Global Health Fellows Program

The opportunity part of this equation is clear: placing top quality professionals where they are most needed in the developing world. The challenges are formidable and complex. At the top of the list are pervasive poverty, civil unrest, violence and cultural and social mores that require sensitivity and skill to navigate successfully. But ultimately, the effectiveness of this multifaceted program, implemented and managed by PHI, will be measured by its ability to impact people’s lives with programs that make a difference in the areas of family planning, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS and infectious diseases.

DEFINED AREAS

Three defined areas are critical in implementing the mission for this program:

Recruitment and support of health professionals
Health professionals across the spectrum of junior, mid and senior levels will be recruited, employed, and supported. Approximately 75 fellowship placements will be developed and maintained throughout the five-year program. More than 50% will work overseas in developing countries and the remainder will work as program managers within USAID/Washington.

Opportunities for minority students
The GHFP is committed to the development of a diverse and culturally sensitive pool of global health professionals. Toward that end, GHFP will manage a diversity initiative to increase the number of experienced and highly-qualified minority global health professionals. The diversity initiative brings together five interlinked elements: internships; mentoring; professional development; recruitment, review and selection; and job placement and job site development.

Professional and organizational development for USAID staff
GHFP has assembled a team of world-class leaders with complementary areas of expertise. Professional development efforts aim to assist USAID leaders and enhance the capacity and performance of the Agency. Organizational development is focused on helping the Agency navigate institutional change and sustain an environment where staff can excel. Together, these two important elements will allow USAID to continue its leadership role in global health into the future.

POSITIVE RESULTS FOR MOTHERS AND FAMILIES

Linda Andrews, a recent PHI fellow in Uganda, talks about the impact her work had on HIV-positive women and their families.

“During my three years with EGPAF (Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation), I have been fortunate to witness a basic PMTCT (prevention of mother-to-child HIV/AIDS transmission) program grow into a comprehensive, family centered program,” said Andrews.

The Ministry of Health started receiving anti-retroviral drugs in 2004, according to Andrews. EGPAF Uganda is now assisting the Ministry of Health in providing PMTCT services that link the mother and the whole family to HIV/AIDS care and treatment. Support groups are being formed for newly diagnosed HIV-positive pregnant and postpartum women and their families.

“EGPAF Uganda can now write what I believe are true success stories!” said Andrews.

For more information, visit GHFP's website at www.ghfp.net.