The Advocacy Focus Areas (AFA) are significant concentration areas and umbrella initiatives that will be in focus of the internal and external activities of GAIMS Standing Committees. This way, a structured approach provides streamlined strategic progress at an international level and collaboration between working groups within GAIMS.
GAIMS adopted the system during the GAIMS Executive Board Meeting 2021, where the inaugural set of AFA for the 2022-2023 term was promulgated. The said concept was then formalized within the GAIMS bylaws during the National Executive Meeting in 2022, which outlined procedures for their development, approval, and assessment.
The GAIMS Executive Board, in consultation with the various State Chapters, IRC Chapters, and National Board members, proposes the GAIMS Executive Board annually through the Annual Meeting. To this end, consultation would be done within the framework of each Standing Committee and prior to the proposal made, to ensure diversity is put into consideration.
The AFA Proposal clearly outlines specific focus areas, thematic descriptions, internal and external objectives, and measurable indicators tied to each objective.
The task of moving GAIMS AFA forward is therefore distributed as follows:
- Committee Directors, National Officers, State Committee Directors handle and coordinate internal objectives and indicators for relevant AFA.
- Vice President Activities (VPA) coordinates external objectives and indicators connected to the relevant AFA.
- The National President oversees internal monitoring and reporting on AFA progress. This coordination in the efforts ensures that the GAIMS stays committed to its mission and vision while working on key medical education, public health concerns, and professional development problems
FOCUS AREAS
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
Educate and empower GAIMS members to advocate for antimicrobial stewardship in clinical and community settings.
Develop policy frameworks and campaigns promoting responsible antibiotic use and combating AMR.
Collaborate with global health organizations to address AMR through educational initiatives and awareness drives.
Ensure the inclusion of AMR discussions in GAIMS conferences, workshops, and academic exchanges.
HIV/AIDS Advocacy
Promote awareness and destigmatization efforts regarding HIV/AIDS within medical communities and beyond.
Equip members with tools and resources to lead prevention and treatment advocacy initiatives.
Ensure representation at international HIV/AIDS forums and contribute to policy development around HIV-related healthcare.
Strengthen partnerships with organizations actively working on HIV/AIDS response and education.
Violence Against Healthcare Workers
Address violence against healthcare professionals and its impact on equitable healthcare access.
Promote initiatives on peacebuilding, medical diplomacy, and safeguarding healthcare environments.
Collaborate on legal frameworks protecting the right to health and enhancing workplace safety for healthcare professionals.
Advocate for stronger protections for healthcare workers globally, creating reporting mechanisms to monitor violence.
Represent GAIMS in forums addressing healthcare justice, health system equity, and violence preventio
One Health
Promote awareness and training on the One Health approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
Develop initiatives to integrate One Health principles into medical curricula and research projects.
Advocate for stronger collaboration between medical, veterinary, and environmental sciences to address emerging health threats.
Position GAIMS as a leading advocate for the One Health model in global health policies and community initiatives.
Facilitate partnerships with national and international organizations focused on holistic approaches to health.
Open Access to Research
Promote student participation in Open Science through workshops and training.
Develop initiatives advancing Open Access and Evidence-Based Medicine.
Advocate for equitable access to scientific data and collaborative research.
Represent GAIMS in Open Science policy discussions and academic networks.
Gender Equity
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Strengthen advocacy and leadership programs to promote gender empowerment and equitable opportunities through workshops
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Foster inclusive policies and amplify diverse representation across GAIMS governance structures.
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Engage in external collaborations to address key aspects of gender equality.
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Advocate at global forums and ensure GAIMS representation in prominent gender-related summits.
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Leverage GAIMS research and data on gender disparities to influence policy changes.
Global Health Education
Champion the integration of global health topics into student-led exchange programs and medical curricula.
Build the capacity of GAIMS members to lead and influence global health initiatives.
Ensure global health remains central to GAIMS workshops and conferences.
Advocate for expanding global health content across academic institutions.
Facilitate interdisciplinary exchanges and professional development through international collaborations
Health Emergencies and Humanitarian Action
Prepare GAIMS members to respond effectively to public health emergencies.
Empower students to lead disaster preparedness and risk reduction initiatives.
Foster collaboration on emergency response and humanitarian efforts.
Elevate GAIMS’ role as a youth-driven voice in global emergency preparedness discussions.
Represent GAIMS in international policy dialogues addressing health emergencies.