One of my great achievements has been joining a global movement which is fighting for health equity at Global Health Corps (GHC). I have been inspired by the GHC approach of producing great leaders that are committed to social justice, that collaborate, those that inspire and mobilize others, those that are innovative, result oriented and committed to learning.
Uganda, like any other developing country, is faced with poverty and weak health systems that inevitably lead to health inequity. When I joined GHC, I had no clue on how to contribute to this global movement that was fighting for social justice and health equity. Through the various leadership talks that GHC has organized, I believe there is light at the end of the tunnel for me to make a difference in my community.
Reflections after a few months as a GHC fellow, the issue that continually stands out is a need for leaders that are not only visionary, but also committed, inspired, innovative and result oriented. Five years ago, GHC was a thought, a dream, an idea that was waiting for committed leadership to bring it to fruition. Today GHC exists, because someone dared to not only dream but to act on this dream. The world is full of wonderful ideas, amazing plans that often are just on paper. But it takes commitment and sometimes just acting on such ideas to see them through. Great leaders don’t just talk the talk, but they walk the talk.
Great leaders have uplifted their nations and poor leaders tend to stagnate or destroy their countries. Some countries in Africa, like the DRC, have one of the worst poor health outcomes and yet have richest and most abundant supply of natural resources. 20 years ago, Rwanda, suffered one of the worst genocides the world has witnessed but has managed to rise out of its dungeon and now is one of the most talked about countries that is not only developing economically, but also has improved health indicators. This is all argued to be as a result of great leadership. Cuba is also typifies a country that has medium resources but great health outcomes because of good leadership that recognizes the need for health equity for its people. Health is a human right and leaders that have embraced this concept have greatly improved the health outcomes of the people they lead.
As a GHC fellow working at Clinton Health Access Initiative, I am challenged to step out of my comfort zone, stand out, and become a global health leader that will be at the forefront of this fight for health equity, while learning from others and equally inspiring them. I am left with a mandate to think outside the box and come up with simple innovative solutions that will bring about a lasting health impact felt for generations to come. At GHC, it is imperative that I become a leader that walks the talk.