Miriam Mutebi: A whirlwind of back-to-back meetings and late-night discussions at UNGA2024

Miriam Mutebi shared a post on LinkedIn:

“The past few days at the United Nations General Assembly UNGA2024 have been a whirlwind of back-to-back meetings and late-night discussions.

I’ve been so deeply engaged, even skipping posting yesterday!

The Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) sessions have been particularly insightful, with too many great sessions & speakers to put it all down. Former President Clinton aptly emphasized, “CGI was created not just to discuss big issues, but to take concrete steps toward solving them”.

The sessions are facilitated by City Cancer Challenge (C/CAN), and the reason why I am currently in New York presenting as a member of the C/CAN working group – a multi-sectoral cancer care initiative supporting city-led solutions in the design, planning, & implementation of cancer treatment (more on this tomorrow).

I’ve had the privilege of listening to thought leaders and global figures share groundbreaking insights on health, gender, conflict, and our shared responsibility to drive change.

First Lady Jill Biden announced a $500 million plan focused on women’s health, emphasizing that ‘women are not small men’, and should have access to quality care. Prince Harry delivered thought-provoking remarks on emotional intelligence, reminding us that IQ without EQ will always fall short. He also highlighted the need for online safety for children through the work of the Archibald Hope Foundation and Archewell Foundation Parents Network.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus World Health Organization Director General, addressed the devastating impact of conflict in Sudan, where 80% of healthcare infrastructure has been destroyed, stressing that the best medicine is peace. Meanwhile, actor and activist, Matt Damon, emphasized the importance of sustainable models in addressing global health challenges, noting that while philanthropic funding is crucial, it can only go so far.

My C/CAN panel discussion hosted by MedAccess ran late into the night. It centered on improving access to basic cancer medications and health-related products, by addressing system needs around procurement and financing. Innovative and responsive health system approaches are critical for progress.

This year’s UNGA week no doubt reinforces the global commitment to tackling pressing health challenges and building systems prioritizing equity and collective humanity.

Source: Miriam Mutebi/LinkedIn

Miriam Mutebi is a Breast Surgical Oncologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. She is the President of the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), and past president for Kenya Society of Hematology and Oncology (KESHO) and on the Board of Directors of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). She is the co-founder of the Pan African Women’s Association of Surgeons and is part of the Kenya Association of Women Surgeons. She is an avid supporter for the education and support for women, especially in surgery and she aims to provide mentorship for women in surgery and to improve women’s health and surgical care in Africa. She is currently pursuing a pilot’s license in order to extend breast care services to marginalized areas.