April 12, 2011 SFP Studio held its second inaugural event featuring Dr. Thomas Burke, a tireless advocate for women and children’s health around the world.

Dr. Thomas Burke, spoke about “Healing Southern Sudan.” He shared the stories of the 200 brave and determined medical students at the University of Juba, College of Medicine in Southern Sudan who, just a year ago, found themselves with no classrooms, no teaching materials, six books, and one part time instructor. These students, malnourished and forgotten amidst the rubble of war, stood as the nation’s only hope for doctors.

Dr. Burke also shared his experiences working with these students and helping them to implement the innovative Maternal, Newborn, and Child Survival program that directly and ambitiously addresses the worst maternal and infant health situations on our planet.

Dr. Thomas Burke, MD, FACEP, is chief of the MGH Division of Global Health and Human rights and faculty at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Burke’s efforts through his Division have been principally focused on women and children’s health and human rights. Current and recent past programs include efforts in Zambia, Liberia, Southern Sudan, Mali, Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. Additionally, the Division is developing a community peace index as well as embarking on action-based research on sex trafficking of girls and women on several continents. Dr. Burke serves as advisor or member to several boards, including Americans for UNFPA, the Bianca Jagger Foundation for Human Rights.

You can visit his websites www.ujenzi.organd www.mghglobalhealth.org to learn more.