Angela Benson
Introduction:
00:08 Intro Admiral & Felix and cooperation to another RAG within Rotary - Rotarian Action Group for Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health.
Interesting news:
00:43 Admiral chocolate and cocoa trees being affected by climate crisis.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/21/eu-chocolate-climate-breakdown-crisis-report
02:50 Introduction Guest Angela Benson.
Dr. Angela Benson is a medical doctor and public health specialist with decades of experience in child, maternal, and family health. She currently serves as Chair of the Rotarian Action Group for Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health.
A graduate of the A.M. Dogliotti College of Medicine at the University of Liberia, Dr. Benson also holds a Diploma in Child Health from the National University of Ireland and a Master’s in Public Health from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, with a specialization in maternal and child health.
Throughout her career, she has held senior technical and leadership roles with UNICEF and WHO, working across more than 40 countries in the African region. From immunization and gender-sensitive programming to emergency health response and systems strengthening, her work has helped shape critical public health strategies at national and regional levels.
Dr. Benson has published in areas ranging from pediatric oncology to health system reform post-Ebola, and continues to teach community medicine in Liberia. She is also the founder of the Global Health Innovations and Action Foundation and Benson Hospital in Monrovia, both focused on delivering equitable and compassionate healthcare for women and children.
03:09 Angela, let’s start with your story. What first brought you into Rotary, and what led you to focus on health, especially for women and children?
05:45 Maternal and child health risks?
07:05 You now lead the Rotarian Action Group for Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health. What does this work mean to you, and why is it so important for the future of communities?
11:24 How to support women in need in places where it is very hard to support them?
15:05 We’re hearing more and more about how the environment and health are connected. From your perspective, how do things like climate change or pollution affect the health of mothers and children?
21:10 Have you worked on or seen a project where improving environmental conditions, like clean water, safe energy, or better sanitation, made a real difference for maternal and child health?
25:50 These are complex challenges. How can Rotary, Rotaract, and everyday people be part of the solution, even if they aren’t doctors or climate experts?
31:35 What have you seen as the most effective ways to support mothers and newborns, especially when resources are limited?
36:25 If you could leave us with one message, especially for young people who care about health and the planet, what would it be?
Good news & Positive ending
41:21 Felix: There has been sightseeing of new animal
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czx0kn124w0o
43:10 Admiral: Discussing the release of movie named Ocean, talks about health of our oceans and the role of Sir David Attenborough
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0wjxg0ex1o
45:59 To end on a humorous note, during an event saw King Charles attending the premiere of Sir David Attenborough's Ocean. During the event, the King humorously remarked to Sir David, "I can't believe your 99th birthday is on Thursday," highlighting the broadcaster's remarkable longevity and continued dedication to environmental causes.
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