Global Health Institute

This briefing included a panel of faith and global health experts and was moderated by Mark Lagon, adjunct professor in the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and chief policy officer at Friends of the Global Fight. The event featured perspectives from Christoph Benn, Katherine Marshall, and Jenny Eaton Dyer on how faith communities contribute to global health efforts. It was also an opportunity to launch a new book, the Handbook on Religion and Health: Pathways for a Turbulent Future (2024), which features book chapters from Benn and Marshall.

​Faith-based Health Care Providers Are Local and Trusted

Christoph Benn, director for global health diplomacy at the Joep Lange Institute, began by reflecting on his early experiences as a young doctor in Tanzania during the devastating HIV epidemic, recalling the overwhelming loss of life at that time. He highlighted how much progress has been made since then and celebrated 65 million lives saved since 2002 according to the new 2024 report. Significant advances in treatment and prevention, particularly in reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, demonstrate the transformative impact of sustained global health efforts.

Drawing on his experience as the former director of external relations at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Benn emphasized the essential role of faith-based health care providers in regions with limited government support. These providers often serve the most remote and vulnerable populations, and without their contribution, scaling up efforts to meet the HIV response would not have been possible. He warned that to prevent the impacts of climate change from reversing progress on health challenges like malaria, connecting local organizations with international support will be crucial.

Katherine Marshall, a professor of the practice in the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, drew on her many years working in senior roles for the World Bank in southern Africa during the early days of the HIV/AIDS pandemic to highlight the critical intersection of faith and health. Marshall—a senior fellow at Georgetown’s Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs—pointed out that a significant portion of the global population adheres to some form of religion. Religious communities have long played a central role in health care delivery, with faith actors serving as key contributors both historically and today.

Marshall reiterated that integrating these faith-based leaders into public health systems is crucial for effectively addressing crises like COVID-19 and preparing for future pandemics. Because of the trust they hold within their communities, faith leaders are uniquely positioned to advocate for early interventions, including vaccinations and maternal and child health. She also stressed the need for evidence-based strategies and innovative partnerships between faith organizations and the global health sector. Marshall’s work with the Georgetown Commission on Faith, Trust, and Global Health seeks to generate the knowledge that can underpin such efforts.

​The Role of U.S. Foreign Aid

Jenny Eaton Dyer, founder of the 2030 Collaborative, spoke about the importance of information and education to generate support for U.S. foreign aid programs. In one instance, when Christian congregation members were asked how much of the U.S. federal budget they thought was allocated to foreign aid, many estimated between 25% and 30%. Many were shocked to learn it was actually just a quarter of 1%. She highlighted the need for continued accountability and transparency about U.S. foreign aid and the moral imperative of supporting global health programs like the Global Fund and PEPFAR.

​Encouraging Unexpected Partnerships

During a wide-ranging discussion with a bipartisan, bicameral group of Hill staffers, the panelists explored topics such as partnering with faith communities that have differing social and cultural views. Benn, Marshall, and Eaton Dyer stressed the need for respectful dialogue and centering the value of saving lives when approaching sensitive topics like LGBTQ+ rights and family planning. Briefing participants also discussed how the U.S. health system could learn from other nations' primary care models.

Looking to the future, the panelists advocated for critical investment in faith-inspired organizations to tackle emerging global health challenges and ensure the sustainability of future programs. With their deep-rooted presence in communities, faith actors can drive lasting and impactful change.