Developing a GEOHealth Hub for Interdisciplinary Research and Training in East Africa
The GEOHealth Hub project aims to address various health challenges in the East African region, such as malnutrition, poverty, infectious diseases, and environmental hazards. Led by Dr. Kiros Berhane from the University of Southern California, the project focuses on conducting surveys, analyzing data, and developing strategic research plans to enhance capacity and address critical health issues. The initiative involves collaboration with institutional partners and stakeholders to strengthen research, policy, and training efforts in environmental and occupational health areas.
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National Workshop on Planning for the GEOHealth Hub for Interdisciplinary Research and Training project overview and progress Kiros Berhane, PhD, Professor Department of Preventive Medicine University of Southern California
Outline Project Overview Motivation for the GEOHealth Hub Specific Aims The Investigative Team Institutional Partners & Stakeholders Progress GEOHealtb Hub National Workshop
Motivation: Why a GEOHealth Hub? East African Region already facing multiple challenges Malnutrition, Poverty Infectious diseases Threat of NCDs emerging Burden of disease from environmental and occupational hazards is a growing concern Health consequences of climate change are emerging issues at the global scale Lack of data and limited human capacity in key areas A need for a comprehensive systematic review and strategic action GEOHealtb Hub National Workshop
Geographic Focus & Institutional Setup AAU SPH - HOARECN - IDS FMOH EEPA MOLSA PAN-Ethiopia . AAU + USC Makerere SPH via HOARECN GEOHealtb Hub National Workshop
Specific Aims Aim 1: To conduct a survey to identify current research, educational, policy and regulatory activities (Governmental, academic, NGO) to identify gaps in these activities to evaluate needs for strengthening capacity Aim 2: To analyze findings of inventory and conduct planning workshops To develop innovative & cost-effective solutions to identified training, research and policy needs GEOHealtb Hub National Workshop
Specific Aims Aim 3: To develop a strategic research plan for the full hub proposal To address critical evidence gaps for mitigation of environmental and occupational health problems Focus on priority areas of national and regional stakeholders Aim 4: To establish a capacity building framework for the full hub proposal for curriculum development and enhancement of training programs focus areas of environmental /occupational health in the region. GEOHealtb Hub National Workshop
Specific Aims Aim 5: Create a framework for translating research findings into preventive action Focus on medical, public health, and regulatory sectors Partnership with working appropriate organizations in the region Aim 6: Provide an immersion experience in environmental health research and training for AAU principal scientists focus on curriculum development and training for the hub Via workshops in Ethiopia and visits AAU USC Aim 7: Create regional networking platforms to develop regional buy-in for the full GEOHealth hub GEOHealtb Hub National Workshop
Progress: Mechanism Weekly teleconferences on key and relevant issues Reciprocal visits between AAU and USC Dedicated teams organized by focus themes Lively exchanges of documents and instruments between teams Active engagement by major stakeholders GEOHealtb Hub National Workshop
Progress: Inception Inception meeting at AAU (Dec., 2012) To launch project To reach consensus on themes for SANA - Ethiopia To formulate SANA instruments To meet and brief high level government officials GEOHealtb Hub National Workshop
Progress: SANA for Ethiopia What is SANA? A systematic process for conducting analysis of the prevailing situation and assessment of needs and priorities Situational Analysis (SA) Critical review of published/grey literature Assessment of current situation on research, policy and physical/human capacity Needs Assessment (NA) Identification/prioritization of critical gaps in the scientific evidence based on the SA Prioritization of training and policy needs based on national agenda GEOHealtb Hub National Workshop
Progress: SANA for Ethiopia Process organized around four themes: Policy and three focus areas Air pollution and health Occupational health and safety Climate change and health Technical teams organized by theme (both lead investigators and research assistants) Survey Instruments developed for formal interviews A computerized database system developed (a modified version of HELDS) for compiling information Process facilitated through weekly calls, active editing process, and retreats First draft completed in preparation for the national workshop GEOHealtb Hub National Workshop
Progress: Maturing Partnerships Visit by AAU delegation to USC in April, 2013 Scientific exchanges: seminars Capacity building: AQMD, USC-Spatial Sciences, etc. Efforts to expand the environmental health portfolio Clean cookstoves and child/maternal health Exposure assessment capacity building Preparations for Year 2: beyond Ethiopia More African and US partnerships for the full hub Possible consolidation: e.g., UGANDA planning grant Possible US partners: e.g., University of Wisconsin GEOHealtb Hub National Workshop
Next Steps National workshop in Addis Ababa (July, 2013) to finalize plans for full hub Finalizing the SANA document based on feedback from the national workshop Expansion to other three countries in Year 2 RFA for full hub expected in Fall, 2014 Submission of full hub application in Spring 2015 Focus will be on training (curriculum development) and research output Hopefully the beginning of a sustained collaboration GEOHealtb Hub National Workshop
Thank You GEOHealtb Hub National Workshop
