Inauguration speech President Lujain Al-Qodmani 2023-2024

WMA General Assembly Speech – Final
Version
Introduction
Your excellency Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Minister of Health of Rwanda, WMA
Executive Committee members, esteemed colleagues, distinguished guests, ladies
and gentlemen, it is both a privilege and an honor to stand before you today in the
beautiful city of Kigali here in Rwanda.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing WMA President, Dr.
Osahon Enabulele for his invaluable service to this organization. I thank the Kuwait
Medical Association for supporting my candidacy for WMA presidency.
I would like to kindly ask my family and friends who crossed thousands of miles to
be here with me today, please stand. Your unwavering support has been my
foundation, and I am deeply grateful for your presence.
A special thank you goes to my parents, Mr. Radwan Alqodmani and Ms. Wafaa
Alobaid, who taught me that the sky is not the limit, but just the beginning.
And to Dr. Michele Ancona, my husband, thank you for being my rock, for supporting
me, and for standing strong by my side.
I am deeply committed to my role as President of the World Medical Association. I
value the trust that you, the members, have placed in me.
Today, I wish to outline some of the key issues we must address as an association.
Gender Equality
In a world where gender disparities are glaring especially in healthcare, it’s time for
action. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we witnessed a shocking ratio: only one
woman was vaccinated for every three men in some countries. This disparity is not
only limited to vaccinations but also extends to maternal healthcare.
I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity I had to receive top-notch maternal
healthcare services when I welcomed my daughter Yasmin into the world this past
February. However, it pains me to acknowledge that this privilege isn’t a universal
reality for countless women across the globe.
Inequalities persist in many corners of the world, and it’s disheartening to know
that according to the WHO, even in the European Union, where women tend to
outlive men, a significant portion of them spend most of their lives in poor health.
These disparities reach well beyond health. It’s estimated that 200 million girls have
undergone female genital mutilation, over 100 million girls are currently out of
school, and a staggering 140 million girls are anticipated to marry before the age of
18 in the coming decade. Consequently, if the current trends continue unchecked, it
will take us more than a century to close the global gender gap.
Recent studies show that a significant majority of the global health and social care
workforce are women, constituting well over half. Despite contributing a
substantial value to the health system, their crucial contributions persistently
remain undervalued. Alarmingly, women hold just a quarter of leadership positions
in healthcare. We witness gender inequity manifest in many ways, from sexual
harassment and gender-based discrimination by both patients and colleagues to a
noticeable gender pay gap and instances of violence within the workplace.
Therefore, the pursuit of gender equality is not merely a moral imperative—it is
integral to the attainment of universal health coverage and is crucial for securing
the health and well-being of all – leaving no one behind. It is essential in addressing
the social determinants of health effectively.
The WMA will persistently advocate for gender equality. This includes fostering
inclusive leadership opportunities within organized medicine and ensuring equal,
high-quality, and safe healthcare services for women and a safe work environment
for women physicians and other healthcare professionals.
Climate Change and Health
Colleagues, we are living in the era of global crises, marked by the Three Cs: climate
change, COVID, and conflict. In 2019, WMA declared a climate emergency,
recognizing the urgency of the situation. The impacts of climate change are already
here and are disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, including
children. An alarming one billion children are impacted by changes in their
environment.
Climate change stands as the paramount threat to public health, presenting
substantial risks to the well-being of present and future generations alike. The
World Bank projects that, by 2030, climate change could plunge over 100 million
people back into extreme poverty, with a considerable portion of this impact being
attributed to detrimental effects on health.
The evidence is irrefutable. We have recently experienced the hottest summer on
record, characterized by extreme heat waves, rampant wildfires, and escalating
ocean temperatures, and other climatic events—many of which are the
consequences of human actions.
Given that we are gathered here in Rwanda, it is crucial to emphasize the immediate
and lasting impacts of these climate-related events in the continent of Africa. The
World Health Organization states that the continent experiences over 100 health
emergencies each year, making up a staggering 70% of all natural disasters
recorded between 2017 and 2021.
Ladies and gentlemen, We are at a tipping point. Accelerated action is needed now
more than ever. WMA will continue to call for divestment away from fossil fuels and
focus on building resilient, sustainable healthcare systems. We can’t afford to wait;
the time for action is now.
Food Systems
The state of our food systems is nothing short of alarming. Diet-related illnesses
have become the number one driver of ill health and premature deaths globally. A
staggering 1 in 5 deaths are linked to unhealthy diets. Nearly 4 billion people, that is
more than one-third of the world’s population, struggle to access healthy diets and 1
in 3 people on the planet is malnourished. This situation is exacerbated by climate
change and the destruction of nature. The human cost is mind-blowing, and the
economic costs are equally devastating. The annual economic burden of unhealthy
diets is up 3.5 trillion USD per year
Hunger is also a critical issue; the number of chronically hungry people is on the
rise, estimated at around 800 million in 2020. The future looks bleak for over 100
million stunted children who will never reach their full potential, both physically
and mentally.
Our current food systems are not only killing us but are also devastating our planet.
They are responsible for about one-third of our total emissions and are the principal
driver of the global extinction crisis, loss of biological diversity, and destruction of
nature.
As physicians and healthcare professionals, we have a significant role to play in
addressing these challenges. We must be proactive in conducting dietary
assessments, providing professional counsel, and supporting education and training.
But most importantly, we must drive major advocacy efforts to transform food
systems for the better.
Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
Now, let’s imagine a world where everyone, everywhere, has access to safe, good-
quality, and free healthcare service whenever needed. This is not a utopian dream; it
is a basic human right that the world is tragically failing to fulfill. The COVID-19
pandemic has underscored and exacerbated existing shortcomings, underscoring
the imperative need for healthcare systems that are robust, equitable, and resilient.
Establishing such inclusive systems is pivotal for achieving Universal Health
Coverage (UHC) and fortifying health security. It contributes to broader
socioeconomic progress and offers an opportunity for more and better-directed
investment in the foundations of health systems. An integrated approach, based on
primary health care, is vital to ensure that no one is left behind.
WMA will continue to urge governments to provide excellent and safe working
conditions and prioritize health worker protections. Decent working conditions
must include fair, equal, consistent, and timely pay for all health workers.
Furthermore, healthcare professionals, especially women and youth, need to be
protected from work-related violence and harassment. We call on governments to
act to prevent and eliminate such brutality by providing an appropriate physical
environment and by developing and implementing zero-tolerance laws.
UHC will not be achieved without a holistic primary healthcare approach. It serves
as the initial point of contact for individuals within the health system, providing a
platform for prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment. It’s a cost-effective
approach that prioritizes equity and accessibility, ensuring that healthcare reaches
the most vulnerable and remote populations. By integrating various healthcare
services, from maternal and child health to chronic disease management, it creates a
patient-centered model that promotes long-term health and well-being for all.
Emerging Technologies and Impact on Medicine
As we embrace the age of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, we
stand at the cusp of a revolution in healthcare. These advancements have the
potential to radically enhance healthcare delivery, diagnostics, and patient
management. However, it is imperative that we approach this new era with caution
to ensure that these technologies serve to improve healthcare, rather than
complicate or compromise it.
WMA will delve into the ethical and practical implications of assimilating these
technologies into healthcare. Attention must be given to data privacy, bias, and the
potential displacement of healthcare workers. As physicians, we have an ethical
responsibility to ensure the transparent and equitable implementation of these
technologies, maintaining adherence to the highest medical ethics and standards.
It is pivotal for WMA to be at the forefront of this transformative era. By pioneering
the incorporation of emerging technologies in healthcare, we can establish
guidelines and protocols that uphold the integrity of medical practice. This leading
role will also empower us to advocate for policies that safeguard both healthcare
professionals and patients, while promoting innovations that enhance the entire
healthcare ecosystem.
Youth
It is a common saying, ‘youth are the future leaders,’ but I find this notion somewhat
constraining. It seems to suggest that the youth should patiently await their turn to
enact significant change.
My journey to the presidency of WMA initiated within the Junior Doctors Network.
It was there that my passion and dedication to advocating for enhanced health
through organized medicine were cultivated. I am determined to stand by and
support the network’s ambitious and innovative members who continually bring
substantial value to our organization.
I am a fervent advocate for intergenerational equality, particularly in leadership
roles. The voices of the younger generation are resounding, potent, and have already
demonstrated their capability to make a substantial impact.
Recognizing the value in this, it’s paramount to appreciate that every generation
brings its unique insights and valuable experiences.
When we all—irrespective of age—work together, we create more effective and
inclusive approaches to healthcare and leadership.
In this cooperative and inclusive environment, we discover a synergy where diverse
perspectives and experiences unite, enabling us to achieve outcomes that are far
richer and more impactful than what we could accomplish individually.
Conclusion
In closing, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Medical Association
of Rwanda for hosting this General Assembly. Thank you for your hospitality,
generosity and welcoming us to your beautiful country.
We stand at a critical juncture—a world in crossroads—as physicians, we bear a
tremendous responsibility to maintain and protect the health and well-being of all
people.
As we look toward the future, let us remember that the practice of medicine is not
just a profession; it is a calling that transcends borders, cultures, and languages. I
take this mantle of leadership humbly, ever mindful of the gravity and importance it
holds to steer this esteemed organization in expanding its reach, impact, and
relevance in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
I feel this responsibility even more now, not just because I have just been
inaugurated to lead the WMA, but also as a new mother to my daughter Yasmin. It
reminds me that the work we do today is not just for us, but for the generations that
follow.
Thank you.