Global Health

Columbia Mailman is recognized internationally for our extensive work in global health. What makes our work unique among schools of public health is a focus on implementation, and a commitment to generating practical, scalable solutions for the world’s most pressing health challenges.

Our international portfolio of research and implementation addresses sustainable health systems, disease prevention and treatment, training of healthcare workers, digital solutions, and worldwide health crises such as HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, and maternal morbidity and mortality.

Columbia Mailman is home to one of the university’s largest centers, ICAP, which has permanent offices in 22 countries around the globe, and active projects in over 30. ICAP works closely with local implementing partners, including private corporations, NGOs and government ministries, to strengthen health systems through a coordinated strategy that includes service, research, training & education, and impact measurement.

Corporate collaborations have resulted in multi-country program evalations, customized toolkits for community healthcare workers, and executive education for a global workforce. 

Key Faculty

Wafaa El-Sadr, MD, MPH, MPA, is director of the Global Health Initiative at the Mailman School of Public Health and the director of ICAP at Columbia University, a global leader in the fight against HIV. ICAP provides technical assistance, supports implementation, and conducts research in more than 30 countries. El-Sadr has led numerous studies that have furthered the understanding of the prevention and management of HIV, TB, and non-communicable diseases. A 2008 MacArthur Foundation Fellow (AKA the “Genius Grant”), she is also a University Professor, Columbia’s highest academic honor. '

Terry McGovern, JD, currently serves as Adjunct Professor of Population and Family Health and a core faculty member of the Program on Global Health Justice and Governance at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health. She is also Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy.