Myanmar

The challenging of our health care system and climate are enormous, yet in this ever changing environment, we are reminded of the value of fostering strong and dynamic health partnerships that benefit all.
 

I am a Global Health Consultant, my specialism is in Global Mental Health, In the UK my public health role and special interests are in mental health interventions for young people exposed to violence and exploitation, minority health, workforce and ethical recruitment, climate change and conservation, innovation and art. I believe health partnerships are well placed for cross cultural learning, localisation and systems strengthening. In Africa, I have wide experience of working in health partnerships in Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and, Malawi Ghana. My Advisory role in THET and RSHTM, I have consulted widely on health programs, grant management, organisational cultural behaviours, impact evaluation, research and innovation. I visited Myanmar in my capacity as a THET Advisor, and Global
Health Consultant.
 

Project activities

The task was to scope health systems functioning and strengthening in Myanmar, to draw lessons for innovation and health systems strengthening in the UK, National Health Care Systems and THET partnership programs in Africa.
 

Main aims were to:

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•  Shadow THET Myanmar Country Director

•  Visit Mental Health Services in Yangon

•  Meet and engage with the nursing leadership.

•  Scope social and cultural determinants of health

•  Deliver a workshop on Global Mental Health

•  Engage with civil society, with focus on gender and health

 

Evaluation

Myanmar, as many other middle- and low-income countries faces challenges in meeting and achieving universal health goals. THET has a long history and tradition in health partnerships, its office presence in Yangon, is of significance in supporting Myanmar Health System as a whole. This scoping visit built on the existing work and priorities set within the THET Partnership Scheme. This visit was swiftly arranged and reflected the enormous enthusiasm and desire across the THET partnership network, to support innovation in health care and develop greater cross cultural learning, across the global health community as a whole.
 

It was hugely encouraging to observe the Myanmar diaspora engagement efforts in supporting health care systems in Myanmar and their willingness to draw from lessons that we have learnt over through our Africa Health Diaspora programs.

 

I am deeply grateful to the entire team at THET for supporting my visit, in particular Ben Simms CEO and the then Chair, Judith Ellis. I am indebted to my mentor Dr Titilola Banjoko and Dr Tsitsi Chawatama for their unwavering support.