26th Annual CCIH Conference

26th Annual Christian Connections for International Health Conference

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SUMMARY

In the 21st Century, two of the greatest forces for change in the world are technology and human passion. On one hand, technology has linked the world together and permitted ordinary individuals to have a global influence that was unimaginable just a few decades ago. At the same time, advances in technology have provided opportunities for individuals and societies to greatly advance human welfare, or, regrettably, do incalculable harm, depending on their choices and actions.

It is in this context that Christians working in international health have unprecedented opportunities as we confront complex global health problems. Most of the challenges we face are not solved solely by medical or technological interventions; instead they require fundamental changes in values and lifestyles of both individuals and society at large.

Consider the roots of major health problems in the world today: the reproductive health problems and domestic violence related to gender discrimination; the chronic diseases related to lifestyles; the inequities in access to affordable, highly effective interventions such as contraceptives, vaccines, and bed nets; the vast amount of malnutrition in a world that has abundant food; the billions who suffer infections because they do not know the basic principles of sanitation.

This is the world where Christians are to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-15), permeating the world with the truth of God’s love, and showing the way He would have us relate to one another. The challenge we face is how, in the settings where we are, can we work to transform cultures – both in local societies and in our institutions – to bring sustainable health, wholeness, and healing to the world?

 

KEY ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED IN THE 2012 CCIH CONFERENCE INCLUDE:

1. What are some examples of disease intervention programs (ORT, immunizations, bed nets, DOTS, etc.) where the approach involved cultural transformation along with the delivery of the intervention?
2. What are some ways of effectively addressing gender issues in the following types of programs: family planning, maternity care, domestic violence, others?
3. How can Christian organizations working in developing countries influence national government policies as it relates to health inequities, gender issues, or other challenges?
4. How is/can technology being/be used in Christian organizations and programming to bring sustainable health, wholeness, and healing to the people we serve?