The Fitzhugh Mullan Health Workforce Institute at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health has unveiled the 2026 class of the Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity (AFHE).
Since its start in 2016 as Leaders for Health Equity, this program nurtures leaders who aim to tackle health gaps. This year, 15 dedicated individuals from around the world will join forces to improve health in their communities. Their backgrounds span areas such as health finance, mental health, community health programs, and more. With this ninth cohort, the AFHE network now boasts 152 fellows, all working to influence policy and empower communities.
Patricia Pittman, director of the Mullan Institute, emphasized the need for proactive health leaders. “We need leaders who not only address inequities but also create systems to prevent them,” she said. The new cohort is filled with passion and diverse perspectives, essential for driving change.
Interestingly, recent studies show that addressing health disparities can significantly improve community well-being. According to a 2022 report from the World Health Organization, investing in health equity can lead to a 30% increase in the overall health of a population. This highlights the importance of initiatives like AFHE that focus on bringing together knowledgeable and committed individuals.
For a full list of the fellows and the specific areas they will focus on, you can visit the Atlantic Fellows website.
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