Khadijah Aliyu – Nigeria
The Galien Africa Forum, in collaboration with REMAPSEN, organized a webinar for journalists, moderated by REMAPSEN President Mr. Youssuf Bamba.
This webinar serves as a precursor to the forum’s annual event, scheduled to take place from October 22 to 25 in Dakar, Senegal
Speaking on the health issues in Africa linked to climate change and environmental problems, the President of Galien Africa, who doubles as as Senegal’s former minister of health, Professor Awa Marie COLL SECK, maintained that the issues of environmental issues are associated with malaria and diarrhoea in Africa.
“Rivers flow and mix with public water supply leading to cholera Malnutrition in some African countries is linked to poor rain or flooding which wash away farmlands and crops, causing food crisis”
She maintained that most cancer cases are linked to environmental issues, saying that diabetes May also be related to population movement.
“So it is through these efforts we identify solutions that are peculiar to Africa, it is an initiative for Africans to find a solution to its public health problem exacerbated by climate change”
Secretary General of Galien Africa and Coordinator of the Scientific Commission Professor Ibrahim SECK, explained that the Forum seeks to reward researchers and innovators particularly in health and environment in the continent.
“We are working on health problems as they affect development in Africa. This is why the theme of this year health and community actions in the face of climate and environmental crises in Africa.
He stressed that, the forum selects different themes and topics every year.
“The forum is seeking to address Africa public health challenge for Africa and this is why the forum reward excellent researches and innovations in health like medical technology, pharmaceutical products, digital interventions and vital innovations that have impacted in the public health issues in Africa”
Professor Ibrahim pointed out that, The award is to spur individual innovators and institution into more works to tackle health problem linked to environmental and climate change.
“Africa is a home to health issues linked to environmental problem and climate change.
The secretary general explained that, the first day of the forum on Oct 22 will be for the young people, with more than 100 youths from African countries for capacity building.
“Young innovators who got to the final of the selection process of the award, will also get between$5,000 to $10,000 USD which is an encouraging prize for the young innovators”
Also speaking, founder and Executive Director of Empower School of Health and Member of the Prix Galien Jury Professor Paul LALVANI urged African journalists to step up their partnershipips with Gallen Africa and other Continental bodies for response to African public health problems.
