Health inequalities arise through social, economic and environmental determinants. By underlining health as a driver and outcome of development, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) is committed to helping countries address major health challenges. To improve health outcomes and promote global awareness and engagement in critical health initiatives, UNDP HIV, Health and Development in Türkiye has collaborated with over two hundred Online Volunteers over the past two years.
"Our team specializes in the development of investment cases for health, spanning non-communicable diseases, tobacco and alcohol control, air pollution, primary health care, health tax revenue and road safety," states Luis D'Souza, Policy Analyst with UNDP HIV, Health and Development, Türkiye.
Investment cases combine institutional context analyses and economic modelling of interventions, which help ministries of health advocate for policy change. Online Volunteers with UNDP HIV, Health and Development have been supporting the initial desk research process for these context analyses, delivering high quality reports and knowledge products.
Lesedi Khutsoane (South Africa) is one of these Online Volunteers and was eager to be part of this UNDP project. "The description of assignment aligned with my interest in helping solve human and environmental health issues."
With her experience as a volunteer with people living with HIV, and an international diploma in health and skincare therapy, Lesedi supported data collection on tobacco and alcohol control, noncommunicable diseases, mental health, nutrition and air pollution for thirty-six countries.
UNDP Türkiye brings together so many interesting people who couldn't be more different from each other, but who all seem to have one common goal: to solve pressing global issues by dedicating their very lives to serving others and making a difference. --Lesedi Khutsoane, Online Volunteer with UNDP, Türkiye
Denis Lucas (Tanzania) is another Online Volunteer supporting the efforts of UNDP in Türkiye by harvesting and cleaning data for health and development investment cases. He brings a background in statistics and experience working on HIV prevention programmes, COVID-19 emergency tasks and gender equality with non-governmental organizations.
Another aim of the project was to develop an economic model for upcoming tobacco investment cases that could quantify the burden and possible economic gain from a package of interventions. With his development economics background, Clement Dumont (France) volunteered for this task.
To assist the team in developing an econometric model to assess the impacts of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) interventions on cancer fatalities in North Macedonia, Clement searched databases, scientific research and empirical evidence.
Collaborating with Online Volunteers has allowed us to tap into a diverse and skilled pool of individuals from around the world who are passionate about global public health. Online Volunteers have supported us in a wide range of projects, from data analysis and research to translation and, communication efforts. --Luis D'Souza, Policy Analyst with UNDP HIV, Health and Development, Türkiye
Online Volunteering is beneficial for both Online Volunteers and host entities. Many Online Volunteers cherish this opportunity to improve their personal and professional skills, develop their networks and influence their career paths.
Being around such talented individuals has inspired me to keep aiming really high academically, personally and professionally. It has helped me push myself to try things I probably never would have, like learning Spanish. Through the experience, I have discovered parts of myself I didn't know existed and I am a better person for having come across the opportunity to volunteer. --Lesedi Khutsoane
As we mark International Volunteer Day (IVD) on 5 December, we thank our Online Volunteers for their contributions and commitment to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
To join this wide community, visit https://www.unv.org/become-online-volunteer.