Ohio University Global Health Initiative

01/30/2026

In 3 days, we recognize World Cancer Day with the theme United by Unique: placing people at the center of care and their stories at the heart of the conversation.

Join us for a powerful panel conversation centered on people, stories, and lived experiences. Hear from cancer survivors and a medical expert, moderated by Joy Talemwa, DTM.

🗓️ Mon, February 2nd, 2026
🕢 7:30 – 8:30 PM (EAT)
📍 Live on Zoom
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/5bzzscfr

01/28/2026

Period Equity Is a Human Right!
Women and girls in Pakistan are fighting to reclassify menstrual pads as essential goods instead of luxury items because a “luxury tax” on period products deepen period poverty and stigma, forcing many to miss school or ration supplies.
Mahwari Justice is a student‑led movement distributing menstrual products, education, and advocacy including a petition to remove the luxury tax on pads and challenge stigma nationwide.

Want to learn more?
Watch this TED Talk: “A taboo‑free way to talk about periods” at https://youtu.be/qm0isl11BfY?si=KHEOCmr_g8pg4VO7
Read “Gender equity and menstrual justice: a psychosocial review on stigma and discrimination in access to reproductive health” to explore how stigma and policy gaps affect menstrual equity globally. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12978-025-02255-z

Sources:
1. NPR article on period tax in Pakistan (mirror): https://www.kpbs.org/news/health/2026/01/15/this-country-taxes-menstrual-pads-as-luxury-goods-shes-suing-to-end-the-tax
2. Mahwari Justice — impact & petition: https://mahwarijustice.org/

01/26/2026

A 2025 study published in BMJ Mental Health, based on a midlife cohort in the United Kingdom and Ireland, found that individuals with a history of intimate partner violence (IPV)—especially physical abuse involving head injury—are at increased risk for depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and sleep disorders, even many years after the abuse occurred. The findings highlight the long-term mental health impacts of IPV and traumatic brain injury (TBI) across the life course.

An Ohio University faculty member, Dr. Graciela Muniz-Terrera, contributed to this research as part of the PREVENT Dementia Investigators.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual or intimate partner violence, confidential support is available through the Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program (SAOP) of Southeast Ohio.
Visit: https://saopseoh.org/
24-hour helpline: 740-591-4266

Sources:
Jenkins, N. D., et al. (2025). Intimate partner violence, traumatic brain injury and long-term mental health outcomes in midlife: the Drake IPV study. BMJ Mental Health, 28(1), e301439. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjment-2024-301439
Osteopathic Heritage Foundation. Research Impact Story: Dr. Graciela Muniz-Terrera. https://osteopathicheritage.org/research-impact-story-dr-muniz-terrera/

01/23/2026

Trachoma is a neglected tropic disease (NTD) and the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness. It can be prevented or eliminated for less than $0.50 per person. From 2006–2024, USAID’s NTD program helped treat 1.7 billion people and supported elimination efforts in 14 countries. Recent funding cuts now put these public health gains at risk.
🩺 How trachoma is controlled: The WHO-endorsed SAFE strategy combines Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement to prevent blindness and stop transmission.
🎥 Learn more about trachoma: In a TED Talk, Dr. Danny Haddad Harper highlights how trachoma devastates vulnerable communities and how global collaboration, community volunteers, and simple tools can end the disease.
https://youtu.be/QAAxKRFP2Mw

Sources:
NPR – Goats and Soda: https://www.npr.org/sections/goats-and-soda/2025/12/10/g-s1-101411/neglected-tropical-diseases-usaid-cuts
Tian & Wang (2018). Trachoma control: the SAFE strategy. International Journal of Ophthalmology. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6288535/

01/22/2026

Good information from OU Finance on Global Border Controls & Entry Requirements: What’s New in 2026.

As 2026 progresses, many countries and regions are moving toward digitized entry systems, biometric checks, and pre-travel authorizations that affect millions of business travelers worldwide.

01/13/2026

HCOM students — final call! 🚨
This is your last week to apply for the South Africa Medicine (SAM) Program this summer.

Spend 3 immersive weeks in Cape Town rotating through clinics, learning social medicine, and exploring global health in action—plus a safari

📅 Applications close Jan. 16 (rolling admissions)
💰 $2,000+ SAM Travel Award deadline: Jan. 17
🔗 Apply + program details: https://www.ohio.edu/goglobal/programs/south-africa-medicine

01/01/2026

Students participating in the winter break Introduction to Global Health program in Costa Rica have arrived safely and are enjoying their first days in country. They have toured San Jose and are now in Fortuna learning about Pura Vida and the impact of other cultural factors on health. Ohio University College of Health Sciences and Professions Ohio University Department of Social and Public Health

01/01/2026

Only 15 days left to apply for the South Africa program—and yes, scholarships up to $4,500 are still available!

Join HCOM students in Cape Town this July for clinical rotations, cultural learning, and a once-in-a-lifetime global health experience.

📅 Apply by January 16
🔗 https://www.ohio.edu/goglobal/programs/south-africa-medicine

12/11/2025

⏰ 1 day left!
Join us tomorrow December 12th from 12-1pm for the Study Abroad in Medicine: South Africa Info Session on Teams!

Get all your questions answered about clinical rotations, scholarships, travel, faculty support, and what it’s really like to study medicine in Cape Town.
To join scan the QR code or visit our website: https://www.ohio.edu/goglobal/programs/south-africa-medicine

12/03/2025

Join HCOM’s Study Abroad in Medicine (SAM) program this July 4–27, 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa!

✔️ Clinical rotations in community clinics focusing on primary care, HIV programs, maternal–child health sites, and specialty care like cardiothoracic surgery.
✔️ Learn from South African providers and Xhosa healing traditions.
✔️ Faculty mentorship with Dr. Adu.
✔️ A 3-day safari to explore Table Mountain and Robben Island's beaches.
✔️ Apply for scholarships up to $4,500 (can combine!)

📅 Info Session: Dec. 12, 12–1pm via Teams
📌 Rolling admissions until Jan. 16 — apply early!

Teams link + application: https://www.ohio.edu/goglobal/programs/south-africa-medicine

12/01/2025

Come learn about our India: Health, Culture & Discovery program — 3 immersive weeks blending classroom learning with hands-on experiences in one of India’s most culturally rich cities, Mysuru.

-Visit Ooty in the Nilgiri hills
-Relax with yoga and meditation sessions
-Get a Ayruvedic Panchakarma treatment
-Dance, cook, visit temples, and experience a cultural Gala dinner

📅 Info Session: Dec. 2, 5 p.m.
📍 Baker University Center 239
⌛️Only 36 days left for priority application!!
🔗 More info: https://www.ohio.edu/goglobal/programs/india-health-practices

12/01/2025

https://www.ohio.edu/news/2025/11/call-proposals-ohio-chubu-university-faculty-research-collaboration-grants?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Read%20about%20the%20call%20for%20proposals&utm_campaign=OEN-120125_UCM
Ohio University College of Health Sciences and ProfessionsOhio University Department of Social and Public HealthOhio University Heritage College of Osteopathic MedicineOhio University Interdisciplinary Health Studies

This program advances internationally engaged research by supporting new and expanding collaborations between Ohio University faculty and colleagues at Chubu University in Japan.