The Africa Bitcoin Conference (ABC) in Accra, Ghana, was not your typical gathering of tech enthusiasts and investors. Instead, it brought together a diverse group of individuals, including public health professionals, to discuss the intersection of money and health. One attendee, a public health professor with a background in health education, shared their experience at the conference and how it changed their perspective on money as a public health issue.
During their time in Ghana, the attendee had the opportunity to explore the country, meet with locals, and learn about the history of the region. They reflected on the legacy of Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president, and the fight for independence that inspired hope and freedom across Africa. These experiences led them to consider the impact of centralized fiat money on public health and society as a whole.
The attendee highlighted the flaws of the current monetary system, which is built on debt, corruption, and lack of transparency. They argued that this system contributes to financial stress, inequality, and poor health outcomes for individuals around the world. To address these issues, they proposed exploring alternative forms of money, such as bitcoin, which offer a decentralized and deflationary approach to currency.
Drawing on the Health Impact Pyramid framework, the attendee emphasized the importance of addressing socioeconomic factors, including the structure of money, to improve public health outcomes. They called on public health professionals to advocate for a better monetary system and consider the role of money in shaping health disparities and social inequities.
As the conversation around universal basic income and economic reform continues to gain traction, the attendee urged public health professionals to educate themselves on the history of money, advocate for change, and promote public discourse on the benefits of decentralized currency like bitcoin. By addressing the root cause of financial stress and inequality, they believe that society can create a more equitable and healthier future for all.
