative care at Hospice Africa Uganda / Makerere University. They are now leading programmes and inspiring others. I had forgotten to promise to gift me a Masi costume if I ever visited…but was overwhelmed at the generosity. Thank you for the wonderful welcome Simon Megiroo, Tusiime and Batholomew Bakhari.

The theme of the conference was inspired by verses in the gospel of Matthew 22:37-40. Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

At a time when nationhood is rising and divisions growing may we realise our common humanity. May we go from this conference refreshed, challenged, inspired and renewed in our vision to ‘serve with love in a hurting world’