[afro-nets] People' Health Assembly 3 (PHA3) Monthly Update 1

Monthly updated - 1

T H I R D P E O P L E ’S H E A L T H A S S E M B L Y

In less than one year, the Third People’s Health Assembly (PHA3) will be taking place in South Africa so it is time to start preparations! Around the world PHM health activists have initiated dialogues and started mobilization towards PHA3. Regular updates on the mobilisation and preparation will published on the PHM website and PHA3 facebook page.

Background on the People’s Health Assembly

During the first PHA in Bangladesh in 2000, the People’s Health Movement (PHM) was born and the People’s Charter for Health created, through input from health activists from all over the world. Over 1500 participants from more than 70 countries came together and sent the following vision into the world:

Equity, ecologically‐sustainable development and peace are at the heart of our vision of a better world ‐ a world in which a healthy life for all is a reality; a world that respects, appreciates and celebrates all life and diversity; a world that enables the flowering of people's talents and abilities to enrich each other; a world in which people's voices guide the decisions that shape our lives.

As the PHA3 is approaching, momentum towards the Assembly is being built. PHM activists have not been sitting still. In the past months the following has been happening:

- Join the PHA3 facebook<https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/PHA3.global/&gt;group to stay updated on preparatory events taking place around the world. Share your activities and ideas with the whole movement, build bridges and learn from other initiatives.

- Information brochures on PHM and the PHA3 are available in English, Spanish, French and Arab and can be found on the PHA3 facebook page. They can also be requested by emailing PHA3@phmovement.org . Feel free to use these to create a ‘local’ PHA3 brochure by adding pictures and a locally inspired lay out.

- Download the PHA3 slideshow<http://www.slideshare.net/PHA3/pha3-introduction&gt;presentation which can be adjusted to your local context and use it to inform organisations and health activists about the PHM and PHA3.

Medical students have organised a contest for African activists and students to design a PHA3 Logo. For more information visit the Facebook page<https://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=136229696468149&gt;or contact
PHA3logo@gmail.com .

This is an opportunity to showcase the spirit of Africa to the world, its diversity, music, colours, people and values of community. Key words for inspiration are: People, Health, Climate Change, Education, Globalisation, Celebration, Africa, Music and life.

- Medical Student mobilisation: organising discussions amongst students on the PCH and linking with other PHM student groups nationally and internationally as well organising a contest for the development of the PHA3 Logo. A facebook group has been set up: Students for the People’s Charter for Health. <https://www.facebook.com/groups/PeoplesCharter/&gt;

If you have any additional ideas or would like to start setting up something similar or connect with other theme or mobilisation groups around the world contact PHA3@phmovement.org .

Other countries which have started PHA3 activities and discussions are Zimbabwe, Kenya, Pakistan, Togo, Niger, Congo Brazzaville, Italy, Belgium and many others. Let us know what is happening in your country and it will be shared through this monthly update!

Regional mobilisation

In the Africa region, various pre- PHA3 mobilisation activities have begun and in attempt to have coordinated efforts towards the assembly, mobilisation committees have been set up.

Four sub-regional committees have been formed: West Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa and Central. Contacts of PHM members exist in the following countries:
West Africa: Ghana, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin, Sierra Leone, Gambia and Senegal
East Africa: Tanzania, Kenya, Djibouti, Rwanda, Uganda and Ethiopia
Southern Africa: Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana, Malawi, Angola and South Africa
Central Africa: Cameroun, Gabon, DRC and Congo.

A regional mobilisation committee will be developed from representatives of these sub-regions aiming to support national initiatives and bring regional health issues to the foreground in PHA3 discussions.

Third People's Health Assembly - July 2012 - Cape Town Join the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/PHA3.global/

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Anneleen De Keukelaere
mailto:anneleen@phmovement.org