|
|
About the Center
Overview
The George Washington University Africa Center for Health and Human Security was formed under the direction of Provost and Vice President for Health Affairs John "Skip" Williams in November 2004 to explore forward-looking and innovative ways to enhance capacity, improve dialogue, provide information and resources, and assist in attaining solutions that better the life of Africans. The Center provides a forum for experts from a range of disciplines to discuss such issues as health and environment (disease, geographic information systems, remote sensing, urbanization, nutrition, water, sanitation); security (conflict resolution, governance, poverty, terrorism, violence); and education and infrastructure (information technology, capacity building, water, sanitation). These issues are evaluated within the multi-dimensional context that includes environmental realities and the rapidly changing situations of Africans. The Center distinguishes itself from other academic and advocacy groups by integrating diverse academic, research and policy agendas that drive programmatic action in Africa.
Background
Promoting an Exemplary Partnership
GW has long taken an active role in improving the health and wellbeing of communities both locally and globally. To help bring African priorities to the forefront, in 2004 GW established the Africa Center for Health and Human Security under the direction of Dr. John F. Williams, GW Provost and Vice President for Health Affairs, to improve the health and welfare of Africans through multidisciplinary African-initiated partnerships and programs.
A University-based effort, the Center provides a forum for experts from a range of disciplines and sectors to brainstorm solutions to pressing problems on the continent. With its location in Washington, DC, the Center benefits from its close proximity to numerous partners interested in Africa’s future including the World Bank, US Agency for International Development, Global Health Council, US Congress, African Embassies, and others. In addition, the Center draws on its high-level University commitment and multidisciplinary expertise to support African countries’ efforts to invest sustainably in their people. This is accomplished through the provision of education, research, training and technical expertise in such areas as health workforce, neglected tropical diseases, and health policy development and analysis. As a result, countries in need benefit from an increased number of health care workers, better disease management and improved health policies.
All actions carried out by the Center are guided by the vision and mission statements and are as follows:
Vision
The vision statement describes the state and function of the Center’s operations. The statement is as follows:
To improve the health and human security of Africa.
Mission
The mission statement defines the fundamental purpose of the Center. The statement is as follows:
The Africa Center for Health and Human Security supports African countries' efforts to invest sustainably in reducing the threats to the health and security of their people through the provision of education, research, training and technical expertise. Drawing on the high-level commitment and multidisciplinary technical expertise of the GW community, the Center will work in partnership with the public and private sector.
Leadership
The Africa Center’s leadership is two-tiered. The Advisory Board, led by the Honorable Ronald V. Dellums and Dr. John "Skip" Williams, is a high level group of experts from Africa and the US representing a wide range of expertise and experience. Its members make the overall policy decisions, fundraise, and approve the Africa Center's projects and programs. The Technical Board, chaired by Dr. Chinua Akukwe, draws on the broad expertise of the University and is comprised of GW faculty, staff, and alumni. Its members are the engine, providing focus and direction for the Africa Center by developing priority issues and projects.
Staff
Alyson B. Lipsky, MPH
Assistant Director
Email: gwafricacenter@gwumc.edu
Telephone: 202-994-7462
|
