Meeting Resources
Bridging Health Disparities Through Innovation and Collaboration.
Meeting Minutes
GHQA meeting
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Date: |
August 23, 2025 |
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Time: |
1430 Eastern time |
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Meeting called to order by: |
Aime Lufulwabo |
Quick Recap
The meeting began with introductions and discussions about the Global Health and Quality Alliance’s (GHQA) mission to tackle global health disparities through collaboration and advocacy for equitable healthcare access. The organization outlined its structure, initiatives, and membership benefits, while highlighting the importance of professional conduct and ethics for its members. The discussion ended with talks on the challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries due to decreased health program funding, stressing the need for ongoing international support and collaboration to sustain essential health services.
Summary
GHQA Inaugural Meeting
The meeting began with casual greetings and small talk among participants, including discussions about driving, birthdays, and personal backgrounds. GHQA introduced the purpose of the meeting, which was to discuss the GHQA projects and collaborate on addressing various issues. The group agreed to record the session for those who couldn't attend, and GHQA expressed gratitude to everyone for their time, acknowledging that it was a weekend.
Global Health Disparities and Collaboration
Aime Lufulwabo, a medical doctor and public health specialist, presented on the mission and objectives of the Global Health and Quality Alliance (GHQA). He highlighted the challenges of health disparities worldwide, including issues such as maternal mortality, vaccination coverage, and access to healthcare. He emphasized the need for collaboration among health professionals to address these disparities. The GHQA aims to promote evidence-based, high-quality healthcare globally by fostering cooperation, identifying issues, and advocating for policies to ensure equal access to healthcare for all, regardless of background.
Global Health Alliance Organizational Overview
GHQA outlined the organizational structure of the Global Health and Quality Alliance, detailing the hierarchy from general chapters to local chapters and explaining the chain of command. They discussed initiatives including webinars, board certifications in global health and AI, a global outbreak monitoring system, and free community clinics, emphasizing the need for partnerships and funding. GHQA highlighted the benefits of membership, such as networking and professional growth, and mentioned plans for future conferences and journal publications to expand their reach.
Global Health Alliance Organizational Overview
GHQA outlined the organizational structure of the Global Health and Quality Alliance, detailing the hierarchy from general chapters to local chapters and explaining the chain of command. They discussed initiatives including webinars, board certifications in global health and AI, a global outbreak monitoring system, and free community clinics, emphasizing the need for partnerships and funding. GHQA highlighted the benefits of membership, such as networking and professional growth, and mentioned plans for future conferences and journal publications to expand their reach.
GHQA Ethics and Professional Conduct
Jay Oh, serving as vice chair and ethics chair, discussed the importance of professional conduct and ethics for GHQA members. He emphasized the need for integrity, confidentiality, and respect for diversity, highlighting that members should avoid behavior that could discredit the organization. Jay also pointed out the significance of conflict-of-interest policies and the organization's bylaws, which promote fairness, consistency, and legality as a 501(c)(3) organization.
Global Health Funding Challenges
Guy Muula and Daniel Mwamba discussed the challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries due to decreased funding for health programs, especially in areas like HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, following an executive order earlier in the year. He pointed out the effects of funding cuts by major global donors, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, which have caused disruptions in essential health services and the loss of skilled personnel. Guy stressed the importance of ongoing international support to keep these vital health programs running and to avoid further negative impacts on global health outcomes.
PEPFAR Funding Shortfall Impact
The meeting discussed how reduced funding affects health programs in low-income countries, especially focusing on the impacts of decreased support from PEPFAR and the Global Fund. Daniel Mwamba noted that although the US Congress approved $6 billion for PEPFAR, only $2.9 billion has been disbursed, leading to job losses for thousands of health workers and potential shortages of essential supplies. The discussion also emphasized the need for improved health financing strategies in African nations, many of which still struggle to reach the target of 15% health funding, along with the challenges of implementing programs in conflict-affected regions
Global Health Initiative Planning Meeting
The meeting centered on establishing a global health initiative, with discussions on collaboration, representation, and future actions. Rose M. raised concerns about the platform's focus on underrepresented regions, such as Latin America and the Caribbean, which Aime explained by outlining the step-by-step expansion plan and the need for regional representatives. Dany Malaba suggested sharing meeting slides beforehand to boost participation and emphasized the importance of considering how funding cuts could impact global health programs. The group discussed the importance of avoiding duplicated efforts and making the most of existing resources, with plans to invite speakers, host webinars, and partner with public health institutions for interns.
