The Heart of Global Health

Every day, all around the world, health workers are making a difference. Some are on the frontlines providing direct services to people needing care. Others lend their technical skills in labs and pharmacies. Some work on a systems level, ensuring all of the complex pieces of health care are working together.

But one thing unites these health workers; they are the heart of global health.

We spoke to health workers across EGPAF’s country programs to learn more about why their work matters and how they are making a difference for people in their communities and around the world.

The Good Doctor, Edward Bitarakwate 

Health is wealth, and the overall wellbeing of humanity depends on both the body and the mind. As country director for EGPAF and as a former clinician, it is my mission to make sure that every child in Uganda grows up to be healthy and wealthy in mind and body. 

Many times, when we think about health workers, we only think about the clinical staff. But we also need to think about those non-clinical health workers who spend time ensuring that communities remain healthy in all ways— because we live in the community, not at the clinic, this presents greater opportunity to receive services that promote health and well-being. Community-based health workers have been the unsung heroes in the battles against chronic conditions like HIV.

Because of them, hundreds of thousands of Ugandan children are alive and healthy today. 

The Knowing Nurse, Tatu Msangi 

I’m working as a nurse coordinator in the oncology department at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center in Tanzania. But I’m also attached to HIV clinics, especially in counseling pregnant women on how to live positively, what they can do to have their babies. HIV-free.  

Health workers are so important as they provide medical care, promote public health, and support overall well-being to the community they serve. In my community, I collaborate with health care facilities and professionals to promote behavioral change against cancer and facilitate referrals to appropriate health facilities for proper cancer treatment. I impact people’s lives and overall well-being in society through counseling and navigation services. 

 I am motivated in my work because a person’s life is precious.

As a nurse who is living with HIV, I know what it means to struggle with an incurable condition. I survived because of other health workers, so my duty as a health worker is to make sure that other mothers survive. Every mother has great value to her family and to her community. My greatest satisfaction is knowing that I have helped save a lot of lives. 

I advise people to try to fight for their health because when you have health, you have everything.  

The Friendly Pharmacist, Emish Ondiek

As healthcare workers, we are often the first point of contact for essential services, especially in remote areas. We bridge the gap between people and the care they need to live healthier lives.  

I am a pharmacist and peer leader in Kenya. As a pharmacist, I have specialized knowledge about drugs. I understand how they work in a person’s body to keep them alive and healthy. I understand the dosage. As a person living with HIV, I appreciate the power of those pills. It is a power that I share with my clients when I dispense their prescriptions.

It is a privilege to be a member of the lifesaving team of health professionals. 

The Compassionate Coordinator, Blessing Benard Elisha

I am the state program coordinator in EGPAF, and in this role, I coordinate the activities to improve the HIV service delivery for pediatrics and adolescents in the Taraba state, Nigeria.  

My work contributes to the HIV response, especially ensuring that children and adolescents living with HIV have access to testing and treatment. I also work with other healthcare workers to improve quality services, understanding that children and adolescents have unique needs.

I feel fulfilled for every child’s life saved. 

The Cheerful Champion, Vincent Nyapigoti

I’m working with the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation in Malawi as a linkage nurse. In Malawi, the Ministry of Health and Elizabeth Glaser are working hand-in-hand to save the people in the community. Mothers, children, adolescents, and youths.  

I enjoy working with the children because they show positivity. When you are in a clinic, you are having the toys, the playing materials to facilitate play therapy. They show happiness, and their happiness projects the good future they have. 

When we are investing in children, we are investing in the good future for this world.

When they are sick, once you give them an injection or medication, if the diagnosis is the right one, you see the child jumping up and down and smiling at you. That’s positivity.