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2024 North Carolina Global Health Conference POSTER PRESENTATIONS Tuesday, October 22, 2024 McKimmon Center 1101 Gorman St, Raleigh, NC 27606 Click Here to View a Map of the McKimmon Center! See our full list of speakers here! Conference Speakers Poster Presentations 8:15 am - 9:00 am Revisit the posters you missed at 12:45 Room 2 Developing a Differentiated Care Model Strategy for People Returning to HIV Care in Cape Town, South Africa Ashima Agarwal, MPH Candidate 2025, UNC Chapel Hill A Tailored Approach: Population and Sex-Specific Anthropometrics Thresholds for Qatari's Rawan Ajeen, PhD Candidate 2025, UNC Chapel Hill Drivers of Physicians' Migrations from Ethiopia to the US: A Mixed Methods Study Solomon Ayehu, MD, MSc MIDP, Duke University Working towards Equitable Practices in Global Health Partnerships and Programming Sarah Brittingham, MA, MPH , Technical Advisor, FHI 360 Adverse Childhood Experiences and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Ukrainian College Students: Mediating Role of Intimate Partner Violence and Lifetime Trauma Experience Julia Burlaka, PhD, CHES , Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina at Greensboro Viktor Burlaka, LMSW, PhD, Professor of Social Work, School of Health and Human Sciences, University of North Carolina at Greensboro Oleksii Serdiuk, PhD, Head of the Research Laboratory for Psychological Support of Law Enforcement, Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs; Kharkiv, UKRAINE (not present) Arash Javanbakht, M.D., Director of the Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic at Wayne State University, School of Medicine (not present) The Association Between Race and Rurality on Maternal Outcomes in North Carolina Ebony Burns, DHA, MHA , Clinical Research Professional How does a Free Childcare Center at a Local Hospital Improve Access to Healthcare for Mothers? Sydney Chen , BA Global Health Candidate 2025, Duke University Heterogeneous spatial distribution of knock-down resistance F1534S mutations in Aedes albopictus in Wake County, North Carolina Jessica Ding, PhD Candidate 2028, North Carolina State University Tomo Adams, PhD Candidate 2029, North Carolina State University Increased prevalence of hypertension in dental screening patients in Mosoriot, Kenya Amy Gillespie , Doctor of Dental Surgery Candidate 2027, UNC Adams School of Dentistry Evaluating the Breastfeeding-Friendly Community Partner Initiative in Durham, North Carolina Kimberley Glover, MPH 2024, Temple University Do Elderly Men and Women Experience Grief Differently? Investigating Gender Differential Impacts of Spousal Bereavement on Health Outcomes Among Older Adults in the United States Elena Granowsky , BA Global Health Candidate 2025, Duke University Lauren Tse, BS Economics Candidate 2025, Duke University Longitudinal Mental Health Outcomes for Transitioning OSCYAs in Udayan Care Rohan Gupta, BS Psychology Candidate 2025, Duke University Chidimma Umerah, Duke University Pratikchhya Rimal, Duke University Assessing the antenatal care-seeking determinants associated with the penetration of the WHO eight-visit antenatal care policy across states in Nigeria Christiana Ikemeh, PhD Candidate 2025, UNC Gillings School of Global PUblic Health, UNC Chapel Hill Leah M. Frerichs, PhD, Associate professor, Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC Chapel Hill (not present) Kazeem Arogundade, MD, Bruyere Research institute, Ottawa, Canada (not present) Adedayo O. Adeyemi, PhD, Director, Center for Infectious Diseases Research and Evaluation, Lafia, Nasarawa state, Nigeria (not present) Christopher M. Shea, PhD, Professor, Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC Chapel Hill (not present) Justin G. Trogdon, PhD, Professor, Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC Chapel Hill (not present) Effects of self-reported health, obesity, and hypertension on the likelihood of having health insurance in Mexico Lirui Jiao , PhD Candidate 2028, UNC Chapel Hill Delays in seeking care among pediatric cancer patients: A qualitative study in Northern Tanzania Happiness Kajoka, MD, Msc Candidate 2025, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Tanzania Ingredients for Success: Factors associated with successful integration of depression care into non-communicable disease clinics in Malawi: A mixed-methods analysis Abigail Morrison, PhD Candidate 2025, Department of Health Behavior, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC Chapel Hill Childhood vaccination prevalence and perception in Roatán, Honduras Madeline Morrison, BA Global Health Candidate 2026 Grace Muriithi, BA Global Health Candidate 2026 Reena Kagan, BA Global Health Candidate 2026 (not present) Arya Kumar, BS Biomedical Engineering Candidate 2027 (not present) Barriers to Effective Pain Management in Sickle Cell Disease: Voices of Patients, Caregivers, and Healthcare Providers in Kenya Ashita Nazareth , MSc Candidate 2025, Duke Global Health Institute From Research to Practice: Integrating Telehealth Counseling for Suicide Prevention Among People Living with HIV in Tanzania’s Healthcare System Paul Ngangula , MSc Candidate 2025, Duke Global Health Institute Weather Extremes Modify the Efficacy of Sanitation Interventions on Fecal Contamination in Rural Bangladeshi Households Caitlin Niven , PhD Candidate, North Carolina State University Psychological Burden and Social Support Needs Among Adolescents and Young Adults with Sickle Cell Disease in Kenya Yvonne Ochieng, PhD Clinical Psychology 2029, Duke University A Mixed-Methods Review and Recommendations for Improving Community Engaged Contracting Process for Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resilience Araba Oduro, MD , MPH Candidate 2025, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health What is the future of INGOs: Perspectives from the Transforming INGO Models for Equity (TIME) Initiative Catherine Packer, MSPH , Technical Advisor, FHI 360 Kim Kucinskas, Technical Director, Organizational Transformation, Humentum (not present) Robyn Sneeringer, Chief of Staff, EngenderHealth (not present) An Evaluation of the KIKOP Care Group Training Cascade in Kisii, Kenya Shriti Pant, MPH Candidate 2025, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, & Curamericas Intern Kaitlin Polgar, MPH Candidate 2025, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, & Curamericas Intern The Role of Faith in Suicide Prevention Among People Living with HIV: Perspectives of Religious Leaders and Mental Health Workers in Tanzania Ryan Parker, MSc Candidate 2025, Duke Global Health Institute Factors Influencing Hypertension Treatment Adherence in East Africa: a Scoping Review Mirlene Perry, PhD Candidate 2026/2027, Duke University School of Nursing Dengue Virus Seroprevalence in Kinshasa, DRC Rachel Sendor, MPH , PhD Candidate 2025, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health Investigating Use of Coping Strategies and Mental Health of Transitioning OSCs in Udayan Care Akhilesh Shivaramakrishnan , BA Global Health Candidate 2025, Duke Global Health Institute Alek Mishra, Duke Global Health Institute Seth Liyanapathirana, Duke Global Health Institute Virtual versus Reality: A Comparative Analysis of Medical Advice Quality in Direct-to-Consumer Telemedicine and In-Person Consultations Shuyi Song, PhD Candidate 2027, UNC Chapel Hill Youth Engagement in Contraceptive R&D: Why & How? Becca Stern, BSPH Candidate 2025, UNC Chapel Hill, Youth Council Member at FHI 360 Addressing Unscheduled Hospital Readmissions: Insights from Northern Tanzania Frijenia Sumbai, MD, MSc Candidate 2025, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Tanzania Public-Private Partnerships in India’s Covid-19 Response: Exploring Private Sector Perspectives on Pandemic Lessons and Future Pandemic Preparedness Ei Ei Swe, MB, BS, MSc , Duke University Association of Flooring Material with E. coli Contamination in Rural Bangladeshi Households Sumaiya Tazin , PhD Candidate 2026, North Carolina State University Optimizing Child Nutrition in Mali: A Data-Driven Approach to Tackling Malnutrition through Community Engagement Aklil Tessema, BA Candidate 2024, UNC Chapel HIll Preliminary mixed-methods analysis of disability prevalence and resource needs for persons with disabilities on Roatán, Honduras Hishi Ulak , BA Global Health Candidate 2025, Duke Global Health Institute Global Roles in Local Context: Enhancing Medicaid Expansion in Rural North Carolina Through Community Health Workers Harris Upchurch, BS Biology & Global Health 2024, Duke University Empowerment among treatment-engaged individuals living with schizophrenia in Tanzania Madeline Van Husen , MSW/MPH Candidate 2025, UNC Chapel Hill Relationships between epigenetic age in young adulthood to early-life and adult BMI differ between males and females Romaniya Voloshchuk, PhD Candidate, UNC Chapel Hill Advancing Community-Led HPV Screening Through Mobile Health App Development: Iterative Improvements of mSaada in Kisumu, Kenya Skylar Webb , BA Environmental Science & Policy, BA Global Health Candidate 2025, Duke Global Health Institute Sahil Choudhri, Duke Global Health Institute Afraaz Malick, Duke Global Health Institute Kelsey Goldwein, Duke Global Health Institute Global Network for Women’s and Children’s Health Research Scoping Review Roger Williams, MPH, MA , Protocol Manager and Project Coordinator, RTI International Anika Hannan, MPH , Research Public Health Analyst for Monitoring & Evaluation, RTI International Thank You to Our 2024 Conference Sponsors! Gold Level Sponsors Silver Sponsors Bronze Sponsors Sustaining Sponsors Mastro Global, LLC

Terms of Use Thanks for visiting our website. This page sets forth the terms and conditions governing the activities of our website visitors and the relationship between the site visitors and our organization. This website is owned and operated by North Carolina Global Health Alliance. These Terms set forth the terms and conditions under which you may use our website and resources as offered by us. This website offers visitors resources on global health topics. By accessing or using the website of our service, you approve that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. In order to use our website and/or receive our services, you must be at least 18 years of age, or of the legal age of majority in your jurisdiction, and possess the legal authority, right and freedom to enter into these Terms as a binding agreement. You are not allowed to use this website and/or receive services if doing so is prohibited in your country or under any law or regulation applicable to you. The prices we charge for membership to the Alliance is listed on the site. We reserve the right to change our prices displayed at any time, and to correct pricing errors that may inadvertently occur. We may, without prior notice, change the membership; stop providing the services or any features of the memberships we offer; or create limits for the membership. You agree to receive from time to time promotional messages and materials from us, by mail, email or any other contact form you may provide us with (including your phone number for calls or text messages). If you don't want to receive such promotional materials or notices – please just notify us at any time. Effective Date: May 2022

Applications are closed for the 2026 - 2027 Emerging Leaders in Global Health Cohort A leadership program for North Carolina's next generation of global health changemakers. The North Carolina Emerging Leaders in Global Health cohort is a selective, year-long leadership development program designed to prepare the next generation of North Carolina's global health changemakers. Bringing together six undergraduate and graduate students from North Carolina universities, the program provides hands-on experience in leadership, advocacy, communication, and professional engagement. Through monthly virtual sessions, mentorship from professionals, experiential learning opportunities, and site visits to local organizations, the Emerging Leaders gain a deeper understanding of the state's unique global health ecosystem while developing the confidence and skills to become effective and professional communicators and advocates for global health. Application Has Closed What Emerging Leaders Can Expect The Emerging Leaders program is designed to be an active, hands-on leadership experience. Throughout the year, cohort members will meet virtually with Visiting Experts from across North Carolina's global health community, exploring topics including the evolution of North Carolina's global health sector, the business of global health, leadership through crisis, navigating careers in a post-USAID landscape, business development, and building public-private partnerships. These conversations are designed to give Emerging Leaders an inside look at the many pathways and perspectives that shape global health in North Carolina. Emerging Leaders will not simply attend these conversations, they will lead them. Each of the six cohort members will be responsible or preparing and facilitating one Visiting Expert session. This includes communicating directly with the guest speaker, developing discussion questions, preparing a short memo for the cohort, and facilitating the conversation. Additional skill-building throughout the year will focus on networking, communication, public speaking, advocacy, and professional presence. Cohort members will also participate in NCGHA events and field visits with organizations across North Carolina's global health ecosystem. The program culminates in the Emerging Leaders Showcase at NCGHA's Spring Event on April 7, 2027. Beginning in the fall, each Emerging Leader will start exploring the idea they want to share. In January, they will work one-on-one with the NCGHA Executive Director to develop their concept, followed by a writing workshop, dedicated writing time, in-person rehearsal, & individual coaching. Each Emerging Leader will ultimately deliver a memorized 5-8 minute presentation without notes or slides to an audience of approximately 150 global health professionals, sharing their perspective on an important issue and their vision for the future of global health. This is a competitive cohort and a significant professional commitment. Emerging Leaders are expected to attend all regular cohort meetings, with the ability to miss one meeting as long as it is not the meeting they are responsible for leading. Any missed training must be made up with their peers . All participants are expected to approach the program with the professionalism, preparation, and commitment they would bring to a job. In return, Emerging Leaders will have an opportunity to learn from accomplished professionals, build relationships across North Carolina's global health community, develop skills that will serve them throughout their careers, and take the stage to share their own vision. Application Requirements Applications closed Friday, September 25 at 5:00 pm ET. Check back here soon for updates on our 2026-2027 cohort! Applicants must be a current undergraduate or graduate student studying global health or a related field, or with research interests relevant to global health or a related field, at a North Carolina University during the 2026-2027 academic year. To apply, email the following to Members@ncglobalhealth.org : Resume (pdf) 1-page Cover Letter (pdf) Answers to 4 supplemental questions (pdf ). Applications that do not include answers to all four questions will not be considered. Please answer all four questions on a single page (~500 word total), save as a pdf, and submit with your resume and cover letter in one email. What global health issue or question are you most curious about right now and why? Tell us about a time when you worked with people who had different perspectives, backgrounds, or areas of expertise than you. What did you learn from that experience? What do you hope to gain from this experience and what will you bring to the cohort? Imagine you have five minutes on stage in April 2027 to share one idea that you believe could change the future of global health. What would you talk about and why? In the body of the email, please indicate if you will be available to participate in the full cohort experience between October 2026 - April 2027, and attend all required events. A note about Al: We encourage all applicants to answer the supplemental questions on their own, avoiding the use of Al. Reviewers will be looking for authenticity and a unique voice over perfection in communication style. We want to get to know you, not your bot. No late applications will be considered. No out of state applicants will be considered. Applications Closed Applications are due by September 25 at 5:00 pm ET Download the Application Program Timeline September 25 Applications due by 5:00 pm ET (no late applications will be accepted ) October 5 - 14 Finalist interviews conducted virtually October 16 Decisions are delivered via email October 21 @ 6:00 pm Onboarding (virtual) October 22, 20-minutes between 2:00 - 4:00 pm Optional attendance for part of the NCGHA Board Meeting October 28 @ 6:00 pm Regular cohort meeting + Visiting Expert #1 (virtual) October 30 @ 12:00 pm Virtual pre-conference networking training November 6, 8:30 am - 3:00 pm Required in-person attendance at NCGHA Fall Conference, NCCU, Durham November 9 - 20 In-person one-on-ones with Executive Director November 18 @ 6:00 pm Regular cohort meeting + Visiting Expert #2 (virtual) December 2 @ 6:00 pm Elevator Pitches + Visiting Expert #3 (virtual) January 4 - 14 Virtual one-on-ones with Executive Director January 20 @ 6:00 pm Regular cohort meeting + Visiting Expert #4 (virtual) February 3 @ 6:00 pm Regular cohort meeting + Visiting Expert #5 (virtual) February 17 @ 6:00 pm Regular cohort meeting + Visiting Expert #6 (virtual) March 3 @ 6:00 pm Writing Workshop (virtual) March 4 - 18 Independent writing of presentation March 19, time tbd *Required* in-person rehearsal at Duke March 20 - April 1 Independent time to memorize March 29 - April 1 Optional one-on-one virtual rehearsals April 2 Recommended in-person rehearsal at NC Biotech Center April 7, 8:30 am - 3:00 pm Emerging Leaders Showcase at NCGHA Spring Event, NC Biotech Center April, date tbd Cohort Lunch *Dates tbd Two in-person field trips to local global health organizations Application Closed Applications are due by September 25 at 5:00 pm ET Download the Application

< Back More RTP layoffs as Lenovo, National Institutes of Health Confirm Job Cuts Sean Coffey Jul 16, 2025 NCGHA Executive Director Discusses Layoffs at North Carolina Businesses with ABC11 RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. (WTVD) -- More layoffs are coming to Research Triangle Park -- from two very different places. Please follow the link to watch the video and read the full story on ABC11: https://abc11.com/post/more-rtp-layoffs-lenovo-nih-confirm-job-cuts/17139573/ Previous Next

The 2022 NC Global Health Annual Conference At a time of global economic hardship, and when global health inequities are even more pronounced, our global health programs, services and research need to be more impactful than ever. Are we actually making a difference? Are our programs and services having the individual, social, economic and political impacts that are needed today? Is our research yielding the required evidence? Can we demonstrate this impact? Can we identify when they are not? What are the key elements of effective programs? What lessons can we learn? The 2022 Annual Conference explored these questions and the global health impact North Carolina's organizations, and those based nationally and globally, are having at the individual, community and global levels. Thank you to all of the amazing presenters, speakers, attendees, and sponsors who made the 2022 NC Global Health Annual Conference such a success! Thank You to Our 2022 Annual Conference Sponsors Platinum Sponsors Gold Sponsors Silver Sponsors Bronze Sponsors ...And a Huge Thank You to Our Awesome 2022 NC Global Health Annual Conference Planning Committee Laura Hoemeke , DrPH - Senior Consultant, Clear Outcomes; Adjunct Professor, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health Sydney Nadel , MPH - Advanced Implementation Specialist, Family Connects International Valerie Flax , PhD - Senior Research Public Health Analyst, RTI International Katrina Kulik , MAS - Operations and Development Manager, CFK Africa Suzanne Mama n, PhD - Associate Dean for Global Health, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health Naya Villarreal , MPH - Global Health Associate Director, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health Kathy Walmer , MSN - Executive Director, Family Health Ministries Sut Soneja , PhD - Epidemiologist and Lead Public Health Specialist, MITRE Hannah Bain Lineberger - Communications Manager, CFK Africa André Anthony - Executive Director, North Carolina Global Health Alliance Heather Vahdat , MPH - Executive Director, Male Contraceptive Initiative Brittany Trottier , MPH - Health Specialist, NIEHS Aubrey Weber , MPH - Senior Technical Officer for Science Facilitation, FHI 360 Jennifer Schroeder Tyson , MPH - Lecturer, Appalachian State University Grace Ruffin - Career Development and Community Engagement Intern, North Carolina Global Health Alliance

< Back A Message to The North Carolina Global Health Community Jan 30, 2025 The NCGHA is Taking Steps to Make Your Voice Heard. Now, See What You Can Do to Get Involved Dear NCGHA Community, In recent days, the global health and humanitarian aid sectors have faced unprecedented challenges that threaten the progress we’ve made, the people we serve, and the jobs that sustain our work. The State Department’s Stop Work Order has placed critical foreign assistance programs on hold, creating uncertainty for thousands of professionals dedicated to advancing health, stability, and economic growth worldwide. At the North Carolina Global Health Alliance (NCGHA), we recognize how deeply this moment affects our community. Many of you are grappling with disruptions to your work, funding concerns, and the unsettling reality that livelihoods may be at risk. We want to acknowledge this hardship while also reaffirming our commitment to supporting you and ensuring that North Carolina’s vital role in global health does not go unnoticed. Our Actions on Your Behalf The NCGHA has taken immediate steps to elevate North Carolina’s unique position as the fourth-largest recipient of USAID funding in the country. We have: Sent letters to our Senators and key members of Congress to emphasize the economic and national security consequences of halting foreign assistance. Engaged in direct conversations with the offices of Senators Tillis and Budd, as well as Congresswoman Ross, providing real-time job impact data to strengthen their efforts to protect North Carolinians. Collaborated with national advocacy organizations to ensure that North Carolina’s voice is amplified in discussions on Capitol Hill. Widely shared our statement on the Stop Work Order and encouraged partners to use its data in their own advocacy efforts. Read our statement here. How You Can Take Action Advocacy is most powerful when we stand together. Here are ways you can join us in fighting for the future of global health: Contact Your Representatives: Call or email your Senators and Congresspeople to urge them to advocate for the reversal of the Stop Work Order and protect USAID-funded programs. ( Find your representatives here ). Share Job Impact Data: If your organization has experienced furloughs, layoffs, or other workforce impacts due to the Stop Work Order, please send us this data. All information can be aggregated and kept anonymous; however, this data is one of the most compelling tools we have when engaging with policymakers. Share Your Story: If your work or organization has been directly impacted, consider sharing your experiences with us. Personal stories can be instrumental in making the case for continued funding. Engage on Social Media: Raise awareness by posting about the importance of global health funding and tagging your elected officials. Tag the NCGHA on LinkedIn and we will amplify your post. Supporting Our Community We know that uncertainty in funding can create instability for professionals and students in our sector. As part of our commitment to supporting the careers of our members, the NCGHA will: Continue sharing job opportunities across global health and complementary sectors for those who may need to explore new opportunities. Follow us on LinkedIn where we are most active. Host our annual Global Health Careers Week from March 17-20 , offering career development resources and hosting new discussions tailored to the evolving landscape. You can sign up on our website here; please note that topics are subject to change. In times of uncertainty, we find strength in community. While we cannot predict the immediate future, we can continue to stand together, raise our voices, and advocate for the work that has saved lives, driven economic growth, and strengthened America’s leadership in the world. We see you. We support you. And we will not stop fighting for you. In partnership, Brianna Clarke-Schwelm Executive Director North Carolina Global Health Alliance Brianna@ncglobalhealth.org Previous Next

< Back Carrboro Council Passes Resolution In Solidarity With USAID Employees, Urges Restart of Federal Aid Brighton McConnell Mar 6, 2025 NCGHA and Member Representatives Attended Carrboro Council Meeting to Support the Passing of a Resolution in Support of North Carolina Global Health Businesses and Employees Please follow the below link to read the full story: https://chapelboro.com/news/local-government/carrboro-council-passes-resolution-in-solidarity-with-usaid-employees-urges-restart-of-federal-aid Previous Next

< Back NCGHA Board Chair on Preventing the Next Pandemic Feb 19, 2025 An Op-ed by NCGHA Board Chair and Adjunct Professor of Epidemiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr. Timothy Mastro, Published on MSNBC "The U.S. will be seen as a pariah in the global community if it does not play a collaborative role in preventing the next major disease outbreak." Please follow the below link to read more: https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/bird-flu-pandemic-who-cdc-nih-rcna192607 Previous Next

< Back Press Release: NCGHA Sounds Alarm on USAID Shutdown, Impacting Jobs and Economy Feb 3, 2025 North Carolina Global Health Alliance Sounds Alarm on USAID Shutdown, Impacting Jobs and Economy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 4, 2025 North Carolina Global Health Alliance Condemns Dismantling of USAID, Citing Severe Economic and Security Impacts for North Carolina Raleigh, NC – The North Carolina Global Health Alliance (NCGHA) expresses profound concern over the recent actions leading to the dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Following an initial Stop Work Order that paused all funding and caused immediate furloughs and disruptions, the subsequent shutdown of USAID operations has exacerbated the crisis, threatening thousands of jobs in North Carolina and posing significant risks to both the state's economy and global stability. North Carolina stands as the fourth-largest recipient of USAID funding in the nation, supporting a robust global health sector that contributes $31.9 billion annually to the state's economy. The initial funding freeze led to immediate furloughs and disrupted long-standing international partnerships. The complete dismantling of USAID now jeopardizes the future of numerous organizations and the livelihoods of countless professionals dedicated to global health and development. "The dismantling of USAID is a direct assault on North Carolina's economic vitality and our leadership in global health," said Brianna Clarke-Schwelm, Executive Director of the NCGHA. "The initial funding freeze was devastating, but the complete shutdown threatens to decimate an industry that not only provides thousands of jobs but also plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges." Beyond the immediate economic repercussions, the closure of USAID undermines U.S. national security interests. USAID's programs are instrumental in countering global instability, mitigating the influence of adversaries, and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. The absence of these programs cedes strategic ground to competitors and diminishes the United States' ability to respond to international crises. The NCGHA urgently calls upon North Carolina's congressional delegation, including Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, to take immediate action to address this crisis. The organization also encourages concerned citizens to contact their representatives to advocate for the restoration of USAID's critical functions. "We cannot afford to remain passive as an essential agency is dismantled, jeopardizing both our state's economy and our national security," Clarke-Schwelm added. "It is imperative that we act swiftly to restore USAID's operations and protect the interests of North Carolina and the nation." For media inquiries, please contact: Brianna Clarke-Schwelm Executive Director, North Carolina Global Health Alliance Email: Brianna@ncglobalhealth.org Website: www.ncglobalhealth.org Previous Next

< Back INDY: A Year After Federal Job Cuts, Workers in the Triangle Are Still Picking Up the Pieces Abraham Kenmore May 19, 2026 Hundreds of federal workers in the Triangle lost jobs in the Trump administration’s early cuts. A year later, the future still seems uncertain. NCGHA Executive Director, Brianna Clarke-Schwelm, spoke with freelance reporter, Abe Kenmore, for an INDY article showcasing the realities that North Carolina workers face a year after losing their jobs due to cuts to USAID and other federal agencies. Read the full article here. Previous Next

< Back A Statement From the North Carolina Global Health Alliance on Recent Executive Orders Jan 28, 2025 The North Carolina Global Health Alliance Urges North Carolina's Congressional Delegation to Advocate for the Reversal of the Stop Work Order The North Carolina Global Health Alliance urges members of the North Carolina Congressional Delegation to immediately advocate for the reversal of the State Department's recent Stop Work Order, which freezes all existing foreign assistance programming and pauses new aid, with limited exceptions. It is critical that policymakers act swiftly to reverse this decision. Read the North Carolina Global Health Alliance's full statement on this issue below. January 27, 2025 The North Carolina Global Health Alliance (NCGHA) expresses deep concerns regarding the State Department’s recently issued “Stop Work Order,” which freezes existing foreign assistance programming and pauses new aid, with very limited exceptions. This action follows the President’s Executive Order on Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid mandating a review of U.S. foreign assistance programs, yet the Stop Work Order goes beyond this mandate, jeopardizing the health, security, and prosperity of both our nation and North Carolina. The North Carolina Global Health Alliance supports efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of foreign assistance programs. However, this important review must not come at the cost of interrupting critical ongoing initiatives. On behalf of the many North Carolinians dedicated to advancing U.S. foreign assistance efforts, the NCGHA urges North Carolina’s Congressional Delegation to take action to halt this order and advocate for the continuation of essential foreign assistance programs. The USAID-supported work happening here in North Carolina directly contributes to making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous and any interruption to funding and implementation puts the livelihoods of thousands of North Carolinians at risk. Economic Impact on North Carolina Foreign assistance programs, particularly those funded by USAID, significantly benefit North Carolina’s economy and communities. The 2022 Global Health Sector Economic Impact Report published by the NCGHA and RTI International, highlights how global health investments generate billions of dollars annually in economic activity for our state. The more than 900 global health institutions operating in North Carolina in 2021 sustained 170,000 jobs in our state across multiple sectors, and these institutions contributed $31.9 billion in total value added to North Carolina’s economy. According to data from USA Spending , North Carolina implementers have received the fourth-largest amount of USAID obligations nationwide, trailing only Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts. This almost $1 billion in USAID funding to North Carolina institutions has supported thousands of high-quality jobs across sectors, from research and innovation to health systems strengthening, positioning our state as a global leader in foreign assistance implementation. Risks of the Stop Work Order The critical work conducted by USAID-funded non-profits, universities, and businesses headquartered in our state serve to both mitigate threats to our national security and foster economic growth that benefits North Carolinians and Americans nationwide. The indiscriminate implementation of the Stop Work Order undermines these benefits and jeopardizes national security, economic stability, and government efficiency. Specifically: National Security Risks: Foreign assistance programs address root causes of instability, such as poverty, disease, and conflict. Pausing these initiatives creates a vacuum that strategic competitors can exploit, undermining U.S. influence and destabilizing regions vital to our interests. Economic Disruption: Halting foreign assistance programs disrupts funding streams to North Carolina-based institutions, leading to immediate job losses and economic instability. Restarting these programs later will incur higher costs and delays, compounding inefficiencies. Public Health Threats: Interrupting health programs risks the resurgence of diseases and the unchecked spread of infectious pathogens. This threatens global health security and, ultimately, the safety of Americans at home. Advancing American Strength and Prosperity USAID-funded programs are strategic investments that promote stability, expand markets for U.S. goods and services, and build goodwill abroad. North Carolinians engaged in this work take immense pride in representing American interests globally, serving as front-line diplomats who foster alliances, counter extremism, and advance health and prosperity. By ensuring the continuation of these programs, the United States strengthens its global leadership and reaffirms its commitment to security, economic growth, and humanitarian values—principles that resonate deeply with North Carolinians. Call to Action North Carolina’s leadership is critical in addressing this urgent matter. The NCGHA urges our Congressional Delegation to: Advocate for the immediate reversal of the Stop Work Order to prevent unnecessary disruptions to vital foreign assistance programs. Support efforts to establish a transparent and efficient review process that allows development institutions to demonstrate compliance with America First principles without undermining their ability to deliver impactful programming. Emphasize the critical role North Carolina implementers play in advancing national security, driving economic growth, and promoting global stability in your discussions with State Department and Congressional colleagues. Previous Next

< Back Foreign Aid Workers Call on Triangle Officials to Condemn USAID Funding Freeze Lena Geller Mar 7, 2025 The Triangle is one of the largest recipients of federal foreign aid money in the nation. With that funding jeopardized, hundreds of local workers have lost their jobs. Indy Week's Lena Geller reports on the Durham City Council meeting and impact felt by North Carolina residents as a result of USAID's shuttering. Please follow the below link to read more: https://indyweek.com/news/durham/amid-mass-layoffs-triangle-foreign-aid-workers-call-on-triangle-officials-to-condemn-usaid-funding-freeze/ Previous Next