Projects

IHAN’s Maternal Child Health Programs
Eradication of common preventable childhood diseases and maternal neonatal tetanus;

Examination for infectious diseases, joint and bone diseases, gastrointestinal parasites and skin lesions;

Education of families and communities about public health issues such as hygiene, waste disposal, clean water and reproductive health; Expanding the public health network by renovating health facilities and supplying health care providers with the necessary

Additional Programs

2013-2019

IHAN sponsored teams of promising young medical students from the University of Notre Dame, Australia who are committed to gender equity to participate in the annual Commission on the Status of Women at United Nations HQ.

2013

IHAN Visits Ghana and Works with OIC International

July 11,2013

Earlier this year members of the IHAN Team visited Ghana and worked closely with OIC International. During the trip to Ghana, IHAN members including IHAN President, Sorosh Roshan, M.D., attended the OIC International Youth Summit. There they met with many aspiring, talented youths who are involved with OIC International in Ghana. Established in 1971, OIC International in Ghana provides training in vocational skills and offers counseling, job-placement, and follow-up services to disadvantaged, unskilled, and unemployed Ghanaian youth. OIC Ghana is a nationally recognized organization operating in the Greater Accra Region, the Western Region, the Asanti Region, Eastern Region and Brong Ahalfo Region, as well as Kumasi and Gyedu. Also during the trip the IHAN Team was introduced to several wonderful people including the Azari family and their two award winning children Salar and Kathayoon.

Africa is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world. However, the phenomenon of jobless growth, combined with the world’s youngest population, threatens progress. Youth employment is an economic issue for Africa. The lack of decent livelihood opportunities is one of the driving forces behind violence and organized crime. IHAN’s work in Ghana along with OICI Ghana seeks to strengthen the opportunities of the youth as well as reinforcing community values. The continent is full of an impressive pool of talented and creative youth and individuals. The ultimate goal is to establish and maintain a strong, self-reliant and prosperous Africa. This objective can only transpire by providing jobs to youths and promoting successful models of democracy and development.

In Ghana and across the African continent, young African entrepreneurs are successfully conceptualizing and implementing innovative solutions to key challenges facing their countries. At the OIC International Youth Summit in Ghana, IHAN team members where privileged to be able to listen to several youths speak about their successes and experiences as young entrepreneurs.

Despite having one of the fastest growing economies in the world, the future for many youths throughout the continent is bleak. If jobless growth continues, young Africans will continue to find themselves unemployed or, more frequently, underemployed in informal jobs. Creating employment is the biggest hurdle that African nations will have to overcome moving forward. Many who are working have very low earnings, which often translate to low productivity. Several speakers at the OIC Youth Convention held at Ghana spoke about these very circumstances facing aspiring youth today. Through training in vocational skills, counseling, job-placement, and follow-up services to disadvantaged, unskilled, and unemployed Ghanaian youth, IHAN’s involvement with OIC is making a difference in Ghana.

The economy of Ghana has a diverse and rich resource base and one of the highest income levels in Africa. It is also one of the top-ten fastest growing economies in the world and the fastest growing on the continent. Despite this, approximately sixty percent of Ghana’s unemployed can be found in the 15-24-age group. The Government of Ghana is focusing its efforts on encouraging young adults to take advantage of the technical and vocational opportunities offered in its Skills Training Programs such as those provided by OIC International. At the Youth Summit several incentives were designed to encourage Ghanaians abroad to take advantage of opportunities at home and, in the words of President John D. Mahama, “bring back home the experiences they have acquired over the years abroad.”

One of the main arguments made at the summit was the importance of the private sector and the collaboration between the Ghanaian government to ensure the development of jobs for the youth. Unemployment remains one of the greatest challenges in Africa, especially for the youth and young adult population. In order to enhance productivity, stimulate competitiveness and bring about economic development, the private sector must take the lead in offering a path for training and job development. Indigenous companies and Job creation remedies must be accomplished through the collaborative efforts of both the public and private sectors. In particular, the government must partner with the private sector to train Ghana’s youth in employable skills so that they can gain employment. The Government must also promote entrepreneur training to create jobs and growth for the economy. The Youth Summit brought business leaders and policymakers together and provided perspectives on how the private sector can address chronic youth unemployment on the African continent.

IHAN’s trip to Ghana was both enlightening and rewarding. By collaborating with OIC International of Ghana, IHAN became part of a life-changing organization that provides much-needed assistance and education to disadvantaged, unskilled, and unemployed Ghanaian youth. Not only are vocational skills, counseling, job-placement, and follow-up services provided to the youth involved with OIC International, but together we worked with the Ghanaian private sector and the government to ensure job development for the Ghanaian youth. IHAN is truly making a positive difference worldwide.

United for a Culture of Peace Through Interfaith Harmony: February 14, 2013 held at the United Nations Headquarters. The event was a combination of discussions, prayers, and flag presentations. Speaker after speaker reiterated the benefits of religious tolerance and its influence on conflict resolution. The symphonies of peace prayers illuminated the nonviolent qualities of faiths spanning from Bahá’í and Buddhist to Sikh and Zoroastrian. The presentation of the flags of each of the 193 UN Member states concluded the event equally harmoniously as it began and accentuated the progress the world has made through peace. “A moment of Peace can and shall Save the World.” -Sri Chinmoy

Held on March 9, 2013: CSW Side EventFordham U, Institute for Women & Girls, IHAN Fordham University NYC in the Pope Auditorium.

Held on March 11, 2013: CSW Side EventIHAN & GMCoP in the Church Center of the UN.

Held on March 13, 2013: CSW Side Event NGO Health Committee & IHAN

2012

Commission on the Status of Woman: Empowerment of Rural Woman. February 27 to March 9, 2012. During the 56th Annual Commission on the Status of Women Conference, IHAN was able to participate in three side events all dealing, in one way or another, with the priority theme, “the empowerment of rural woman and their role in poverty and hunger eradication, development, and current challenges.”

RIO+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development June 2012. Held on 17 June 2012, our event entitled “Without Water There is No Life- Educational Component,” brought together educators, leaders of peace movements, and young activists to speak about the role of education in the promotion of sustainable living and sustainable development. Our Moderator was Board Member Dr. Fred Stutman. Participants on our panel included IHAN First VicePresident Dr. Suzanne Stutman, Dr. Dawn Digrius, Nadira NajibPhD Student, Stevens Institute of Technology, Jean-Paul Affana Affana- Coordinator, Rio+20 Global Youth Music Contest, and Dr. Tao-Tze Hong- President, Federation of World Peace and Love. The event was well attended and many individuals from around the globe were moved by the message we provided; that it is imperative that education be at the foundation of improving health, well-being, and standards of living worldwide.

2011

November 14, 2011 at Stevens Institute of Technology IHAN participated in the general equality seminars, spreading the message regarding international issues affecting woman and children to many radio talk shows and television programs.

2010

Melbourne, Australia: Attended the 63rd UN DPI/NGO Conference: “Advance Global Health: Achieve the MDGs”; IHAN sponsored a workshop titled: Intergenerational Dialogue on Global Health from Birth to Maturity.
Izmar, Turkey: IHAN honored Senel Aksu
New York, UN: 54th Session of the Commission on The Status of Women titled: Beijing + 15, took place. IHAN held side event titled: Beijing & Beyond: Education for Girl Child & Women.

2009

Mexico City, Mexico: Attended the 62st UN DPI/NGO Conference: “For Peace and Development: Disarm Now.”, IHAN held a workshop
New York, UN: 53rd Session of the Commission on The Status of Women titled: Equal Sharing of Responsibilities, took place. IHAN held a side event titled: Women, HIV/ AIDs & Poverty.

2008

Paris, France: Attended the 61st UN DPI/NGO Conference: “Reaffirming Human Rights: The Universal Declaration at 60”
New York, UN: 52nd Session of the Commission on The Status of Women titled: Financing for Success and Security, too place. IHAN held a side event titled: Financing Wealth for Better Health.

2007

Chitravadi Village, Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu, India In collaboration with Dr. G. Perumal, December 8-13, 2007
The International Health Awareness Network is a 503C voluntary organization dedicated to improving the health of women and children, especially in developing countries. As a small organization, we work with partners who have dedicated themselves to compatible goals. IHAN will support health education projects, with local collaboration, that are targeted to meet the needs and respond to deserving local issues.

At its recent meeting, the IHAN board decided to support the work of the SVP Trust for Rural Reconstruction in Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu India. The Trust was established by Dr. G. Perumal, a retired agricultural extension professor from Madras Agricultural University to work for the benefit of people living in the rural area of his home district. It works in collaboration with the people of this area to improve their lives and living conditions. The project is described below.

We invite you to participate in this undertaking by sending your tax-deductible contribution, earmarked for this project, to:

The International Health Awareness Network (www.ihan.org),
160 West 66th Street, Suite 57 B, New York, NY 10023.

We appreciate your joining with us in this important venture.

July 7, Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelt Institute Toward An Arm Treaty

2006

PEACE PROJECT OF HWACHEON COUNTY, SOUTH KOREA
Dr. Roshan, the president of IHAN, was invited to participate in the planning committee for the Bell Park of World Peace Project, which was sponsored by Hwacheon County, October 12-15 , 2006 in Seoul, Korea.

The Bell of Peace for Life will be cast out of shells that were actually used in warfare. Empty bullets shells from countries with a history of military conflicts will be melted to create 9,999 Kwan and the last Kwan of the Bell will be added finally in Korea, where the last divided nation in the world remains to be reunited. (Kwan is a Korean unit of weight: 1 Kwan=3.75kg)

As we cast the Bell of Peace for Life and construct the park of bells, our paradox will be turned into the strong resolve to construct a global order of peace for life. We hope that all living beings will participate in this project, cherishing in their hearts the reverberations of the Bell of Peace for Life.
For more information, please visit: www.gopeacebell.com.

August 31st – September 6th Hiroshima: Global conference of Building a just and sustainable peace, Mayor Akiba of Hiroshima was chair. Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York proclaimed August 31st -September 4th as Global Peace Days in the City of New York.
June 4-8th Nobel Women Initiative meeting in Vienna
June 1st -4th: Paris International Salon for peace conference
May 22-26 Geneva WHO Health Assembly
March 8th, New York, the 51st Session of CSW titled: Make Girls Visible, took place. IHAN held a parallel event titled: Towards the Health and Well Being of the Girl Child.
January 19-29, South Africa Literacy program, Stutman & Roshan

2005

December Somaliland – Somaliland Field Project Continued
November 17 & 18th Penn State Abington, Pennsylvania: Commemoration of Human Rights
October 22-24, Jaipur, India – International Medical Sciences Academy Dr. Melnick
September 7- 9 at the United Nations NY 58th DPI/ NGO Conference: Our Challenge: Voices For Peace, Partnerships, and Renewal was attended by members of IHAN. Dr Roshan was the moderator for a panel discussion on Friday the 9th of September entitled Voices for Peace:
August 16th – 19th in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Pathways to Reconciliation and Global Human Rights an International Conference was attended by Drs Roshan and Stutman, Vice president. IHAN presented a workshop on Children, Literature, and Healing
June 19 to the 24, in Seoul, Korea: The 9th International Interdisciplinary Congress on Women, 2005., Dr. Roshan presented, Is it Possible to Reduce Women’s Poverty through Globalization.
March 4th UN New York: IHAN sponsored with American Medical Women’s Association a panel discussion: Role of Women in Humanitarian Medicine and Equity for Women in Gender and Cultural Competence. The key note speaker was Ms. Wariara Mbugua, Principal Social Affairs Officer the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and the Advancement of Women’s Office at The United Nations.
January American Medical Women’s Association annual meeting at Washington was attended by Dr. Mini Murthy: Program coordinator IHAN

2004

Hiroshima, Japan: Begin preparations for 2006 Peace Summit
Bronx, New York: Organized and sponsored a one-day symposium on “The Role of Women in World Peace and the Role of Men and Boys in Gender Equity” in Lehman College of CUNY.
New York, UN: Honoring Dr. Shirin Ebadi 2003 Nobel Laureate for Peace co-sponsored by Lehman College of CUNY
South Africa: Participated in the “Literacy Project for HIV Orphans.”
Bronx, New York: Organized and sponsored a one-day symposium on “The Role of Women in World Peace and the Role of Men and Boys in Gender Equity.”
New York, UN: Organized and sponsored a briefing on “Gender Equity for Leadership and Peace Building.”

2003

New York, UN: Organized and sponsored a one-day conference on “Peace as a Human Right: The Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children.”
Hargeisa, Somaliland: Renovation of the Hargeisa Group Hospital in collaboration with Johnson & Johnson, vaccination and medical treatment of women and children of the region.
Perth, Australia: Active participant on The International Council of Women General Assembly.
Stellenbosch, South Africa: Participated and presented workshops at the national conference “Age-In-Action.

2002

Washington, DC, U.S.A.: At Georgetown University, co-sponsored the conference on “Vaccines: Past, Present and Future.”

2001

New York, UN: Organized and sponsored a half-day symposium on Health and Human Rights for Girls and Women.

1999

New York, UN: Organized and sponsored a one-day symposium on New Millennium Strategies For Women’s Health and Human Rights in the Workplace

1998

New York, UN: Organized and sponsored a one-day symposium on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children.
Sun City, South Africa: Presented a paper to the 17th Biennial Congress of the Nutrition Society of South Africa. Participated in ECHOLINK, a field project to train women in food production.

1997

Izmir, Turkey: Sponsored and organized a two-day conference on the Impact of Nutrition on Women’s and Children’s Health.
New Jersey, U.S.A.: Sponsored a one-day seminar, Life Without Limits, an alternative approach for hormone replacement therapy and osteoporosis.

1996

New York, U.S.A.: Sponsored a one-day seminar on the Impact of Health Care Policy and Practices on Women.
New Jersey, U.S.A.: Sponsored a one-day seminar on Healthy Lifestyles for Women: Utilizing Modern Medicine and Alternative Approaches.
New Jersey, U.S.A.: Organized a seminar on Health Education from Childhood to Womanhood.

1995

New Jersey, U.S.A.: Sponsored a weekly radio program with a focus on women’s issues from the Beijing Platform of Action, mid-life challenges, breast cancer and osteoporosis.
Beijing, China: Organized and participated in a workshop on Comprehensive and Holistic Approaches to Women’s Health at the UN’s Fourth World Conference on Women.
New York, UNICEF: Sponsored a one-day UNICEF seminar on ending the Victimization of Women and Children at Home, in the Workplace and in the War Zone.

1994

New York, UN: Sponsored a one-day workshop on inequality in Women’s Access to Education, Health and Employment: How to Maximize Awareness of Rights.
Romania: A gala celebration and fundraiser to benefit projects for the children of Romania.

1993

New York, U.S.A.: Organized a scientific seminar on Women to Women: Dialogue on Global Health Issues.
Vienna, Austria: Participated in the 37th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women and conducted a workshop entitled the Leadership of Women in the Health Sector.

1992

Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S. A.: At Fairleigh Dickinson University, raised funds to establish a chair and an international scholarship to honor the late Professor Nasrollah Fatemi, founding director of the Graduate Institute of International Studies and Dean of Graduate Studies.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Participated in the UN’s conference on the Environment and Development, which emphasized population control, women’s education, and indoor pollution.

1991

New York, UN: Raised funds for a cyclone-proof shelter to equip the people of Bangladesh against natural disasters.

1990

1990 Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.: Raised funds to help maintain a battered women’s shelter dedicated to combating violence against women at home.

1987–89

Mundhini, Kenya: Immunized 10,000 children against infectious diseases with vaccines provided by UNICEF. Provided health screening and treatment, built a health clinic, and donated an ambulance.