Guy Theodore Wins Gold

Dr. Guy Theodore, a CCIH member, recently received the gold medallion award from the Medical Association of Haiti (MAH). The Prix Docteur Leon Audain is awarded annually to an individual whose work in medical research, medicine, and care of the suffering merits public recognition. In particular, the MAH congratulated Dr. Theodore for his personal engagement and continual devotion to promote and improve the quality of care for the citizens of Pignon through global and integrated development. Dr. Theodore's program at Pignon was described in issue #2 of The CCIH Forum.

International Society for Equity in Health

People from many countries concerned about disparities in health status and health care services are linking to establish an international NGO called the International Society for Equity in Health (ISEH). Although it is a broad-based group, they welcome Christians and people of other faiths, who should be strong advocates of equity. The welfare of the poor and health for all were recurring themes in Jesus' ministry and teachings.

The primary but not exclusive focus of ISEH is on the contributions made by health services as a critical social endeavor. It will promote equity in health and health services internationally, facilitate scientific interchange, advance research, foster leadership networking, and interact with international and regional organizations.

To join this effort or for more information, contact Barbara Starfield, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21205. Email: bstarfie@jhsph.edu. Phone (410) 955-3737.

20th Century Public Health Success

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified "Ten Great Public Health Achievements in the 20th Century" which added 25 years to U.S. life expectancy. They are 1) vaccination, 2) motor-vehicle safety, 3) safer workplaces, 4) control of infectious diseases, 5) decline in deaths from coronary heart disease and stroke, 6) safer and healthier foods, 7) healthier mothers and babies, 8) family planning, 9) fluoridation of drinking water, and 10) recognition of tobacco use as a health hazard.

CCIH would like to identify ten major contributions of Christianity to international health in the 20th century. What would you say? Send your ideas to MartinRS@aol.com.

Christian International Health at APHA

The annual conference of the American Public Health Association (APHA) will be in Chicago, November 7-11, 1999. CCIH is presenting a special session entitled "Pioneering Innovative Approaches to International Health Through Church Programs." Subjects will include: Empowerment for Health and Wholeness Through Community Health Evangelism; Current Issues in Christian International Health; Faith in the Field: Religiously-Motivated Health Activities in the Developing World; and Building Community Capacity through Health Programs -- The Jamkhed Experience.

To Fight AIDS, Call Your Church

A comment on the email listserve of the Interfaith Health Program: "Collaboration between faith groups and health agencies is probably more essential in meeting the global challenge of AIDS than any other single health issue."