WHITE PAPER Global/International Research Involvement And
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DRAFT WHITE PAPER Global/International Research Involvement and Strategies July 23, 2014 Committee: Linda B. Cottler, PhD, MPH (Chair-PHHP/COM) Maureen Goodenow, PhD (COM) * Jorge Hernandez, PhD, DVM, MPVM (CVM) Jane Houston, DNP, CNM, RN (CON) * Michael Lauzardo, MD, MSc (COM) Sven Normann, PharmD (COP) * Scott Tomar, DMD, DrPH, MPH (COD) * Members of UFIC Global Health Council DRAFT Executive Summary This White Paper was developed to allow advisors/consultants from all six Health Science Center (HSC) Colleges to explore issues about and make recommendations related to research in the area of international/global health. We addressed these questions: 1. Why is it important to focus on international health? (Introduction/Aims) 2. Where is UF currently in the international/global research realm? (Findings/review) 3. What priority areas should be addressed in the next 5 to 10 years? (Findings/review) 4. Who are the key partners and competitors in this area? (Findings/review) 5. What processes/infrastructure do we need in order to be successful? What should be supported? (Recommendations) The White Paper noted many strengths connected to global health research and many areas that can be stimulated through global health research, including financial, contributions to national security, increased partnerships, transformations in university culture, reductions in barriers around the globe, social justice, competitiveness for scarce resources, academic success, opportunities for philanthropic donations and ability for research in global health to stimulate additional research in other areas of science. The research, education and service missions of the six HSC Colleges were highlighted. While there is considerable international work documented, we feel that this is just the tip of the iceberg since the entire repertoire of activities could not be discovered with the available databases. Nonetheless, the UF International Center (UFIC) is a good anchor for international efforts. Members of UFIC document interest by faculty and students in international research; they have found more than 260 international linkages with international partners through MOUs, and more than 120 reciprocal exchange agreements. Additionally, institutionalization was the theme of the 2014 SACs accreditation. Specific highlights of our report include: The Global Health Council of UFIC includes representation from the 16 colleges across the campus (6 colleges in HSC are included) and meets monthly in fall and spring. Three of the members participated in this planning process. The Emerging Pathogens Institute and One Health Center of Excellence are dynamic cross-campus resources with considerable international focus. There are numerous projects and programs within the HSC. The HSC has 2 NIH Fogarty International Center Training Grants (one in India- PHHP/COM; one in Mongolia- PHHP); they are the only ones at UF. International collaborations through funded projects and co-authored publications are considerable. At least 150 international grants in over 50 countries are actively funded; many more are being conducted but funded internally. Faculty host more than 1,100 visiting international scholars yearly. In addition to the many strengths noted, we highlighted areas for improvement that span infrastructure, implementation, research, education and training. We propose a mini logic model with next steps and outcomes that could be realized if improvements were made. We propose a Center for Global Health Initiatives to be established now, with an innovative International Scholars Academy to be developed soon for boosting and sustaining international work to improve health globally. 2 DRAFT 1. Why is it important to focus on international health? In a recent New England Journal of Medicine article, Merson (2014) describes the new global health landscape and how universities all over the world are getting involved in it. Global health has been defined as a focus on the population’s health with problems that go beyond borders and that have world-wide impact (Jamison DT, et al, 2013). The areas of study are usually those that aim to reduce disparities in health from both a communicable and non- communicable disease orientation with the latter gaining more attention lately. In 2008, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) convened the Committee on the US Commitment to Global Health that defined a vision for the US. The committee concluded that the US government and US universities, foundations and corporations should work to improve global health by: 1. Scaling-up existing interventions for health gains. 2. Generating and sharing knowledge to address health problems prevalent in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). 3. Building capacity with global partners. 4. Increasing financial commitments to global health. 5. Setting an example of respectful partnerships. The IOM report (IOM, 2009) recommended that the US invest $15 billion in global health directed to the health-related Millennium Development Goals, and to the AIDS program through PEPFAR, and to malaria, and tuberculosis. The IOM suggested that additional monies be spent to support areas that have been neglected in research such as health systems, children and women’s health, nutrition, and reproductive health. Mental health and addiction have also been gaining attention recently as areas to focus on. The report mentioned sources for funding such as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) be sought for their focus on non-communicable diseases and injuries. This is important because by 2020, the major health threats around the world are estimated to be cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and mental health. All areas that have been recommended for investment around the world are areas in which HSC UF faculty members are strong. Thus, UF has an unprecedented opportunity to leverage resources with our research strengths to make a difference. This strategic plan addresses the way forward to strengthen the UF international footprint. UF has a responsibility now, as it strives to become a top ten public University, to lead efforts to improve the health of populations around the world - especially populations living in low to middle income countries (LMICs). Globalization fosters opportunities for collaboration. Multiple reasons can be found to engage in global health. 1) Economic. Public sources of funding are providing fewer resources for research while private foundations are playing a larger role, but with an international focus. These opportunities bring significant monetary returns on investments. Researchers who are not engaged in international work are missing out on major funding opportunities, especially partnerships involving LMICs. 2) A Matter of National Security. Health is a significant component in national security, and is the focus of Department of Defense and other agency funding. Considerable resources are available for work outside the US. 3) Increased Networks and Partnerships. Global research strengthens existing and adds new multicultural relationships making the workforce more diverse and inclusive. 4) Transforms the Culture. A social transformation occurs when researchers move from just a local and regional focus to a global focus. While some may say international research is a “frill”, the new landscape views it as a necessity. 5) Reduced Barriers. The ease of travel and modern communications have removed barriers around the world making it easier to contribute to international research. 6) Other Nations have Significant Populations for Research Efforts. BRIC nations, Brazil, Russia, India and China, represent more than 41% of the world’s population and UF should be 3 DRAFT involved helping to improve the health of these regions. In the future, significant resources will be targeted to the cancers and cardiovascular problems that are a major burden in these countries. 7) Social Justice. UF should take a role in the international arena, both as an initiator and collaborator, because it is the right thing to do to, to help our global partners. Health is a basic human right, and since we can help improve health we should. 8) Students and Faculty are Passionate about Global Health and Demand More Focus on International Projects. Around the globe, students and faculty are demanding service projects and research in LMICs. Institutions are responding with increased opportunities to make contributions that matter-- especially for our close neighbors in need such as Haiti, the poorest country in this hemisphere. 9) To Be Competitive. UF should be involved in international efforts to stay competitive. An environmental scan found that our peer institutions have established a major presence in one or more international locations based on their research strengths and missions. They have extensive programs in global health. All top tier private and public schools have an infrastructure for international/global health initiatives through departments, centers, institutes, or programs. These programs include leadership and governance staffing, partnerships within the university, educational efforts, sites that are tied to the university, programs abroad, and signature research initiatives. The Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) is a forum for interdisciplinary collaborations. It assists members in sharing their expertise across all missions, from education, to research,