Geneva Health Forum 2008

The International Geneva Forum: Towards Global Access to Health is jointly organized by the University Hospitals of Geneva and the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Geneva, in partnership with the major international organizations active in health in Geneva and around the world. The upcoming Forum focuses specifically on `Strengthening Health Systems and the Global Health Workforce.' It will take place at the International Conference Centre of Geneva, Switzerland, from 25 to 28 May 2008.

The year 2008 is the 30th anniversary of the Alma Ata Declaration. This Declaration was adopted at the International Conference on Primary Health Care in Almaty, presently in Kazakhstan, 6-12 September 1978. It expressed the need for urgent action by all governments, all health and development workers, and the world community to protect and promote the health of all the people of the world. It was the first international declaration underlining the importance of primary health care.

The 2008 Forum offers a special occasion to revisit the primary health care model within the current health services context, marked by the increasing burden of chronic diseases and HIV/AIDS, the potential of new drugs and technologies, and the growing role of the private sector and global health initiatives. Health systems cannot be addressed without a critical look at the current crisis of the global health workforce. The Forum will focus on key initiatives and best practices that address issues such as motivation, working environment, migration, and gaps in competencies. The role that universities, hospitals, and training institutions can play in this domain will be reviewed in light of innovative partnerships and programmes.

FORUM SECRETARIAT
Geneva Health Forum
Department of Community Medicine and Primary Care, HUG
Tel.: +41 22 3729672 or +41 22 3729658
Fax: +41 22 3729626
E-mail: info.genevahealthforum@hcuge.ch