Breaking chains, combating blindness, and risking lives

The info hub for the hub of global health

Setting sights on Ethiopia

A new partnership has formed to combat corneal blindness in Ethiopia. SightLife and Novartis are teaming up to train primary health care providers, strengthen the eye care referral pathway, and advocate for health system integration in this country where nearly 80% of the population lives in rural areas with little or no access to health care. This could be life-changing for those at risk of blindness and their families.

Ukraine update—newborn edition

Health care professionals in Ukraine continue to risk their lives to care for others—in this case, it’s mothers and newborn babies. UNICEF has provided oxygen concentrators and ready-to-use midwifery and surgical kits to serve 500,000 mothers, newborns, and children.

Watch the video to see how medical staff are caring for patients in the midst of artillery fire.

Breaking chains

In Sierra Leone, mental health care is virtually nonexistent, despite a civil war, Ebola epidemic, economic struggles, and a multitude of other heavy issues the residents have endured. The psychiatric hospital kept people in chains, sedated, and in dire conditions.

Now, the country is building a mental health system. With support from Partners In Health, the facility is used not only to treat patients, but also serves as the country’s first psychiatric teaching hospital. Don’t worry, the chains are gone.

Listen to the podcast, Unchain, to hear from doctors, patients, and historians involved with this hospital and its transformation.

By the thousands

People fleeing violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are arriving in the southwest corner of Uganda by the thousands. Medical Teams International is providing support such as medical screenings, immunizations, prenatal care, and treatment for minor ailments.

Watch the video to learn more from local staff.

Welcome, new members!

Please join us in welcoming new and upgraded members to WGHA! Check out the blog article for info on these and other new member organizations.

Health for all

Do you ever wonder what it would take to get universal health coverage? PATH laid out five steps to accelerate progress in health system resilience, access, and equity. “We cannot relent in our focus on health for all,” commented article author Amy Dempsey.

Zoomin’ around town

Apr. 25: Join Fred Hutch for the latest in the Global Oncology Lecture Series Cancer Care in Ukraine.
Apr. 28: Sign up to attend our Washington Global Health Landscape Study & Policy Event to hear from a panel of experts on the breadth and depth of our state’s global health sector.
Apr. 28: Register for the Healthy Women, Healthy World educational event Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis: From Citizen to Refugee for a deeper look into the situation and stories from the field with Medical Teams International.
Apr. 30: Spread the word about in-person health screenings and tests being offered in Rainier Beach at the Health & Wellness Festival sponsored by the Fred Hutch/University of Washington/Seattle Children’s Cancer Consortium.
May 19: Register for Worldwide Fistula Fund’s 7th annual Evening to Restore Dignity to learn about recent accomplishments and highlights.

“What I try to tell young people is that if you come together with a mission, and it’s grounded with love and a sense of community, you can make the impossible possible.”

–Rep. John Lewis in a speech at the Atlanta History Center