by Romuladus Azuine | Nov 27, 2024 | Blog
Romuladus E. Azuine
DrPH, MPH, RN
Dear Colleagues, Partners, and Stakeholders:
Being the Founder and Executive Director of the Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. (GHEP) is one of the most exciting jobs I’ve held in my entire career. The opportunity to grow the organization from its nascent years to a viable organization with roots and connections across the word is a privilege that I do not take for granted. Every day, I am continually inspired by the dedication and passion of our team, partners, and donors and supporters. All individuals giving their best and sharing from the deepest of their hearts. Our mission to eliminate health disparities by addressing the social determinants of health (SDOH) could not have come at a better place. Thanks to our team and partners, we continue to be emboldened to improve global health and public health education has made significant strides this year, thanks to the collective efforts of everyone involved. I am excited to express my heartfelt gratitude and highlight some of our key successes to eliminate health disparities at the local, national, and global levels.
A Partnership for Thriving Babies and Families
Our Greater Prince George’s Diaper Bank program has been a beacon of hope for many babies and families in and around the DC area. The overwhelming response and the stories of relief and gratitude from the beneficiaries remind us of the impact we can have when we come together as a community. With 1 in two families in America experiencing diaper need and its negative deleterious consequences, this program has not only provided essential supplies but also fostered a sense of support and solidarity among the residents. We are grateful to our strategic partners who continue to support this program including the Mayor and Council of the Town of Riverdale Park, County Executive and Council of Prince George’s County, Banks, Foundations and other corporate partners and donors from near and wide. Through your anonymous and non-anonymous support, hundreds of children will grow and thrive, and hundreds of mothers will have their mental health improved not thinking what essential need to substitute with diapers.
Greening and Growing Our Communities
Our commitment to fostering an environmentally equitable society continues to blossoms. Thanks for all your collaboration, GHEP is proud to have piloted and proven the success of the first ever program to plan trees in private properties in Prince George’s County. Through your support, GHEP has planted more trees than any other organization in more places than any other organization in history. The Family Tree Adoption Program (FTAP), our tree planting initiative, have flourished and brought more minorities to the environmental movement than any other organization. I am grateful that several of our mentee organizations are replicating the FTAP model in their niche communities. Trees are a vital part of our environment, offering shade, improving air quality, and enhancing the beauty of our neighborhoods. Our collaborative efforts in planting and nurturing these trees are creating a lasting legacy for future generations. This partnership underscores the importance of environmental stewardship in our mission. We remain grateful to the continued support of our funders, Department of the Environment, Prince George’s County, the Chesapeake Bay Trust, BGE, Ecoasis Garden Center, and other supporters for their unflinching support of this vision.
I’d like to call out our deep gratitude to the Prince George’s County Department of the Environment for their unwavering support of our Family Tree Adoption Program for Prince George’s County families and neighborhoods. This initiative has not only increased the green cover in our urban areas but also educated the community about the importance of trees in combating climate change. The positive feedback and active participation from the residents have been truly encouraging.
Empowering the Future Workforce: Training Public Health Professionals
A special thank you goes out to our incredible staff and fellows who are training the next generation of public health professionals through the Public Health 360 Program. Unlike no other program, PH 360 has placed more minorities in public health positions than any other organization in our region. Within three months of onboarding, PH 360 fellows pass through an intensive programming and come out at the end ready and empowered with the skills to serve the global community through improved public health practice. With fellows successfully working across the world, PH 360 looks forward to transforming the landscape so that our community, our families, our children are ready to become experts guiding us to better health, longer life expectancy, and flourishing for all of us. Our PH 360 fellows’ commitment to excellence and continuous learning ensures that we are well-equipped to tackle the health challenges of tomorrow. Our training programs are not just about imparting knowledge but also about fostering a spirit of compassion and service. We thank the numerous universities and corporate institutions who have entrusted the training of their students and staff into our hands. With a 98% doctoral-prepared, and 100% all-graduate team, you can find no better partners in preparing yourself for the lucrative field of public health than PH 360. I’m grateful for the hundreds of reference letters and discussions I have when our fellows land their public health positions barely few days after completing PH 360 program. Together, we are growing the world with better health through skilled public health professionals.
Advancing Global Health Knowledge Through Data and Research
At GHEP, our work with the International Journal of Maternal and Child Health and AIDS (IJMA) and the International Journal of Translational Medical Research and Public Health (IJTRANSMED) stands as a testament to our commitment to advancing global health knowledge and practice. Through these scholarly journals, we have been able to disseminate critical research and foster academic collaboration across the globe.
IJMA has been a cornerstone in publishing pivotal research that addresses pressing issues in maternal and child health and the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and children. Noteworthy articles from this year include studies on innovative approaches to managing postpartum hemorrhage in humanitarian settings, the impact of heat-stable carbetocin and tranexamic acid in preventing postpartum hemorrhage, and comprehensive analyses on pediatric HIV care and prevention. These publications not only enrich our understanding but also guide practical interventions that save lives and improve health outcomes
Similarly, IJTRANSMED continues to play a crucial role in bridging the gap between research and practice in translational public health. The journal has featured significant contributions on the integration of cutting-edge medical research into public health strategies, such as studies on the efficacy of new diagnostic tools and the development of innovative therapeutic approaches for chronic diseases. By facilitating the translation of research findings into actionable healthcare solutions, IJTRANSMED empowers practitioners and policymakers to implement evidence-based interventions that enhance community health.
We are immensely grateful to the dedicated editors, reviewers, authors, and readers who contribute to the success of these journals. Your unwavering support and collaboration enable us to sustain a platform where scientific excellence meets practical impact. Together, we are not just advancing knowledge but also creating a healthier, more equitable world for all.
A Heartfelt Thank You
To our funders, followers, beneficiaries, and supporters: your contributions, whether financial, moral, or voluntary, are the backbone of GHEP. Each success story, every smile, and all the lives touched are a testament to what we can achieve together. As we look forward to the future, let’s continue to lead with gratitude, hope, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a healthier and more educated place.
Together, we are stronger. Together, we can achieve more. Thank you for being an essential part of the GHEP family. It’s an honor to be leading this great organization at this pivotal time.
With infinite gratitude,
Romuladus E. Azuine, DrPH, MPH, RN
Executive Director
Washington, DC, USA
by Team GHEP | Oct 22, 2024 | Blog
Creating the Diabetes Awareness Program—Kenya (DAP-K) was a challenging yet rewarding experience. What might seem like a structured public health program on paper resulted from months of intense brainstorming, problem-solving, and creative collaboration between PH360 fellows.
From the beginning, we knew that diabetes was a severe health issue in Kenya, but we had to dive deeper into the local context to create a truly impactful program. Each of us brought different experiences—some with direct public health knowledge, while others had expertise in community outreach. Tanya Judd-Barnes, DPM, MPH-c, as Clinical Director, provided vital insights into diabetes detection, management and prevention. Fatmata Bah, PhD, as Lead Project Director, helped align our efforts with current research and policy. As Director of Community Outreach and Communications, Juhi Singhal, MA, focused on engaging the community and ensuring our messaging was culturally relevant. As Director of Monitoring & Evaluation, Nathaniel McGuigan, BS, developed a comprehensive evaluation plan and leveraged data to assess the program’s impact and effectiveness. As Director of Technology & Platforms Development, Sabrina Mansoor, BSc, utilized digital platforms to enhance our outreach efforts. Lastly, Saron Habtemichael, MBA, as Director of Strategic Partnerships, facilitated key collaborations that strengthened the program’s foundation.
Given each of these experiences and the groups goal in empowering individuals to make informed health decisions, we designed a program that incorporated various interventions tailored to the local context, including nutritional education, culturally relevant physical activity promotion, and regular health screenings. We had heated discussions about the best approaches at times, but we never lost sight of our common goal—to make a difference. The diversity within our team became one of our greatest strengths, requiring careful coordination and flexibility. Time zone differences proved challenging, with some members joining calls at odd hours, yet the dedication to the project never wavered. We learned the importance of perseverance as we navigated deadlines, personal commitments, and the inevitable obstacles of working on an international project.
What truly brought this project to life was our collaboration with local communities. As we developed DAP-K, we relied heavily on feedback from local stakeholders, which shaped many of our decisions. Their insights helped ensure our program was scientifically sound and culturally relevant. Hearing their stories—stories of families affected by diabetes—made the work personal, fueling our commitment to create a program that could truly make a difference.
The journey to create DAP-K was filled with learning curves, reminding us that behind every public health project, a team of passionate individuals is working together to tackle complex problems. The most valuable lesson in this case was that real change happens through collaboration, empathy, and persistence.
by Team GHEP | Oct 21, 2024 | Blog
For a professional audience, the Fit and Fabulous Program (FFP) Community Outreach Project may appear as a straightforward initiative focused on addressing obesity and promoting healthy lifestyles. But behind the scenes, this project was a rigorous, collaborative effort that spanned multiple time zones, countless discussions, and diverse viewpoints.
Our team, comprised of PH360 fellows from different countries, managed the complexities of working across time zones, often scheduling meetings early or late at night to accommodate everyone. This logistical challenge was only the beginning. Each member brought their unique expertise, leading to constructive disagreements about the best strategies for the program. These moments became growth opportunities as we learned to navigate differing perspectives respectfully and open-mindedly.
The rigor of the project was evident in how we tackled the sensitive issue of obesity—considering cultural differences and ensuring our approach was inclusive and empowering. As Clinical Director, Tanya Judd-Barnes, DPM, MPH-c, provided essential insights into the health implications of obesity. Fatmata Bah, PhD, as Lead Project Director, helped guide our strategic vision. As Director of Community Outreach and Communications, Juhi Singhal, MA, ensured our messaging resonated with the community. As Director of Monitoring & Evaluation, Nathaniel McGuigan, BS, focused on assessing the program’s effectiveness. Sabrina Mansoor, BSc, as Director of Technology & Platforms Development, integrated technological solutions to enhance outreach efforts. Lastly, Saron Habtemichael, MBA, as Director of Strategic Partnerships, built crucial collaborations that expanded our program’s reach.
The development of the program involved deep collaboration and ongoing conversations. We found ourselves questioning and refining our objectives, revisiting community feedback, and constantly striving for improvement.
Moreover, the human element extended to the communities we served. During the community outreach, we met individuals who shared their weight and health struggles, reinforcing our mission’s importance. Their stories were a powerful reminder of the actual impact our project could have on people’s lives. Ultimately, the sweat equity we invested in FFP taught us that successful public health initiatives are not just about the numbers but the people behind them—both the team creating them and the communities they aim to serve.
by Team GHEP | Oct 11, 2024 | Blog
Bullying is defined as a direct and indirect behavioral act where the perpetrator abuses the victim physically, verbally, and emotionally. Mental health issues as a result of bullying are at an all-time high. Bullying victimization is a public health issue that many countries are currently facing around the world. Prevalence around the world is estimated to be around 15-35% among North American and European countries; 22-56% among sub-Saharan African countries; and 9-28% among Asian countries (Kim et al., 2022; Aboagye et al., 2021). With a higher prevalence being reported in sub-Saharan African countries, arguably due to urbanization that can contribute to higher rates of marginalization, this is a public health equity concern (Tutu, 2021).
In Ghana, adolescents between the ages of 10 and 24 are experiencing bullying in school-based settings at 41.3% (Aboagye et al., 2021). Of the 41.3% of Ghanaian adolescents that face bullying victimization, 60.8% have engaged in fighting, 51.6% felt anxious, 55% felt lonely, and 61.7% had attempted suicide (Aboagye et al., 2021).
To address this ongoing crisis, a team of global health enthusiasts organized under the auspices of the Washington DC-based Global Health and Education Projects, Inc.’s (GHEP) Public Health 360 fellowship were charged to design a shovel-ready program to address bullying among school-aged students in Ghana. Design and development of a community outreach program and a shovel-ready capstone program addressing an emerging global issue are core components of the Public Health 360 fellowship.
An interdisciplinary team of 7 public health professionals worked together over three months during summer 2024 on an intervention aimed to reduce the negative outcomes associated with bullying (perpetrator and victim). We met two-three times per week for a minimum of 2 hours to consolidate research findings and create an outreach program. One subject of contention was our name. We all loved our former name, The Braves, but we found a similar program that provided mental health support so we came up with STEP or Standing Together for Equity and Peace. Although initially reluctant about the name change, we designed a program around the step phrase to empower people to step into action against bullying.
Rising to the challenge, our PH 360 group designed the Standing Together for Equity and Peace (STEP) program to reduce the negative impacts of bullying among youth aged 10-24 in Ghana. We developed a school-based program supported by local citizens as group leads who facilitate peer-based support groups. Students enrolled in the program learn about bullying and receive social and emotional skill training, and receive counseling referral services aimed at preventing and reporting bullying perpetration. The STEP program targeted three cities in Ghana in different phases of urbanization including the capital city Accra, the port city of Tema, and the peri-urban, 2nd largest city in Ghana, Kumasi.
As an international, interdisciplinary team, STEP team made sure to create systems around collaborations with local, national, and international stakeholders to support longevity in the program. STEP will achieve the overall objective of its program of increasing Ghanaian students’ awareness of the effects of bullying. It will also improve students’ comfortability in reporting bullying, and increase support, access, and use of anti-bullying resources.
From our experience, we would assert that program development is an iterative process and despite all your planning, there can still be unintended changes. As a team, we learned to be adaptable and made sure to craft a program that is just as adaptable. It can be tailored to any region, city, or locale as long as the community stakeholders and community social determinants of health are uniquely considered. We look forward to the opportunity to identify potential partners and funders so we can implement this robust and shovel-ready project in Ghana. If you are interested in learning more or partnering, reach out to the GHEP program office.
Project Team: Kendra Hester, MA, USA; Cha’Coya Williams, MA, USA; Noon Ibrahim, BPharm Sudan/Egypt; Megan Baker, BSPH, USA
Project Mentors: Romuladus Azuine, DrPH, MPH; Brownmagnus Olivers, BS; Sussan Ekejiuba, DVM, PhD; Chidubem Egboluche, DVM, MPH; Nzube Egboluche, MS, PhD
Further Information: Brownmagnus Olivers, outreach at globalhealthprojects.org
Sources
Aboagye, R. G., Seidu, A. A., Hagan, J. E., Jr, Frimpong, J. B., Okyere, J., Cadri, A., & Ahinkorah, B. O. (2021). Bullying Victimization among In-School Adolescents in Ghana: Analysis of Prevalence and Correlates from the Global School-Based Health Survey. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 9(3), 292. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9030292
Kim SS, Craig WM, King N, Bilz L,Cosma A, Molcho M, Qirjako G,Gaspar De Matos M, Augustine L,Šmigelskas K and Pickett W (2022). Bullying, Mental Health, and the Moderating Role of Supportive Adults: A Cross-National Analysis of Adolescents in 45 Countries. Int J Public Health 67:1604264. doi: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604264
Tutu, Raymond Asare. (2011). Internal migration, risks and social resilience in Ghana
The Pennsylvania State University ProQuest Dissertations & Theses: 3576118.
by Romuladus Azuine | Sep 16, 2024 | Blog
I know it, you know it. Negative energy is not good for anyone. Even for the experienced interviewers like me, job interviews are stressful, but staying positive is key to making a great impression. For early career professionals seeking to enter the field of public health, it is important to note that employers look for skills and a positive attitude. In fact, experts say that interviewers are more likely to remember negative information shared during interviews than positive information. So, keep your negativities at home, kick them to the curb, and unlock the doors and grab your next public health job.
At Public Health 360, one of the things we share with our fellows is interviewing techniques using out PH360 pitch script. Using role modeling, we train fellows on how to make employers say, “Yeah, this is someone that I can work with.” If you want to be that candidate, I pull the curtain and share some tips to help you keep your cool and turn any negatives into positives.
4 Techniques to Stay Positive in Your Interview
- Prepare and Practice Your Interview Moves
- Know the company, the job role, and common questions. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel. In Public Health 360, our fellows are trained to become conversant with the language of public health and key players at the local, national, and global levels.
- Highlight Your On-the-Job Achievements
- Talk about your successes to showcase your abilities and keep a positive tone throughout the interview. In Public Health 360, all fellows leave the program designing at least two programs. So, you have projects to discuss, and employers love candidates who show rather than tell.
- Use Mindfulness and Visualization
- Practice deep breathing or meditation before your interview. Visualize yourself succeeding to calm your nerves. In our Public Health 360 fellowship pitch sessions, we share on the power of authenticity and core values and passion for the work of public health. Know thyself and voice thyself.
- Practice Positive Self-Talk
- Replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Remind yourself of your strengths and what you bring to the table. We reinforce the self-talk around not only the skills you have, but how to describe them to your next boss and colleagues that you bring something to the table.
5 Tips to Turn Negatives into Learning Opportunities
- Demonstrate your Reflection on the Experiences
- Be clear. Think about what went wrong and why. Understanding the cause(s) of the negative experience. Narrate as an observer not a victim.
- Share Lessons Learned From the Experience
- Discuss what you learned from the negative experience and how it helped you grow. What did it mean as a professional? How would you do otherwise?
- Show Growth Following the Experience
- Give examples of how you applied the lessons learned to achieve better results. Since this happened how have you become a different professional. Remain on the track of positivity.
- Keep It Brief Don’t Be Bitter, Let Go
- When discussing negatives, be brief and steer the conversation back to the positive outcomes. No one wants to hang around, not talk of work with, bitter people who never let go. Don’t be that bitter person.
- Reframe the Experience and Recast Your New Self
- See negative experiences as opportunities for growth and learning, making it easier to talk about them positively. How have you leveraged that experience in a project where you nailed and accomplished big time?
Final Thoughts
Staying positive during interviews can make a big difference. Prepare well, focus on your achievements, practice mindfulness, and engage in positive self-talk to keep your attitude upbeat. Turn negative experiences into learning opportunities by reflecting, sharing lessons learned, showing growth, keeping explanations brief, and reframing your thoughts. Hiring managers will never accept it, but nobody wants to hire a bitter employee. Make all setbacks to be foundations for soaring. Negative energy can pierce the room and your meeting platforms (Zoom or Google Meet, Teams, etc). Remember, every challenge is a chance to grow. Stay positive, and let your optimism shine in your next interview!
by Romuladus Azuine | Sep 16, 2024 | Blog
Public health graduates are facing a tough reality: securing employment post-graduation is becoming increasingly challenging. While demand for public health professionals is rising, many recent graduates find themselves struggling to land jobs. A key reason? The gap between academic knowledge and practical skills.
Graduates often leave university with a solid theoretical foundation but lack the hands-on experience employers demand. This skills gap leaves them feeling unprepared and frustrated, with some pointing fingers at their universities for not providing sufficient real-world training.
- Do not blame your university
- Do not blame your mentors who told you public health is lucrative
- Ask yourself, do I have the skills to perform as a public health professional?
- Do something and do it fast!
As the public health landscape evolves, it’s essential for academic institutions to adapt, integrating more practical learning opportunities into their curricula. Programs that emphasize internships, fieldwork, and applied projects can better equip graduates for the workforce, helping them transition from the classroom to impactful careers. Explore Public Health 360 () and liberate yourself.
The challenge is clear, and so is the solution: bridging the gap between theory and practice.
