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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Pratisha Budhiraja, MS, MPH1, Ann Davis, MPH2, Nancy Partika, MPH3, Gerald H. Ohta4, Talita Bowen, MPH3, Rome Esperanza, MPH3, and Kim Birnie3. (1) Hawaii Public Health Association, 345 Queen Street, Suite 601, Honolulu, HI 96814, 808-586-8159, hpha@hawaii.rr.com, (2) University of Hawaii's Globalization Research Center, 1580 Makaloa Street, Suite 970, Honolulu, HI 96814, (3) Hawai'i Public Health Association, 345 Queen Street, Suite 601, Honolulu, HI 96814, (4) Affirmative Action Office, State of Hawai`i Department of Health/Hawai`i Public Health Association, P.O. Box 3378, Honolulu, HI 96801-3378
Traditionally, the Hawai‘i Public Health Association’s (HPHA) Annual Meetings had been one day events with approximately 100 attendees limited to organizations from Hawai‘i. However, because Pacific Islands are geographically isolated from each other and from the global public health arena, HPHA endeavored to create an opportunity to share ideas, issues, and strategies among Pacific Island nations. This year’s conference was designed to promote discussion of public health issues specific to the islands; to share strategies for better public health infrastructure, policy, and training; and to facilitate networking among Pacific Island health professionals. Integrating both Pacific and global perspectives, it featured international, national, Pacific, and Hawai‘i speakers.
Establishing funds and a commitment to the planning process were the first important tasks in the process. An all volunteer planning committee, composed of HPHA members and Hawai‘i public health professionals, secured funding, designed conference objectives and themes, and reviewed over 100 received abstracts.
Over ten Pacific Island nations were represented both as presenters and participants. Additionally, representation from WHO, APHA, CDC, and UNICEF provided a strong global contingent, and gave attendees an opportunity to network not only among their Pacific Island colleagues but also to showcase their strengths, beliefs, and experiences to a global audience. The venue facilitated dialogue to broaden and strengthen public health strategies in the Pacific and laid the foundation for continued collaboration.
The second annual Global Public Health Conference is planned for June 4-6, 2003.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Asian and Pacific Islander, Global Education
Related Web page: www.hawaiipublichealth.org
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.