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