In today’s interconnected world, health disparities and humanitarian crises have far-reaching consequences that transcend national borders. As such, it is imperative that individuals, communities, and organizations work collaboratively to address these challenges. This is where global health and humanitarianism come into play. Global health is a field that aims to improve health and achieve equity in health for all people worldwide, while humanitarianism focuses on providing assistance to those affected by crisis and conflict. Together, these fields can make a significant impact on health disparities and humanitarian crises.

As someone who is passionate about global health and humanitarianism, I recently completed a certificate in global health and humanitarianism. This certificate program equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to approach global health and humanitarian issues from a multidisciplinary perspective. Through this program, I learned about the social determinants of health, the impact of cultural and political factors on healthcare delivery, and the various approaches to addressing global health challenges.

Moreover, the certificate program emphasized the importance of collaboration in global health and humanitarianism. Collaboration is key to addressing complex issues such as health disparities and humanitarian crises. By working together, individuals, communities, and organizations can leverage their resources and expertise to achieve greater impact. Collaboration also promotes cultural sensitivity, fosters mutual learning and understanding, and promotes sustainability in global health and humanitarian efforts.

The importance of collaboration in global health is evident in many initiatives and programs that have made significant progress in reducing health disparities. One such program is the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which involves collaboration between the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, among others. The program has made remarkable progress in eradicating polio, with cases declining by over 99% since 1988.

Another example is the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), which brings together various UN agencies, governments, and civil society organizations to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic. UNAIDS has made significant progress in reducing new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths, but much work remains to be done.

Collaboration also plays a vital role in humanitarian efforts. In humanitarian crises, multiple actors such as governments, NGOs, and international organizations must work together to provide lifesaving assistance to those affected. Collaboration can also help ensure that humanitarian aid is delivered in a culturally sensitive and sustainable manner.

In conclusion, global health and humanitarianism are critical fields that require collaboration to address health disparities and humanitarian crises effectively. My certificate in global health and humanitarianism has equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to approach these issues from a multidisciplinary perspective, and has emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving impact. By working together, we can make a significant difference in improving health outcomes and promoting the well-being of all people, regardless of their background or circumstance.

Emerging and diverse scientists face many challenges as they navigate their way through academia. From the pressure to produce impactful research to the need for robust mentoring relationships, it can be difficult to know where to focus one’s energies. That is where LEADS (Leadership Excellence and Academic Development for Success) comes in. This program, sponsored by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIH grant R25 GM116740) and developed by the Institute for Medical Research Education at the University of Pittsbergh, provides early career scientists from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) with the tools they need to succeed in academia.

One of the most critical components of LEADS is the Maximizing Mentoring module. Mentoring is critical for career success, yet many early career faculty struggle to develop robust mentoring relationships. In this module, participants identify the areas of expertise and qualities of their ideal mentor. They then identify a mentor or team of mentors using a combination of strategies and resources, including the National Research Mentoring Network, NIH RePORTER, and the broader RCMI community. They also learn how to contact potential mentors and manage mentoring relationships.

In my experience, mentoring is not just about imparting knowledge and wisdom. It is also about listening, providing support, and helping individuals achieve their goals. As a mentor, I have helped diverse scientists succeed in many ways. For example, I have provided advice on how to develop a research question, secure funding, and write grant applications. I have also provided emotional support during difficult times and helped individuals navigate the complex landscape of academia.

Another critical component of LEADS is the Introduction to Team Science module. In this module, participants learn the basics of team science and how to bring together the right mix of collaborators to enhance the success and impact of their research. Assembling the right team and reaping the full benefits of working with a team requires active planning and mindful management. We also review best practices for building and maintaining positive and productive working relationships with diverse collaborators from different disciplines, professions, and social backgrounds.

In my experience, team science is all about collaboration, communication, and respect. It is essential to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each team member and leverage those strengths to achieve common goals. Additionally, communication is critical to ensure that all team members are on the same page and working towards the same objectives. Finally, respect for different backgrounds and perspectives is essential to build a positive and productive working relationship.

LEADS has been a transformative program for me, and I would highly recommend it to any emerging and diverse scientists looking to develop their leadership and mentoring skills. Whether you are just starting your career or are a seasoned academic, LEADS provides a wealth of resources and knowledge to help you succeed.

Here is the link of the LEADS program, I was part of the 2016 cohort : https://icre.pitt.edu/LEADS/leads_programDetails.html

Our most recent article has just been published. We are always on the quest for global health and biomedical research. I began collecting samples in Ghana in 2014, as I mentioned in my first post on this blog. Contributing to science and patient health at this level is so rewarding. This article is dedicated to the volunteers, both patients and healthy, who agreed to take part in this study. I applaud their bravery. Also, I want to thank the Ghanaian people in general, since nothing would have been accomplished if it weren’t for their good will and spirit. I would like to thank the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, the University of Ghana, the Korle-Bu teaching hospital, and the Dodowa Regional hospital in Ghana, as well as the National Institutes of Health’s Fogarty International Center and Morehouse School of Medicine.

https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/11/3/500/htm