In 2010 A conference, “Transforming Global Health: The Interdisciplinary Power of Universities” was held in Seattle and gathered people together from numerous disciplines involved in the work of global health. This 2nd annual meeting of a collaboration of global health teaching programs, Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH), was a convergence of health educators, students, researchers, clinicians, funders and administrators, from several continents, all with interest in global health issues across the world. This consortium has continued to meet annually and additional information is provided at CUGH Website.
Global health work has grown significantly during the last decade. There are now multiple global health initiatives and foundations funding global health efforts. This, along with the growth of news and media capabilities which stream graphic images of the need, has given global health issues increased exposure. This global focus has given us more personal glimpses into lives across continents, and it is also a reminder that in this era of global travel, we share a common interest in the promotion of healthy communities.
At the same time, many of the immigrants and refugees who arrive in the US are often faced with lack of access to health care services due to poverty, access, language, and other barriers to health care. Several times during the conference the question was asked, ‘what is being done for the communities here?’. EthnoMed is one example of the many efforts that exist to promote culturally competent health care for immigrants and refugees locally in the U.S. Some global health efforts are looking to find a way to also increase the awareness of local needs faced by many communities. In Seattle, Swedish Medical Center has partnered with Washington Global Health Alliance, Public Health – Seattle & King County, and HealthPoint on a new initiative called Global to Local, which is taking a new approach in applying global solutions to local healthcare challenges in underserved populations.
Universities with Global Health Programs
- The Consortium of Universities for Global Health: provides a complete list of universities with global health programs
- University of Washington Global Health Program
- University of California Global Health Institute
- Boston University Center for Global Health & Development
- Gillings School Global Public Health, University of North Carolina
Other Global Health-related websites:
- Envirovet Summer Institute
A intensive summer institute that trains vetenarians, vet students and wildlife biologists to build expertise to protect biodiversity and both human and animal health with a focus on emerging and infectious diseases, chemical contaminants, climate change, and habitat degradation. - Humanosphere
This is site is now on hiatus, but content is still available with conversation and analysis about global health and poverty issues. - Global Health - National Public Radio (NPR)
NPR news on world health issues, disease control, public health and sanitation, and health education.