Photovoice, developed by Caroline Wang, Dr. P.H., M.P.H. and Mary Ann Burris, Ph.D., supplies people with cameras and offers them the opportunity to photograph their lives as they see and experience them. Using a participatory action research strategy, Photovoice incorporates three goals that allow people 1) to document and reflect upon their personal and community strengths, 2) to engage in dialogue about personal and community issues through analysis and discussions of photographs, 3) to communicate with policy makers. First, this project will identify and recruit local and international health care workers and leaders from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) to serve as a group with political power to change adverse conditions and address pertinent health issues in the Afghan refugee camps in northern Pakistan. Second, a group of seven to ten self-selected refugees will enroll in the four week Photovoice program. Third, the group of participants will be introduced to the Photovoice methodology and themes: health status, environmental conditions, and quality of life, which will guide their picture taking. Once cameras have been distributed and photographs have been developed, the group will come together and select and contextualize photographs and codify issues and themes that transcend individual photographs. Lastly, the participants will share their photographs and experience will local and international health care workers and leaders from NGO’s. Issues depicted in photographs will be presented along with a discussion of ways pictures can be used to further impact regional and international policy.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) will be able to: 1. Identify key issues impacting overall health status of Afghan refugees in northern Pakistan. 2. Discuss policies concerning refugee health issues including humanitarian assistance and human rights. 3. Articulate the benefits and challenges of a participatory action research strategy.
Keywords: International Health, Refugees
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.