Leicester student wins Global Health Essay Prize 2009

A third-year medical student at the University of Leicester has won the Global Health Essay Prize 2009, part of the assessment of the 'Health and Development Special Study Module' that Skillshare International has delivered in partnership with Leicester Medical School since 2002

Andy King's essay presented a critical reflection on the barriers of HIV prevention and control in Africa. Focusing on Uganda and Botswana it highlighted how religious orthodox practices are limiting the use of condoms as an effective preventative measure.

In his essay Andy argued that orthodoxy within religious groups is not dominant, there are also progressive groups within churches. Therefore it is important to work with religious groups that are open to find new ways and more appropriate interventions to support the fight against HIV.

The essay concludes that close collaboration with churches is important for implementing effective measures to prevent and control HIV.

Andy King commented:  "I was so excited to have the opportunity to take a course like this whilst at medical school and I'm honoured to have been awarded a prize for my essay. It was fantastic to work with an organisation like Skillshare and consider such complex issues in such detail. I think an international view on health is essential regardless of where you study and this SSM has really promoted a consideration of these issues amongst medical students."

Dr Adrian Hastings who is the module leader for the Leicester Medical School said: "We were very pleased that the importance of global health to the education of the large number of medical students interested in this vital topic has been recognised in this way. 

"However, the SSM is only taken by 7% of the students at Leicester.  The General Medical Council now requires that all students be able to discuss from a global perspective the determinants of health and disease and variations in healthcare delivery and medical practice.  The challenge for UK medical schools is how to introduce this teaching into the Core Curriculum."

Andy King received his prize from the Secretary of State for International Development (DFID) Douglas Alexander MP, during a recent visit to the East Midlands to promote DFID's new funding for the Fair Trade Foundation. 

Raul Pardinaz-Solis from Skillshare, who coordinates the Special Study Module in his role as Development Awareness Officer, said: "It was a great opportunity for our work in development awareness in health to be acknowledged by Douglas Alexander, particularly when development education is under criticism from outside and within the sector.

"Andy's essay explores a very controversial issue around the impact of religious orthodoxy on the control of HIV in Sub Sahara Africa and it was great to hear that Mr Alexander enjoyed reading it and that he recognises the work Skillshare International is doing in development awareness. We are building a constituency of young professionals who have an understanding of international development issues, which will benefit us all in the future".