In an invaluable discussion that delves into the intersection of healthcare and global impact, Rotary Family Health & AIDS Prevention (RFHA) had the privilege of engaging in a one-on-one conversation with Rotary International President Gordon R. McInally.

As the leader of Rotary for the 2023-24 term and a distinguished Rotary member since 1984, President McInally brings a wealth of experience and passion for healthcare initiatives. Trained in dental surgery, he has not only operated his own dental practice but has also been actively involved in various roles, including serving as a presbytery elder and commissioner to the general assembly of the Church of Scotland.

RFHA seized this invaluable opportunity to discuss critical topics such as the intersection of improved healthcare and stronger communities, the pivotal role of RFHA in Rotary's mission, and the organization's contribution to building resilient healthcare infrastructure. 

Crucially, President McInally touches upon the significant challenge of mental health awareness and stigma, revealing Rotary's commitment to erase the stigma and create open dialogues.

Join us in this exclusive dialogue, unraveling the dynamic relationship between healthcare, peace, and Rotary's global mission.

Q1. Could you share your insights on how improved healthcare contributes to building stronger communities and societies?

We all understand the challenges that inadequate healthcare poses within communities and societies. It not only strains resources but also leads to unnecessary suffering. Health stands as a fundamental pillar of development, encompassing both physical and mental well-being. While physical health is crucial, I place particular emphasis on mental health. It's vital to recognize mental health as equally significant. 

A healthier community is undeniably a better, happier, and more accomplished one. This, in turn, aligns with the overarching concept of peace, as a healthier community tends to be a more peaceful one. Being a staunch advocate for peace, especially in today's world, I find RFHA's commitment and achievements profoundly important and commendable.

Q2: How do you perceive the role of RFHA in the broader context of Rotary's mission?

I believe that RFHA is integral to the context of Rotary's mission. It serves as a catalyst, bringing together individuals with expertise and a genuine passion for the cause. This collaboration extends beyond the boundaries of Rotary, encompassing individuals both within and outside our organization. Particularly within Rotary, RFHA gathers those with a specific interest, uniting them to contribute to various initiatives, notably the Rotary Family Health Days. In its simplest form, I view RFHA as a fundamental partner to Rotary due to its ability to mobilize individuals with a shared interest and significant expertise in the subject matter.

Q3: Considering areas without proper hospitals or easy access to healthcare, how do you envision RFHA contributing to building a more resilient healthcare infrastructure?

Looking ahead, RFHA can further contribute by leveraging the strong foundation they've already established. Their exceptional knowledge base and the ability to reach remote areas are key strengths. The unique approach of bringing healthcare directly to communities, rather than requiring people to travel, is a significant aspect to build upon. Moreover, RFHA has successfully forged impactful partnerships, including the one with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, showcasing the potential of collaborative efforts. 

The exciting prospect lies in the continuation of such partnerships and collaborative working, where diverse skills are combined for greater impact. Essentially, it's about building on past successes and ensuring that healthcare remains accessible in areas where immediate access might be a challenge. RFHA's commitment to taking healthcare to the people, particularly those without proximity to an emergency room, is a vital aspect of their ongoing work.

Q4: How can organizations like RFHA, working with Rotary, contribute to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity in healthcare initiatives?

Rotary, including organizations like RFHA, can actively promote diversity, inclusion, and equity by embodying these values in their actions. Rotary, as an organization, is committed to being diverse, equitable, and inclusive. It's crucial to recognize existing disparities in healthcare provision, particularly in parts of the developing world where access is challenging. The key is to proactively address these inequities by ensuring that healthcare delivery is more equitable. The focus should be on reaching those who need assistance the most, irrespective of factors like gender or any other distinguishing factor. It's about practicing what we advocate for and making a positive impact on healthcare accessibility globally.

Q5: You've emphasized the interconnectedness of peace and healthcare. Could you elaborate more on reaching areas of conflict through organizations like RFHA? Given the complexity of conflict zones, how can healthcare initiatives contribute to preventing conflicts and fostering peace?

The link between peace and healthcare is profound. While organizations like RFHA may not have the power to stop wars, they play a crucial role in prevention, a concept deeply embedded in Rotary's DNA. We can prevent conflicts by addressing societal issues and improving healthcare. Inequities in healthcare provision often serve as potential flashpoints for conflict. 

Similar to the concept of prevention being better than cure in healthcare, preventing conflicts from the ground level is essential. It's akin to a vaccination campaign, where we inoculate communities against conflict triggers by enhancing their overall well-being. Just as in healthcare, if we can improve mental health and well-being, we can likely reduce conflicts, as many conflicts, both large and small, stem from poor mental well-being. In essence, building peace through healthcare initiatives becomes a preventive measure against potential conflicts.

Q6: How can we address this lack of mental health awareness and the stigma attached to mental health, especially in communities where it's often dismissed or considered taboo?

Erasing the stigma around mental health is a crucial first step, and it's one of the key objectives we're focusing on this Rotary year. Creating an open dialogue and fostering an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their mental health concerns is essential. Even within Rotary Clubs, we're working towards making them safe spaces where members can freely discuss their feelings.

In a global organization like Rotary, with 1.4 million members, statistics indicate that a significant number—about 70,000 members—may be experiencing poor mental well-being. We need to encourage conversations about mental health, making it as acceptable as discussing a physical ailment. There's a notable Mental Health First Aid program originating from Rotary in Australia, addressing how to initiate and handle conversations about mental health. This program is gaining traction globally within Rotary, helping to break down barriers and eliminate the stigma associated with mental health. The goal is to foster a culture where discussing mental health is as commonplace as discussing any other health issue, ultimately dismantling the age-old taboos that surround it.

Q7. Could you share a specific personal experience or instance where a healthcare initiative has brought about positive change?

There are a couple of instances that have left a lasting impact on me. In Kenya, I had the opportunity to be part of a dental initiative just before the pandemic hit. During this initiative, we provided dental care to a village in rural Kenya, significantly improving the oral health of the community. Another notable experience was in Rwanda, where I worked with child victims of the late 1990s genocide. In communities where healthcare, living conditions, and overall well-being were poor, we implemented a more holistic approach. By lifting these individuals up, we not only improved their health but, more crucially, instilled in them a sense of self-respect and the potential for a self-sustaining future. I firmly believe that the focus should be on creating self-sustaining communities rather than providing mere handouts, as it fosters greater self-respect—a fundamental aspect of health and well-being.

These experiences align seamlessly with RFHA's mission and the significance of initiatives like Rotary Family Health Days, demonstrating that our focus should extend beyond immediate relief to building enduring, empowered communities. 

This interview highlights the collaborative efforts steering impactful healthcare initiatives, and we express our sincere gratitude to President McInally for generously sharing his profound insights. 

Stay tuned for an engaging exploration of healthcare, and RFHA’s pivotal role in shaping a brighter and healthier future. Be the first to find out about the latest Rotary Family Health Day updates in 2024 by subscribing to our newsletter. 

To learn more about RFHA’s work and impact, download our 2023-23 annual report now.