Applications Now Open for 2012 Cambridge Aid for Health Simulation!

Harvard Aid for Health Simulation

Applications for the 2012 Cambridge Aid for Health Simulation are now open.  The 2012 Cambridge Aid for Health Simulation brings together students from across disciplines and universities, who are interested in pursuing a career in Global Health or a related field, and want a deeper understanding of the complexities of international aid negotiations. The event will simulate an actual aid negotiation in Botswana, with teams of students “playing the part” of key actors in the international aid landscape and in the Botswanian government and civil society.

As a party to the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and the Millennium Declaration, Botswana committed herself to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), recognizing that gains in areas such as health and education are central to eradicate poverty and enhance the well-being of her people. Whilst overall, Botswana has made progress in achieving the MDGs, a high HIV/AIDS prevalence rate combined with recent economic crises jeopardize the achievement of the MDGs by the 2015 deadline.

The 2012 Cambridge Aid for Health Simulation will be a chance to discuss and propose possible solutions to Botswana’s major health challenges. To that end, participants will be mentored by leading experts in health in Botswana, as well as attend trainings to develop negotiation skills. This means that the Simulation will not only be an exciting way to understand the complexity and depth of international health negotiations, but it will also be an excellent chance to get into contact with leading experts in health and development.

While Aid for Health Simulations were originally developed at the Harvard School of Public Health, the 2012 event will be organized by the Humanitarian Centre, a Cambridge-based independent charity for international relief and development. In bringing the Simulation to Cambridge, the Humanitarian Centre is working closely together with the Harvard Simulation founder, Dr. Manpreet Singh.[1] The 2012 Aid for Health Simulation will take place on March 10th, in the framework of the Humanitarian Centre’s “Global Health Partnerships Exhibition,” which will feature an opening, keynote address by Lord Nigel Crisp (on the evening of March 9th), and a host of dynamic and participatory activities. Addenbrooke’s Abroad, the University of Cambridge Global Health Internship Scheme, and various universities will contribute to the exhibition as partners.

Upon successful completion of the Simulation, all candidates will receive a certificate of participation, signed by a leading expert in health. Whilst people from outside Cambridge are strongly encouraged to apply, they will have to come to Cambridge for the negotiations and an additional training session, the date of which is to be determined. Interested parties are urged to apply as soon as possible, and final admission decisions will be released in November. We are looking forward to applications from candidates with a multiplicity of backgrounds that offer range of skills, expertise and experience reflecting the true diversity and complexity of international health negotiations.

Applications are due 10am, Friday 18  November.