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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 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

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< 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 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

< Back NCGHA Member Organizations Reflect on Impacts Facing North Carolina Tom George Mar 6, 2025 RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. (WTVD) -- The non-profit research institute RTI International has announced more cuts due to a lack of federal funding. Previous Next

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 report, “The Global Health Sector’s Contributions to North Carolina’s Economy ,” 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.

< Back USAID helps NC in several important ways. We can’t let that be ruined. Feb 13, 2025 An Op-ed by NCGHA Executive Director Published in Raleigh's The News & Observer Closure of USAID will be catastrophic for NC | Raleigh News & Observer Read the full article at: https://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/article300191279.html Previous Next

< Back USAID Contract Terminations & the Impact on the Global Health Sector in North Carolina NC Global Health Alliance Sep 30, 2025 An Urgent Workforce Challenge Since January 20, 2025, the NCGHA has tracked how many North Carolina jobs have been lost due to USAID contract terminations. Job data sourced directly from impacted institutions, impacted individuals, WARN system, NC Commerce, press releases, and media. Contract data sourced directly from USASpending.gov, impacted institutions, USAID Stop Work, and AID on the Hill. NORTH CAROLINA’S GLOBAL HEALTH SECTOR AT A GLANCE The global health sector adds $31.9B to North Carolina’s economy per year. Over 900 NC global health institutions operate in more than 175 countries. In 2021, global health organizations employed more than 56,000 direct global health jobs in North Carolina and sustained an additional 117,850 jobs across multiple sectors. North Carolina is home to one of the most sophisticated global health ecosystems in the nation, anchored by world class institutions including RTI International, FHI 360, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, and Duke Global Health Institute. Historically, the sector has been a stable, high-wage, and high-skill employer. IMPACT OF RECENT FEDERAL FUNDING CUTS NC is the fourth-highest state recipient of USAID funding; NC won $1B in awards in 2024. Since January 2025, North Carolina institutions lost $3 billion in future payments with 86% of USAID-funded awards terminated. As of September 2025, at least 625 North Carolinians lost their jobs as a direct result of USAID cuts. Ripple effects are impacting partner institutions, contractors, and students across the state. Impacted workers face a decimated job market and intense competition for remaining positions. WHY THIS MATTERS FOR NORTH CAROLINA Global Competitiveness – NC’s reputation as a global health leader is at stake; loss of capacity jeopardizes our ability to remain a beacon for innovation on the global stage. Economic Impact – Global health organizations bring federal and philanthropic dollars into NC, fueling local economies. Job losses threaten regional economic stability. Brain Drain Risk – Skilled professionals are being offered to leave NC for opportunities elsewhere, eroding decades of sector expertise that would otherwise strengthen high-demand industries in NC. WHAT WE’RE HEARING FROM IMPACTED WORKERS “ I am a PhD educated public health researcher… and I am now trying to figure out if we need to move outside the city or to another state .” – J.A., Carrboro “ Over the past 7 months, I’ve submitted over 2,000 job applications, have networked with over 100 individuals… nearly every sector I’ve looked at and networked in continues to face enormous numbers of overqualified applicants, hiring freezes and layoffs. As a single parent and the sole provider for my family, I am struggling with how to proceed .” – A.T., Apex OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMMEDIATE COORDINATED ACTION Tap the Talent – Work with existing statewide resources to elevate these professionals to prioritize transition into our booming biosciences, life-sciences, rural health, and innovation sectors. Cross-Sector Job Matching – Leverage transferable skills into life sciences, public health, education, social services, tech, and other public and private sector roles in-state. Rapid Response Workforce Support – Career transition resources, retraining programs, and targeted job fairs for displaced global health professionals & other impacted workers. Pipeline Preservation – Support internships, fellowships, and apprenticeships to keep students and early-career talent in the state. Previous Next

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2023 North Carolina Global Health Conference! On November 1, 2023, the North Carolina Global Health Alliance hosted the 10th Annual North Carolina Global Health Conference in Raleigh, NC. More than 200 friends and colleagues came together in-person to reflect on what it means to have resilience in our global health ecosystem and how each of us have built resilience into our own work. Over the course of the day, countless connections were made, best practices and learnings were shared, and not for the first time, we saw just how strong and innovative the North Carolina global health community is. We started the day with traditional Senegalese music from the fantastic Diali Cissokho and Will Ridenour, and then North Carolina’s Congresswoman Deborah Ross set the stage with an inspirational reminder of just how important our global health industry is for both our state and for our country. Later in the day, our keynote speaker, Dr. Angeli Achrekar , the Deputy Executive Director for the Programme Branch at UNAIDS, shared reflections on the impact of PEPFAR and rallied us to continue our collective fight to contain HIV/AIDS around the world. Breakout sessions throughout the day gave participants the opportunity to engage with topics ranging from climate and its impact on global health, to technology’s role in our industry, to the manufacturing of products in new markets. We explored how to better gather and use data to improve health, we learned about equity-centered community engagement, and we looked at the evolving future of global health. Throughout the day, the Exhibit Hall provided an exciting space for organizations and researchers to showcase their work and engage with passionate global health students and professionals. We would like to thank our sponsors, our exhibitors, our planning committee, our vendors, including NC State and the McKimmon Center, and our brilliant speakers for giving so much of your time, talent, and resources to help make the 2023 NC Global Health Conference memorable and meaningful. And finally, to all our attendees, thank you for showing up with energy, curiosity, and openness. As the North Carolina Global Health Alliance moves forward, we hope you will stay engaged with our work and continue to bring your generosity of spirit and incredible visions for a healthier world to our future events and opportunities. Click to View the 2023 Conference Agenda! Keynote Speakers Angeli Achrekar, PhD, MPH Deputy Executive Director for the Programme Branch, UNAIDS Assistant Secretary-General, United Nations Congresswoman Deborah Ross United States Representative for North Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District Plenary Panel: What it Means to Have Resilience in the Global Health Ecosystem Gwen W. Collman, PhD Director, Office of Scientific Coordination, Planning and Evaluation (SCOPE), NIEHS Gavin Yamey, MD, MPH, MA Associate Director for Policy, Duke Global Health Institute Director, Center for Policy Impact in Global Health Sid Thakur, BVSc, MVSc, PhD Executive Director of Global One Health Academy Professor of Molecular Epidemiology at the College of Veterinary Medicine at NC State Click to View Our Full Speaker Lineup! Thank You to Our 2023 Conference Sponsors! Gold Level Sponsors Silver Level Sponsors Bronze Level Sponsors Sustaining Sponsors

< Back NCGHA and Member Representatives Speak at Durham City Council Meeting Mar 6, 2025 City of Durham, NC Announces Joint Resolution Calling for the Immediate Lifting of the Stop Work Order on Foreign Assistance Programs and the Re-opening of the United States Agency for International Development Video will start at introduction of Joint Resolution to Durham City Council Links to the Motion and Joint Resolution: Motion to Adopt Joint Resolution Joint Resolution Previous Next

2022 Economic Impact Report The Global Health Sector's Contributions to North Carolina's Economy In 2021, the North Carolina Global Health Alliance partnered with RTI International to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the economic contributions of North Carolina's global health sector. The report examines the sector's impact on employment, economic activity, innovation, and global health outcomes, highlighting the significant role that North Carolina organizations play in improving health around the world while strengthening the state's economy. The report remains a valuable resource for organizations, researchers, policymakers, and advocates seeking to better understand the scale and impact of North Carolina's global health community. NCGHA members may request access to the report by contacting members@ncglobalhealth.org . Non-members may purchase access to the report for $1,000. To inquire about obtaining a copy, please contact members@ncglobalhealth.org . Thank you to our sponsors who helped make this report possible!