I have taken on an executive position with a new student group at the University of Alberta. It is a student chapter of an international humanitarian organization called Dignitas International. I initially got interested because of their cycling fundraiser set to happen in a few months but was soon convinced of the importance of their approach to health care delivery. My executive role is taking care of the website but will likely involve myself also with the bike race.

Dignitas International is a medical humanitarian organization with a singular focus: to maximize access to AIDS/TB treatment and prevention through the widespread adoption of community-based care in the developing world. Dignitas brings community-based healthcare to Malawi, Africa, dramatically increasing access to essential HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support for thousands of children and adults. Founded by a group of international health and research experts, Dignitas is led by Dr. James Orbinski, who accepted the 1999 Nobel Peace Prize as International President of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF/Doctors Without Borders).

Dignitas Youth is a program of Dignitas International. Dignitas International recognizes the importance of youth involvement in revolutionizing the international response to the global AIDS pandemic. Dignitas Youth connects students with a network of young global leaders and allows members to see the effects of their efforts through updates from the field. Dignitas Youth has chapters on campuses across Canada joining in the effort to raise awareness regarding the importance of community based care and to assist in providing funds for the organization as it is changing lives as we bring community-based healthcare to Malawi, Africa

The Youth Chapter of Dignitas International at the University of Alberta was founded in 2007 and an executive was established at the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year. Our Chapter is focussed on acheiving three main goals as it starts out.

1. Draw attention to the value of community-based care and action.
2. Promote HIV/AIDS education initiatives and to encourage awareness of such issues among the local, national, and international community.
3. Fundraising events, with a special emphasis on the annual “Race For Dignity” held nationally (across Canada) to raise awareness and funds for Dignitas’ community based care efforts.

Our chapter at the University of Alberta is a great group of students who value the humanitarian effort of Dignitas. If our work strikes a chord with you why don’t you come out to one of our general meetings, meet some great people and pitch in for a worthy cause. While a large proportion of students involved are pursuing careers in medicine there are also many who are not.