The info hub for the hub of global health
Cyclone Eloise
Health Alliance International (HAI) is responding to the devastation left by Cyclone Eloise in Mozambique, a country still recovering from Cyclone Idai in 2019. The most pressing issue now, according to HAI’s country director Dr. Isaías Ramiro, is finding shelter for the more than 20,000 people who have been displaced. HAI will have a presence in the area even after the immediate needs are met, so stay tuned for more ways to support the long-term response and recovery.
Camels, MERS, and coronavirus
75% of emerging diseases originate in animals. That’s why researchers at Washington State University’s Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health have spent the past two years taking samples from camels and camel-herders in Marsabit, Kenya. They’re closely tracking cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), a novel coronavirus that has potential to be worse than COVID-19 if spread to humans in the region. An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.
Vaccines and variants
As COVID-19 variants develop around the world, President Biden ordered 200 million more vaccine doses hoping to turn a corner on the pandemic. The increased supply is promising, but equitable vaccine distribution is still the bigger hurdle. Even with new vaccine sites popping up to serve vulnerable populations, line skipping and freezer malfunctions have made getting an appointment feel like the race for Willy Wonka’s Golden Ticket.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Indian Health Board’s vaccination rollout has modeled effective community-centered health care and education. We could all afford to take a page out of their playbook.
Drones for health take flight in DRC
VillageReach partnered with the Democratic Republic of Congo Ministry of Health and Swoop Aero to launch routine drone deliveries to the Équateur region—an area blanketed by dense rain forest—to reach 70 health facilities serving more than half a million people with much-needed medical supplies. In the past two months, the drones have delivered PPE to local health facilities and vaccines for more than 600 children.
People over profits
Working with regional partners in Washington, Oregon, and Utah, Cambia Grove released three new health care innovation landscape reports measuring each state’s health care system and recommending changes to boost infrastructure, incentives, and culture—furthering the impact of the “triple aim.” The bottom line? Person-focused care is key, no matter what state you’re in.
People in the news
Pilgrim Africa named Mark Miles as their Chief Development Officer.
Panorama added three new hires to its team:
Andrea Ackerman, Senior Project Manager
Katrina Anaya, Systems and Process Administrator
Patrik Silborn, Regional Advisor, Pandemic Action Network
Dr. Nelly Mugo, UW Dept of Global Health, received the International AIDS Society’s 2021 Gita Ramjee Prize, which recognizes leading female HIV Prevention scientists who demonstrate the principles and practices Ramjee embodied.
Zoomin’ around town
Feb 9: Snag your ticket for the World Affairs Council and Town Hall Seattle event: Real Lessons from Women in National Leadership, a virtual conversation with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Jacqueline Miller.
Feb. 11: Join Medical Teams International for Community Matters, a new monthly event series to connect and engage with their community.
Feb 24: Claim your spot to join Global Impact and hear about how to Inspire Your Employees with a Purpose Mindset.
March 26: Get your ticket and pack your bags for the Max Foundation’s Maximize Life Gala, a virtual journey around the world.
Are you a (virtual) events virtuoso? Check out WGHA’s programs coordinator position and apply to join our small but mighty team of connectors.
Anytime:
Listen to the latest episode of Bay Area Global Health Alliance’s A Shot in the Arm podcast to hear interviews with the women behind the Global Fund for Women and Merck for Mothers.
Check out Forum One’s brand refresh in celebration of their 25th anniversary and learn more about how they collaboratively turn ideas into impact.
“Demanding an inclusive response will save lives and livelihoods now—and create a foundation for a post-pandemic world that is stronger, more equal, and more resilient.”
— Melinda Gates, writing in the Gates 2021 Annual Letter on why we must prioritize equity in the COVID-19 response and aftermath.