The info hub for the hub of global health
New congress, new strategy
Check out Global Health Council’s 2021 Global Health Briefing Book hot off the presses. This global health blueprint for the new Congress includes recommendations for what to maintain (bipartisan support for HIV/AIDS, TB, and neglected tropical diseases), what to scale up (funding across global health accounts), and what’s worth a second look (the Mexico City Policy). The briefing book reflects GHC member and partner priorities, and guides policymakers to create a healthier, more equitable world. Yes, please.
Top Chef fans take note
With Fred Hutch’s Cook for Your Life initiative, people at all stages of the cancer journey can now access 1,000+ approachable recipes and videos that teach healthy eating habits for people affected by cancer. The program started as a nonprofit helping Latina breast cancer survivors in New York and grew to become the only free bilingual cooking resource for people affected by cancer around the world.
If that’s not making you hungry, check out Devex’s Food for Thought photo essay, which brings to life the people behind the global food chain. The essay features photos from World Vision’s global community including fishermen in Indonesia, beekeepers in Honduras, and more.
Pull up a chair
If you’re grappling with the paradox of working in a sector committed to equity that sometimes exacerbates inequity, then read Kati Collective’s Remedies for a Colonial Hangover to remember that you’re not alone. In the post, Brooke Cutler, vice president at Kati Collective, shares a roundup of resources, lessons learned, and actions that the organization is taking to heart to right the historical wrongs in our sector. One thing’s clear—it will take direct action and time to make meaningful change. Count us in.
But first, primary care
Primary health care (PHC) covers nearly 80% of your health needs over your lifetime, so it’s no wonder PHC systems are widely recognized as central to achieving health equity. However, the pandemic exposed fault lines in our own and many other countries’ PHC infrastructure. That’s where PATH comes in—their new approach to PHC combines programming across systems and innovations work under one PHC umbrella to help countries pandemic-proof PHC and improve care in communities around the world.
Doctors orders
Working with What are the ingredients to safely reopen schools? According to 175 pediatric disease specialists (including a UW Medicine husky), universal mask-wearing and physical distancing rank higher than vaccinations. As Washington State school districts update their plans to reopen, the challenge of childcare still looms large for parents and caregivers, with many left asking when caregiving will be treated as a public good.
Zoomin’ around town
Want to Zoom around town with WGHA? Check out WGHA’s programs coordinator position and apply to join our small but mighty team of connectors.
Feb. 22: Register for Fred Hutch‘s Global Oncology Lecture Series to hear about the latest research and program updates in global cancer.
Feb. 25: Save your spot today for a joint event with Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason and Town Hall Seattle to learn what COVID-19 is teaching us about the immune system.
March 10: Sign up for Lynden’s Q1 Final Mile event highlighting how organizations have pivoted during the pandemic.
March 25: Join us for a STEM Global Public Engagement Training, hosted in partnership with NWABR, and learn new digital tools to engage the public in STEM topics.
March 26: Get your ticket and pack your bags for the Max Foundation’s Maximize Life Gala, a virtual journey around the world.
March 30–31: Save the date for Life Science Innovation Northwest—a conference to explore some of the most compelling life science breakthroughs of our time—hosted by Life Science Washington.
“The role of global health organizations is more critical right now than ever, and the global health community in Seattle can be the bridge between improving health equity and outcomes globally and in the U.S. We have to do both.”
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal speaking about the importance and value of Washington’s vibrant global health sector during WGHA’s Executive Roundtable.