About the Global Health Institute

Mission

Support education, multidisciplinary research collaborations, and global partnerships to produce scalable and sustainable solutions that improve health worldwide.

Vision

A world where all people can lead healthy and productive lives.

History

In November 2016, Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia announced the launch of the planning process for the Global Health Initiative, led by Executive Vice President for Health Sciences and Executive Dean of the School of Medicine Edward Healton and Vice President for Global Engagement Thomas Banchoff. Consultations involving more than 100 faculty members were held through February 2017, culminating in a working luncheon where faculty provided their feedback and thoughts on ways forward.

In April 2017, the Global Health Initiative was officially launched. The initiative was jointly led by Drs. Healton and Banchoff, in collaboration with John Monahan, senior advisor to President DeGioia. A faculty committee drawn from across campuses coordinated the initiative.

In July 2022, the Georgetown Global Health Institute was founded as the successor of the Global Health Initiative, and Deus Bazira joined as its inaugural director  in 2023.

Georgetown Poised to Address Today’s Global Health Challenges

Global health is undergoing a period of rapid change. Global donor funding has plateaued while trust in science is on the decline, governments are confronting increased urbanization and its health implications, humanitarian crises and resulting mass migration are disrupting health systems, new technologies are being developed and deployed that can transform health at the individual, population and system levels, and greater equity in international collaborations is required for enhanced sustainability.

Developing solutions to these complex and interconnected challenges requires collaboration across multiple disciplines and sectors. By leveraging its Washington, DC location and influential networks, reflecting its Jesuit heritage and commitment to social justice, and harnessing the breadth and scope of its schools, departments and expertise, Georgetown University is well-positioned to contribute at the crossroads where health, medicine, and science intersects with policy, law, diplomacy, and ethics. The Global Health Institute plays a critical role in harnessing these collective strengths to drive positive change and build future leaders in global health.