International Physicians
for the Prevention of Nuclear War

IPPNW’s World Congresses have always been an opportunity for health professionals and students to meet the people who form our international federation in person, share ideas, and collaborate on future projects. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the IPPNW Medical Student Movement re-imaged the student Congress to meet the needs of the moment. On 30 January and 13 February, over 60 students from 20 countries, including Brazil, Mongolia, Australia and Nigeria, gathered to discuss nuclear disarmament, medical student activism, and how the country chapters can support one another.

During the first session, student representatives shared regional songs, triumphs and challenges to medical student organizing, and plans following the entry into force of the TPNW. Outgoing International Student Representatives (ISRs) Franca Bruggen and Kelvin Kibet shared the highlights of their three-year term. Franca and Kelvin reviewed the progress of programs they started such as the United University Project, the promotion of the Medical Peace Work Courses, and their work to strengthen external partnerships, most notably the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA). See their presentation below. The second session of the Congress featured the election for the incoming ISRs and galvanizing remarks from IPPNW Regional Vice President, Dr. Carlos Umaña (see below). Dr. Umaña highlighted the key role medical and health professionals continue to play in global nuclear disarmament and what students can do in their various regions as we enter the new phase of the Treaty.