Submission ID 131948
| Issue/Objective | Inequitable access to global health conferences is a critical problem predominantly affecting researchers from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Too often, known barriers prevent opportunities to foster collaboration, network, and contribute to policymaking. Conference equity (CE) is "attainment of an equitable level of attendee active engagement, influence, and access to a conference regardless of country of origin, location, available funds or affiliation, through the mitigation of known barriers and enhancement of efficacious facilitators." Conference Equity Project is a collaborative effort between the University of Global Health Equity and the Program in Global Surgery and Social Change at Harvard Medical School to determine the critical gaps in global health conference equity via a series of assessments and initiatives aimed at utilizing the evidence to build a Conference Equity Index (CEI) and Framework. This will be integrated into an all-encompassing dashboard designed for use by conference organizers to measure gaps, promote accountability and improve equity for inclusive participation and access. |
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| Methodology/Approach | Thus far the Conference Equity projects include a systematic review on factors affecting participation of LMIC attendees, inputs from a consensus exercise with diverse public health professionals at Conference in Public Health in Africa in Zambia, and finally a mixed-method study assessing barriers to CE from the perspectives of both conference organizers and participants. |
| Results | Informed through the outputs from the projects, through an iterative process the team generated a comprehensive framework and index with actionable strategies to mitigate identified barriers and enhance facilitators of conference equity.These includes recommendations and considerations on general conference data, conference participant engagement, funding, visa, conference organization, and lastly on conference resources. (A detailed framework image elaborating on each category will be included in the poster- could not attach here) |
| Discussion/Conclusion | In conclusion, fostering collaboration, and dissemination of information through global health conferences is essential to strengthening public health workforce. To achieve this, it requires accountability and a multifaceted approach involving diverse stakeholders to address disparities and ensure equitable engagement of LMIC participants. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Betel Fenta Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School Michelle Joseph Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School Barnabas Alayande University of Global Health Equity Kiana Winslow Stanford School of Medicine Ayla Gerk McGill University Orit Abrahim Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School Riya Sawhney Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School Callum Forbes Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School Tsion Yohannes University of Global Health Equity |
