Malnutrition, which refers to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in nutrient intake, affects billions of people around the world. There are various forms of malnutrition, including undernutrition, micronutrient-related malnutrition, and overweight, obesity, and diet-related non-communicable diseases.
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of 20 conditions, such as dengue, leprosy, and intestinal worms. NTDs affect over 1 billion people globally, and are associated with devastating health, social, and economic outcomes including permanent disability and impoverishment. The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to mobilize political will, community commitment, resources, and action needed to end unnecessary suffering from NTDs and shed light on the strides made in combating NTDs. As such, several NTDs are targeted for control for elimination by 2030.
Women, adolescents, and children are three of the world’s most vulnerable populations. According to a report published by Every Woman Every Child, 7.4 million young people under the age of 25 died of preventable causes in 2019, and every hour 33 women did not survive childbirth.
One of the reasons for these staggering numbers is that women, adolescents, and children are often disenfranchised and underrepresented in scientific research and healthcare.
Recently, two undergraduate students from the Public Health-Global Health major interned for the Global Center for Integrated Health of Women, Adolescents, and Children (Global WACh). These students, Pooja Rajanbabu and Amanda Shi, worked as research dissemination and creative design interns, respectively.
The Husky 100 recognizes 100 students each year across the University of Washington’s three campuses for making a difference at their school, in their community, and for the future. Students are evaluated on their ability to demonstrate a capacity for leadership, a discovery mindset, and a commitment to inclusivity.
With a background that includes ESL teaching in Korea, social work, and health education for King County, Stephanie Edlund-Cho is the Program Operations Specialist for the Global Center for Integrated Health of Women, Adolescents, and Children (Global WACh). In this role she creates opportunities for students, staff, and faculty alike while handling vital day-to-day operational tasks.
Q: How long have you worked in the Department of Global Health?
Judd Walson, a University of Washington professor of Global Health, Medicine, and Pediatrics, recently received $621,029 in funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for a research grant focused on the development of a molecular diagnostic platform for the detection of soil transmitted helminths (STH), commonly known as parasitic worms. Investigators will use these methods to support a large, multi-country, randomized trial evaluating the feasibility of interrupting STH transmission through expanded mass drug administration.
More than 30 UW researchers participated in the 22nd International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2018) — the world’s largest global gathering on HIV and AIDS — to share ground-breaking science aimed at helping to address the most pressing challenges in HIV/AIDS. The conference offered an important opportunity to strengthen policies and programs around the world that ensure an evidence-based response to the epidemic.
