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2010 RuDASA conference a success
The 2010 conference for the Rural Doctors Association of South Africa took place over the last weekend in August. In a bid to extend awareness of rural issues to the southern African region, it was held in Swaziland this year, and was well attended by representatives of the Swazi Health Ministry, doctors and nurses from all over Africa, as well as a substantial group of South African medical students.
A major focus of the RuDASA conference is to facilitate an annual inspirational gathering of health workers practicing in rural areas across the region - a highly valuable and necessary undertaking, given the isolated nature of their day to day work.
A few highlights
This year, the conference was opened with a keynote address by the Honourable Minister of Health for the Kingdom of Swaziland, Benedict Xaba, who - in his address - identified strategic human resources in health services as a key factor in ensuring equitable access to care in the country. He also enthusiastically declared that he would be awaiting recommendations and feasible strategies for improving rural health in Swaziland.
This was followed by a fascinating presentation by Eric Goemaere of Medicins Sans Frontiers, showcasing 40 years of humanitarian work across the world. Very interesting to see how philosophical approaches to aid have evolved!
Plenaries on the first day focused first on the healthcare system, HIV/Aids epidemic and ARV rollout in Swaziland and, on the second, on healthcare in South Africa and cost factors around the rollout of ARVs in our country.
Breakaway sessions were diverse, ranging from research presentations to demonstrations on snakebite management. A full track was dedicated to human resource issues. AHP delivered no less than three presentations, on recruiting for the Eastern Cape, Swaziland and Lesotho, as well as on Orientation as a retention strategy.
On a lighter note, a gala dinner was held on the Friday night. Here, awards were given for the Rural Doctor and Nurse of the Year, the Rural Doctor of Swaziland and the Lifetime Contribution to Rural Health. Thereafter, the crowds were regaled with a fascinating photographic history of Swaziland, which left no doubts as to the effects of colonialism on the country.
In short, a successful and very organised conference which seemed to be enjoyed and appreciated by all who attended. Well done RuDASA.
