Accordia Global Health Foundation’s recent roundtable reception generated plenty of food for thought.
By Kinne Chapin
Accordia Executive Director Carol Spahn and Accordia International Council members Aimee Falchuk and Nancy Brady. Photo by Jeremy Norwood.
Due to the devastating impacts of malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, the healthcare system of Sub-Saharan Africa is under continuous strain. But increasing the healthcare capacity of this region is the goal of the Accordia Global Health Foundation–and it’s difficult to imagine a more worthy one. As a part of their 2011 Celebration of Partnership, Accordia sponsored a a Congressional roundtable to stimulate discussion about the critical need to improve health outcomes in Africa through public and private sponsorships. The roundtable also considered suggestions from the region itself, as Accorida had held a summit in Uganda the month before.
Though the official debate ended with the roundtable, thoughtful discussion continued at an elegant reception for attendees hosted by His Excellency François Delattre, Ambassador of France, and Mrs. Sophie L’Hélias-Delattre. Ambassador Delattre, who was recognized by Accordia as the 2011 Celebration of Partnership Diplomatic Chair, welcomed guests such as award-winning filmmaker Susan Koch and philanthropist Anne Totah, as well as Accordia President Dr. Warner Greene and Dr. Lawrence Altman from The New York Times.
Though the crisis of health in Africa is still both urgent and daunting, it is comforting to know that such an intelligent and varied group of individuals is dedicated to solving it. Luckily, Accordia Global Health Foundation will continue to foster such discussion in the future.
Accordia Celebration of Partnership Co-Chair and International Council member Sheila C. Johnson presents an East African vessel to His Excellency François Delattre, Ambassador of France. Photo by Jeremy Norwood.
Accordia President Dr. Warner Greene and Dr. Lawrence Altman of The New York Times. Photo by Jeremy Norwood.
Sandy Masur; Scott Spector, Co-Founder, Kodiak Properties, and Accordia International Council member; and to Accordia 2011 Diplomatic Chair and evening's host, His Excellency François Delattre. Photo by Jeremy Norwood.
Gregg Alton, Executive Vice President, Corporate and Medical Affairs, Gilead Foundation; Dr. Hank McKinnell, Chairman of Accordia’s Board of Directors, former Chairman and CEO of Pfizer Inc., and Celebration of Partnership Co-Chair. Photo by Jeremy Norwood.
