The students presented their policy briefs to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases, APPG. The APPG is co-chaired by the cross-bench peer, Professor Lord Trees and Lauren Sullivan MP.
Students have been working on their briefs over the last term and gave insightful presentations, often drawing on first-hand experience of living and working in resource limited contexts. Each presentation was followed by a discussion and questions led by Lord Trees.
Speaking about the session Lord Trees said,
The policy briefs reflected today’s rapidly evolving global health environment with big questions hanging over international funding and cooperation. It is encouraging to hear the leaders of the future addressing challenges with positive and often innovative approaches.”
The policy brief topics were proposed by members and partners of the APPG, the topics covered were:
1. How can veterinary public health and disease control contribute to human health in LMICs? What are the opportunities for the UK to reduce national risks from wildlife trade?
2. We face a critical moment with emerging concerns around funding for core global health institutions such as the World Health Organization. What are the implications for this for malaria and NTD policy and research?
3. Some Governments, such as India, are working towards malaria eradication by 2030. To what extent can the malarial vaccines contribute towards this goal? Use case studies in your answer and evaluate the developing malarial control technologies and relevant policy issues.
4. It is anticipated that the Pandemic Accord may be adopted at the next World Health Assembly meeting in June. How can national governments best prepare to align to this and what challenges can we anticipate?
5. There has been a change in approach to global health and infectious disease control, with a new paradigm advocated by, amongst others, the World Health Organization, which instead of disease-specific measures concentrates on a health system strengthening approach. Discuss the pros and cons of these two strategies?
Students enjoyed lunch in the Commons café and soaked up the atmosphere in Westminster Hall. Following the presentations, they watched proceedings in the Commons from the public gallery.