Students from various disciplines at Northwestern University gathered to solve critical global health challenges during the Intramural Global Health Case Competition. This event, part of the 14th annual Global Health Day by the Robert J. Havey, MD Institute for Global Health, focused on addressing pediatric malaria in Nigeria.
Held at the Robert H. Lurie Medical Research Center, the competition kicked off with opening remarks by Dr. Amelia Van Pelt. She emphasized the unique learning experience it offers, promoting teamwork and innovation among students. “It’s more than a competition; it’s a platform for future global health leaders,” she said.
Thirty students formed six teams, each representing various Northwestern schools, from medicine to engineering and law. They had just one week to create detailed solutions for a hypothetical global health issue related to pediatric malaria.
Rebecca Marcus, an MD/MPH candidate and last year’s winning team lead, wrote this year’s case. Teams had to present their ideas in 12-minute slots to a judging panel comprised of experts in global health.
The competition simulated a real-world scenario where teams acted as NGOs vying for a $10 million grant to tackle malaria. The judges praised the teams’ creativity and communication skills, noting the practical experience gained could not only enhance their future projects but also aid in important skills like grant writing.
The first-place team proposed “Faith in Immunity,” which emphasized using education and vaccination to reduce malaria cases. Their solution included helpful resources like baby kits for families, showcasing a blend of innovation and practicality highlighted by judge Becca Kirby.
The event also featured advisors from diverse health sectors, including researchers from Nigeria. They provided valuable insights during virtual consultations, enhancing the students’ proposals.
This competition is part of a broader movement to prepare students for impactful work in global health. According to the World Health Organization, malaria remains a significant threat, particularly in regions like Nigeria, underscoring the importance of such collaborative efforts. In 2020 alone, Nigeria recorded over 57 million malaria cases, emphasizing the need for effective interventions.
Overall, the collaboration among students from various fields not only showcases the importance of interdisciplinary approaches but also reflects a commitment to solving pressing global health issues. The next generation of health professionals is truly stepping up, ready to make a difference.
For further research and resources on global health initiatives, you can explore the World Health Organization.
Global Health Case Competition Winners:
- 1st place: Team 3 – “Faith in Immunity: A Campaign for Reducing Malaria Cases in Nigeria”
- 2nd place: Team 2 – “Kare Yaranmu: Protect our Children”
- 3rd place: Team 1 – “#RoadToImmunity”
