Beyond the Pandemic: Health Systems Change to Protect Children and Adolescents from NCDs

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of health systems around the world. Emergency measures have created barriers to accessing essential services and medicines, with major impacts on children and young people, especially those living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs). As the pandemic continues into the foreseeable future, we must position youth at the center of discussions about preparedness, push for health systems change to protect the most vulnerable, and invest in healthier and more resilient societies.

This discussion will encourage thoughtful dialogue about the health systems changes needed to protect young people, and the importance of engaging young people as active and positive change agents.

Agenda:
10:00 – 10:10 a.m. – Welcome and introductions
10:10 – 10:40 a.m. – Speaker presentations
10:40 – 10:55 a.m. – Q&A and discussions
10:55 – 11:00 a.m. – Closing remarks

Speakers:
Dr. Robert Blum, Johns Hopkins University, USA
Dr. Kerry Kalweit, Youth With Diabetes, South Africa
Dr. Aatekah Owais, SickKids Centre for Global Child Health, Canada
Dr. Simone Spence, Ministry of Health & Wellness, Jamaica

Opening remarks by Dr. Alafia Samuels, NCD Child, Barbados.

Moderated by Paula Knipe, University of the Western Cape, South Africa.

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