Current Projects

AFYA partners with hospitals and organizations, collecting, repairing, and redirecting medical supplies to over 80 countries, including international organizations, hospitals, and clinics worldwide.

The AFYA team focuses on systems mapping to understand and optimize the flow of medical resources among suppliers and receivers, conduct detailed inventory analysis and management to ensure supplies reach areas of greatest need, and work on building and forming sustainable partnerships with stakeholders worldwide.

The team drafted a 5-page report looking into the medical supply chain in Sub-Saharan Africa and presented findings at the 2025 Africa Health Conference at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

The Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region faces ongoing challenges—natural disasters, migration, and displacement—that disproportionately affect adolescents, particularly in sexual and reproductive health (SRH).

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In collaboration with PAHO, the Adolescent SRH Team is developing a technical brief on the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations, with a focus on adolescents and Indigenous communities in the LAC region.

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Over the past year, teams have conducted a literature review on the intersection of climate change and adolescent SRH, tracked online discourse through social listening, and are now conducting stakeholder interviews in Venezuela, Brazil, Mexico, and Puerto Rico to assess current program needs. The project spans 13 countries in collaboration with UNICEF LACRO in Panama, with Disaster Base Plans already completed for Haiti, Mexico, and Venezuela. A Google Trends analysis is also underway to support the development of a social listening tool.

Drawing from a pool of mycetoma literature, surveillance protocols, and control evidence base generated by the Mycetoma Research Centre and members of the WHO Global Mycetoma Working Group, this project aims to provide a succinct, actionable set of mycetoma surveillance and control recommendations nested within Ethiopia's existing community health and neglected tropical disease (NTD) priorities. The project works in collaboration with Arba Minch University and AGPHI alumni Ezra Jerome, who helped develop the mycetoma surveillance application.

The NGO Decolonization team is partnering with the Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) to evaluate volunteer adherence to ethical global health guidelines. The goal is to support a more equitable and impactful volunteer program and create a mixed-methods evaluation model other NGOs can use.

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Over the past year, the team analyzed volunteer data to improve orientation and onboarding, with findings presented at the 2025 NYS Public Health Partnership Conference. In collaboration with experts Dr. Judith Lasker and Dr. Lakshmi Balaji, the team developed a survey and interview guide for CMMB field supervisors to help refine the guidelines and strengthen program accountability.

In collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), this project focuses on the development of vaccination education modules aimed at improving public awareness and understanding of vaccinations. The modules are designed to educate communities, foster informed decision-making, and encourage individuals to share accurate vaccination information within their networks.

By combining our lab’s expertise with PAHO’s resources and outreach, the project seeks to support global efforts to increase vaccination coverage and combat misinformation, ultimately contributing to improved public health outcomes.

Madagascar faces severe food insecurity and famine, worsened by climate-driven natural disasters. The Androy region is particularly affected, with rising health issues and population displacement.

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Our team developed a systems map using existing research and grey literature, followed by a qualitative study in southern Madagascar to understand community challenges firsthand.

The team co-authored Assessing Resilience Adaptation Strategies for Communities Facing Climate Change in Androy, Southern Madagascar, currently under review with the Central Androy Regional University (CURA).

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In partnership with CURA, the team is developing a research proposal for a scoping review on climate change impacts on child and maternal malnutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa.​

The MNH team collaborates with multiple stakeholders including the BLOOM foundation, Queretaro, and a university in Mexico to understand the needs of maternal, neonatal, and child health in the area.

This project has contributed to clinical trials for ultrasounds to diagnose congenital heart disease for mothers in low-resource communities in Queretaro and collecting data through surveys and continues to expand as it aims to address a range of public health issues in Mexico and beyond.

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The team will be presenting at their findings at the 2025 Society For Pediatric and Perinatal Epidemiologic Research (SPER) Annual meeting.

This initiative develops evidence-based educational modules to support community healthcare in Lebanon, aligning with national health priorities and laying the groundwork for future expansion across the MENA region.

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The team has finalized public health training modules for community health workers, now being developed into a certification course. In collaboration with AUB faculty, a research study is underway exploring healthcare worker resilience amid ongoing conflict.

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Rooted in public health education and informed by input from Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, the modules are tailored to the needs of frontline workers during this critical time. The project empowers providers to address urgent healthcare challenges and sets the stage for regional expansion and continued support for Lebanon’s evolving public health landscape.

Sullivan County Co-op is a newly formed NGO dedicated to advancing health equity, community well-being, and sustainable development in Sullivan County, NY. Rooted in local collaboration, the co-op brings together residents, health institutions, and grassroots organizations to address systemic barriers to care and promote community-led solutions.

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Current initiatives include a comprehensive Community Needs Assessment in the Town of Highland and partnerships with key stakeholders such as Sullivan 180, Bon Secours Mercy Hospital, and the Sullivan County Department of Health.

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Through shared ownership, transparent practices, and local leadership, the Sullivan County Co-op aims to foster a healthier, more connected, and empowered community.