THEME
Tobacco- its Burden on Health and Society
Tobacco
smoking is currently one of the most important causes of preventable
deaths in the world, with 5 million people dying of tobacco-related
diseases each year. Asia has been some of the the greatest increases in
tobacco consumption over the past few decades, and with its huge
market, has long been a target of cigarette exorts fro the West.
Many studies have shown that a large proportion of household
expenditure in low income countries arises from tobacco, leaving these
vulnarable families with less to spend for basic necessities such as
food, education and health care. Tobacco is a major contibutor
to increasing poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition and premature
death. Second hand smoke has also been demonstrated to be a direct
cause of many respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Our
role as internationally aware medical students in Asia should not only
be to address this problem that cuts through national boundaries,
cultures and societies-- but also to contribute, with action, to the
implementation of health promotion initiatives in our communities.The
distinct advantage of AMSA is our diversity- bringing discussion and
debate, which in turn will inspire and benefit anti-tobacco initiatives
in our own countries.
ACTIVITIES (23/7/06-30/7/06)
Day 1 - welcoming party
Day 2 - opening ceremony, lecture, talk, city tour, opening dinner
Day 3 - paper presentation, booth competition, interview with ex-smoker
Day 4 - lecture, patient interview and clinical demonstration
Day 5 - lecture, clinical visit, city tour
Day 6 - cultural bazaar, social service
Day 7 - group discussion, closing ceremony, cultural night
Day 8 - post conference tour