Applied Global Public Health Initiative
Collaborating to develop innovative, systems-based competencies to apply needs-driven, equitable solutions for sustainable global public health development.
About the Lab
The Applied Global Public Health Initiative (AGPHI) is a student run, service-based initiative working to create better health circumstances in New York City and beyond through collaborating with outside organizations to find innovative solutions to public health problems. Composed of undergraduate and graduate students, this lab is overseen by Dr. Chris Dickey and focuses on project-based global public health research in partnership with industry sponsors and frequently hosts renowned guest speakers to discuss creative solutions to public health issues around the world. By working with small, up-and-coming NGOs to ministries of health to larger UN agencies, the lab seeks to develop and nurture applicable, thoughtful and practical skills for our future careers. In doing so, we work to expand our understanding of what it means to be public health practitioners. Overarching research initiatives focus on global public health challenges that require an applied approach to problem solving. During our all-lab weekly meetings, we exchange ideas, discuss current events through a global health lens, and share opportunities for growth on our various projects.
Pillars & Ongoing Projects:
Climate Change:
- Climate-Related Food Security Project:
The team is working on a systems thinking project surrounding food security and migration issues in southern Madagascar. The first phase of our project involved creating a systems map based on available research and grey literature. The project's second phase will be a qualitative study done in food-insecure regions of southern Madagascar to gain an on-the-ground perspective of the issues communities face. Participants will be asked to draw systems maps depicting their personal experience with food security and migration. The data will be aggregated to create a composite systems map that can be used as a model to guide further research or interventions. They are currently working with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office of Madagascar to develop a study protocol to submit to the IRB as well. - Pan American Health Organization (PAHO):
The Latin American and Caribbean region has been grappling with a multitude of challenges, including natural disasters, migration, and forced displacement. These crises have disproportionately impacted adolescent youth, particularly in the area of sexual and reproductive health. The team provides directions and guidance on how climate change affects adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health access.
Decolonization:
TBD
Health Systems Strengthening:
- AFYA:
AFYA partners with hospitals and organizations, collecting, repairing, and shipping discarded medical supplies to international organizations, hospitals, and clinics world-wide. The team is working to create an ethical waste mapping report by strategically mapping potential opportunities for sourcing specific medical supplies within the national and global medical supply chain.
Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health:
- BORN Foundation:
This project works in partnership to implement, evaluate and compare the BORN (Birth Oximetry Routine for Newborns) in different countries. This project will rely heavily on data analysis and interpretation as well as biostatistics.
Non-communicable Diseases:
- Mental Health Initiative:
This project focuses on the prevalence of serious mental illness in homeless individuals located in Portland, Oregon. The team is analyzing data gathered from over 200 individuals in the area to identify existing and new barriers the population faces in accessing mental health treatment. The team will work with our partner, Katherine Lindsay, to formulate policy recommendations indicated by study results. - Mycetoma Surveillance and Control:
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. Working closely with Arba Minch University and AGPHI alumni Ezra Jerome, who helped develop the mycetoma surveillance application.
Communicable Diseases:
TBD
Our Team
Dr. Chris Dickey, Faculty Facilitator
Indeep Janda & Ashlynn McCool, Directors
Rayza Sison & Misty Tabora, Project Managers
Punith Shetty, Publications & External Opportunities Officer
Get Involved
To get involved, please email gphinitiative@gmail.com to express your interest.