Be Brave Be Courageous.

DAY 5 for me as an atendee of both conferences.

Brisbane reminded us that it can rain and rain it has today. 

BE BRAVE BE courageous Was a theme I heard from two very different aspects of the issues up for discussion today.

Presentations discussing how best to harness the power, energy and wisdom of young people towards HIV health promotion engagement, were diverse and interesting. From the voices of young Ugandans, or Australian First Nation youth or same sex attracted young men already somewhat engaged in advocacy the take home messages were; get them interested, ask them what they know now, then ask them to come on board and  lead the way in working out how to engage their peers.But most of all do what they suggest- follow through.

This afternoons BINGO session about Targets for HIV policy once again drew out different opinions on the usefulness and relevance of  targets, one panelsit alluded to the meaning of random numbers anyway.

We heard plausible argument for inspirational targets that can push governing bodies or agencies for visionary levels or can be motivational for aspirations to be more tha "usual practice". Other arguments lauded that aspirational targets miss the current climate of resource limitations and allocation challenges; therefore the setting of targets must be effective. Effectiveness may mean targets based on developed modelling that mobilises resources to areas of most need, regardless of settings. Questions from the floor were thought provoking; what is the alternative? And what about those vulnerable people who do not have a voice to advocate for their issues to be considered.

This is where courage and bravery comes in advocates may need to be the voice of the vulnerable, health professionals may have to be in competition for the same dollars -which disease is more worthy?

Do we teach coleagues , students, managers to take lesons in political health as part of public health advocacy?

A great ending to a stimulating day of excellent information.