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Dear Child Family Health International,
Hello and happy new year from all of us at CFHI!
With a slew of executive orders and memorandums coming out of Washington, including many that have far-reaching and deeply troubling implications for global and public health and safety, international education, and many other fields, communities, and individuals, it is difficult to feel optimistic at this time.
But at CFHI, we have a lot to be grateful for and a lot to feel optimistic about, from our commitment to double our scholarship funds this year to $130,000 with many upcoming application deadlines, inspirational free webinars discussing how we can deconstruct traditional approaches to global health education, and several chances to connect with our leadership in person at upcoming conferences. Most of all, we are grateful for this community and the ways that collectively, all 32,061 of us who read this newsletter, find ways to build and fight for health equity in all its forms.
As we look ahead, we invite you to join us in strengthening global health education. If you're considering ways to financially support global health learners, I encourage you to reach out to me at robin@cfhi.org to learn more about CFHI initiatives you can support, or make a donation to CFHI.
During these times of challenge, we have the opportunity to reflect on our interconnectedness and the ways that our decisions impact others on a global scale. The values that we share of kindness, equity, and cultural humility have never been more necessary or important. Last Monday, we remembered Martin Luther King, Jr., and his reassurance that “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” May we all find our points of connection, community, and leadership at this historic moment.
Thank you for being here.
Warmly,
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Robin Young, MBA
Executive Director
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We Hope to See You at Upcoming Conferences! | |
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We’re excited to share our participation in several upcoming conferences! These events provide great opportunities to connect with global health and education leaders, exchange ideas, and showcase CFHI’s innovative programs. If you’d like to connect, feel free to reach out to the team members below who will be attending:
Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) Annual Conference
Atlanta, GA, February 20 - 23, 2025.
-Dr. Jessica Evert, Global Medical Director - jevert@cfhi.org
-Carolina Bolaños Palmieri, Director of Programs - carolina@cfhi.org
-Dr. Charles Nwobu, Medical Director, Ghana - charles@cfhi.org
-Madelene Sciortino, Outreach Assistant, - madelene@cfhi.org
The Forum on Education Abroad Annual Conference
Toronto, Canada, March 19 - 21, 2025.
-Bethany Petersen, Assistant Director of Health and Safety - bethany@cfhi.org
NAFSA 2025 Annual Conference & Expo
San Diego, CA, May 27 - 30, 2025.
-Mariah Blevins, Program Coordinator - mariah@cfhi.org
-Robin Young, Executive Director - robin@cfhi.org
We look forward to connecting with you and sharing insights to advance ethical global health education. Be sure to say hello if you're at any of these events!
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Pre-Health Students, Are You Ready to Expand Your Learning Beyond the Classroom? | |
Are you eager to gain real-world experience, develop critical skills, and grow as a global health trainee? CFHI provides undergraduate and pre-health students the opportunity to explore healthcare systems worldwide. Whether you're considering future career options, preparing for medical or graduate school, or simply passionate about global health, CFHI programs open the door to transformative global health learning rooted in ethical best practices. | |
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Join Dr. Jessica Evert, global medical director of Child Family Health International, for a thought-provoking webinar on Feb 5, 2025, at 05:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada), examining how colonialism manifests in global health activities, influencing everything from ethical decision-making to operational strategies. This session will explore the deeply rooted structural inequities that shape global health initiatives and the implications for marginalized communities.
Through this interactive discussion, we will identify and deconstruct systemic barriers perpetuating power imbalances in global health program design. Attendees will gain critical insights into how colonial mindsets and unexamined biases can undermine the effectiveness and integrity of global health efforts.
Key topics will include:
- Ethical dilemmas in cross-cultural health interventions
- The role of representation and inclusivity in decision-making
- Strategies to name and challenge colonialism in global health education
This webinar is essential for professionals, students, and advocates committed to health equity. Join us as we challenge the status quo and reimagine global health systems rooted in solidarity and respect.
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New Insurance Offerings in 2025 | |
We are excited to announce that CFHI is continuing to enhance our insurance coverage for participants by partnering with GeoBlue in 2025. This coverage will offer new tools and resources to participants, including no-cost virtual tele-health visits and mental health counseling, access to location-based health and safety advice and real-time event updates, and a user-friendly portal for easy access to support and resources. All participants will continue to benefit from a comprehensive insurance plan which covers medical and mental health care, security evacuations, and more. To learn more about CFHI’s participant insurance coverage, please reach out to Bethany Petersen, Assistant Director of Health and Safety, at bethany@cfhi.org. | |
Explore the Intersections of Public Health, Nutrition, and Clinical Care in Kabale, Uganda | |
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Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Kabale while gaining valuable insights into global health challenges and their innovative solutions through CFHI’s Global Health in Uganda, Kabale program. This unique opportunity emphasizes the vital connections between sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and healthcare delivery in a community-focused setting.
Key topics you’ll explore include:
- Communicable Diseases
- HIV/AIDS
- Maternal & Reproductive Health
- Nutrition & Food Security
- Pediatrics & Child Health
- Planetary Health
- Primary Health Care
- Public Health
With expert guidance, cultural immersion, and a focus on real-world challenges, this program offers a holistic understanding of global health issues and sustainable solutions in Uganda.
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Don't Miss These Upcoming Scholarship Deadlines | |
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The Friends of the Philippines Scholarship is accepting applications and provides unparalleled support for individuals participating in CFHI’s 4-week Global Health in the Philippines program. This scholarship covers the full program fee and includes an additional stipend to significantly offset or even cover travel and on-site expenses—a first for CFHI! Eligible applicants must be at least 19 years old, demonstrate a strong connection to the Philippines through heritage, community involvement, or academic focus, show financial need, and exhibit a passion for global health. Apply by the priority deadline of January 31, 2025! Learn more and apply here..
The Thomas Hall Scholarship is awarded on a rolling basis, with the next deadline on December 27th, 2024, for 2025 CFHI programs. This scholarship covers the full program fee (valued at up to $3,410!) for a 4-week CFHI program in select destinations, including Ecuador, Uganda, India, Tarija (Bolivia), and Durban (South Africa). Eligible applicants must be 19+ years old, demonstrate financial need, and have a strong commitment to global health. Make sure to submit your application before February 28, 2025! Learn more and apply here.
These are just two of the scholarships we are currently offering. View a full list of available scholarships on our website.
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Online Global Health Course | |
Boost your resume or CV with CFHI’s Pillars of Global Health modules. This self-paced program, now in use with 8 universities as pre-departure training and global health courses/certificate programs, offers a deep dive into critical global health topics, including health systems, ethics, health disparities, and the global burden of disease. Learn directly from experts in the field and gain the knowledge and skills to excel in academic and professional settings. Ideal for students and emerging professionals, this course will set you apart in a competitive field. | |
Get Ready for Our Alumni Instagram Photo Contest! | |
We’re thrilled to launch our Alumni Photo Contest on Instagram this Sunday! Follow us on Instagram to join the fun, support your fellow alumni, and cast your vote. The photo with the most likes will win! | |
Global Health in the News | | | | |
