Global Health Advocates Unite for the Global Health Mini-University

The 9th Annual Global Health Mini-University, hosted by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Center for Global Health at the George Washington University, proved to be anything but mini with nearly 1,000 global health professionals and students in attendance.  The day-long forum held for the first time at the GW Marvin Center showcased over 60 different sessions highlighting evidence-based best practices and state-of-the-art information from a variety of technical areas across the field of Global Health.

“It is wonderful to see so many people from a wide variety of backgrounds work together and learn from each other," said Chelsea Smart, event coordinator from the USAID Bureau for Global Health.  “Each year, the mini-university expands and improves, and this year proved to be our best one yet. I am thrilled with the discussions that were fostered, the connections that were made, and the apparent commitment of our participants to fight health issues all over the world.”

Participants, who included GW students, members of the U.S. military, and global health professionals, attended sessions covering a range of topics including maternal and child health, infectious diseases, family planning, global health policy and health systems. 

Two Department of Global Health faculty members presented their recent research activities and engaged participants in lively discussion and debate.  In her a seminar entitled “TB 101: Breathing Fresh Air into an Old Topic,” Sangeeta Mookherji, Ph.D, Assistant Professor of Global Health, underscored the continued need to address the global health burden that is Tuberculosis.  “TB is really a problem. Not only does it take lives, but entire families and households suffer economic consequences from TB,” she said. 

Anne Peterson, MD, MPH, research professor in the Department of Global Health and former USAID Assistant Administrator, shared her recent research on strengthening Afghanistan’s health system.  Dr. Peterson encouraged her students to propose solutions aimed at resting the plight of women and children in Afghanistan, while also enhancing the relationship between the U.S. and Afghanistan. 

The event culminated with a lively competition during which key take-home messages from each session were shared and prizes were awarded.  The presenters used rhymes, skits, and dances to make sure that their messages were heard.  Three Global Health MPH students also took on Steven Radloff from USAID’s Global Health Bureau in a trivia game dubbed the global health “Knowledge Extravaganza”. Rising to the challenge, the students impressed, ending the game in a tie.

Dr. Jim Sherry, Director of the George Washington Center for Global Health, concluded the event with words to inspire action. “We don’t want to miss this opportunity,” he said, referring to the new presidential administration. “We have better evidence, implementation and evaluation tools to improve the lives of millions around the globe. The next several years will be critical to ensure recent investments in global health continue and that our work demonstrates the impact that is possible."

The 10th Annual Global Health Mini-University will take place October 8, 2010 at the George Washington University Marvin Center. 

 

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