Exhibition highlights global healthcare inequalities
A new photo exhibition designed by the University of Newcastle’s global health group “Wakeup!” to raise community awareness about global health inequalities will be launched tonight at John Hunter Hospital.
The exhibition, Student without Borders will showcase the work of amateur photographers in the medical community and promote the opportunities available through medical elective placements and overseas travels.
John Hunter Hospital Arts for Health Coordinator Pippa Robinson said during the launch, 78 finalist’s photos taken by medical students and doctors in rural Australia and developing countries will be judged and prizes will be awarded.
“We are pleased to be able to feature this exhibition at John Hunter Hospital which demonstrates some of the global health inequalities in developing countries,” Ms Robinson said.
Wake Up! President Pamela Chia said as part of the evening, members of the student group will be assembling 800 “birthing kits” to distribute to mothers in Vietnam through Zonta International, a global organisation working to advocate for women worldwide.
“Each of these kits will include simple things we often take for granted in Australian hospitals including gloves, soap and sterile plastic sheets,” Ms Chia said.
Wake Up! is a not-for-profit organisation that was established in 2005 after the inaugural Australian Medical Students’ Association Developing World Conference in Sydney.
The group functions as an advocacy and education student group run by medical students at the University of Newcastle.
Student without Borders is on display at the Royal Newcastle Centre until the Beginning of May as part of the John Hunter Hospital Arts for Health Program.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY: The Photo exhibition will be launched tonight, Thursday 19 March 2009 from 6pm at the Royal Newcastle Centre. Arts for Health Coordinator Pippa Robinson and President of Wakeup! Pamela Chia, will be available for interviews and photographs. Please advise Sharna McCarthy on 4921 4501 if you will be attending.
Contact: Sharna McCarthy
Phone: 02 4921 4501