The Global Consultation on Vaccine Equity was held virtually on May 4, 2021, by the International Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges, and Universities (IAMSCU) the Ecumenical Consultation on Protocols for Worship, Fellowship, and Sacrament, Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church. The consultation brought leaders, public health professional, scholars, and activists from 5 continents to discuss about the worldwide experiences with the global pandemic of COVID-19 and the new vaccines that are now available. The speakers and participants discussed how educational institutions and healthcare facilities in the Wesleyan and Methodist traditions could promote an equitable distribution and accessibility of the COVID-19 vaccine worldwide.
Main speakers included well known leaders in various parts of the world:
- Bishop Joaquina Nhanala, MDiv (Mozambique)
- Dr. Joshua San Pedro, MD (Philippines)
- Dr. Emmanuel Kodjo Niamkey, MD (Côte d’Ivoire)
- Dr. James Hildreth, MD, PhD (United States)
- Dr. Stephen Hendricks, MPH, DMedSc (South Africa)
- Dr. Young Min Paik, PhD (South Korea)
- Diana Sanchez-Bushong, PhD (United States)
- Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, Hon.Dr. (Germany)
The consultation also involved participants from many other institutions, health organizations, agencies, churches, human rights groups, and communities. As a result of this consultation, IAMSCU will be issuing a Declaration to inform its members on how to contribute to vaccine equity and organize some joint actions. The association is now publicizing the video of the consultation, the Declaration, and other educational materials.
Video: https://echo360.org/media/9f0eb2d6-a390-470b-8b68-6b9396b8ae82/public