Health in all SDGs

I have had the opportunity to work in a hospital that is patient centered, well equipped and affordable. Just across the road from this health facility is the largest referral hospital in the country, where I practiced during my years as a medical student. The contrast is startling. The hospital is often mismanaged, under equipped and understaffed. More often than not doctors here have to make the best of limited resources compared to nearby hospitals; in order to provide the basic care for their patients.
Being part of a struggling health system, I have witnessed deaths due to preventable causes, in addition to the injustices faced especially by the already vulnerable members of society seeking to have one of their basic rights upheld. The thought that a young lady, same age as me, living a few kilometres from me , has a different experience when it comes to health, because of where she was born and grew up , though disheartening , encourages me to be engaged in the SDGs commitment to: ‘ Leave no one behind’
As a contribution towards better health, I have worked and volunteered in national and international organizations working on public and global health issues. Through these organizations I have organized and participated in projects and advocacy forums addressing the health challenges we face today. Additionally, I have delivered workshops addressing these challenges. Through these experiences I have had the opportunity to collaborate with individuals across different fields to work towards better health.
As a peer educator and youth advocate I have interacted with young people, on addressing issues limiting meaningful youth engagement and access to sexual and reproductive health rights and services. Currently I volunteer as a training coordinator for a community based youth leadership training program, committed to nurture future leaders who can develop sustainable solutions to local and global problems utilizing the SDGs and World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY) as the core of the program.
Health is fundamental in advancing development across sectors. However, I recognize that health is not a silo, it’s part of a complex integrated ecosystem and to address health challenges requires a multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder approach ensuring the inclusion of all individuals and platforms in decision-making. This is why I am excited to be part of UNLEASH.
Through the UNLEASH program I hope to deepen my understanding on innovative ways to collaborate and co-create sustainable, relevant and disruptive solutions towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. I am excited to soon be working with a team of diverse individuals, towards ensuring we leave no one behind!!

