Join Us for Inspiring Insights: Global Health Advocate Felicia Marie Knaul to Address International Institute Graduates

Felicia Marie Knaul is making waves in health and policy. She’ll be the keynote speaker at the UCLA International Institute’s commencement ceremony on June 14. Knaul, a renowned health economist and professor at UCLA, has a rich background that influences her work and advocacy.

After studying at the University of Toronto, Knaul focused on international development and economics. She spent time in Guatemala helping street children, which led her to conduct research in Bogotá, Colombia. This experience shaped her career, which has revolved around public health and social policy.

Throughout her career, Knaul has partnered with various governments to tackle health reform, especially in Mexico, where she collaborated on the Seguro Popular program. This initiative aimed to provide health coverage to over 50 million people. Her proudest achievement, however, has been establishing “Sigamos Aprendiendo en el Hospital,” a program that ensures children hospitalized for long-term illnesses can continue their education. It has been invaluable, allowing families to maintain a sense of normalcy during tough times.

Knaul’s passion for health is deeply personal. After a breast cancer diagnosis in 2007, she founded Tómatelo a Pecho, a nonprofit aimed at increasing awareness of breast health among low-income women in Latin America. Knaul emphasizes the importance of supporting women’s health, linking research to advocacy to drive meaningful change. She asserts, “Social determinants of health are key to understanding and improving global health.” Her work has expanded to include issues like gender-based violence and child welfare.

A recent World Health Organization report highlights that access to healthcare remains a pressing issue for many. It shows that, globally, around 1 in 10 people struggle to access necessary health services. Knaul’s efforts, particularly through her initiatives, are crucial in addressing these gaps.

Knaul’s commitment to collaboration shines at UCLA. She speaks about the opportunities to partner across disciplines, enhancing both research and policy application. “UCLA is the most collaborative place I’ve experienced,” she notes. She’s excited about her current projects, including two Lancet commissions focusing on cancer systems and violence against women and children, aiming to publish findings by 2026.

As Knaul looks to the future, she plans to focus on a new institute at UCLA dubbed PROSPER, which will investigate the social determinants impacting health and well-being. She believes this could lead to better health outcomes globally.

Overall, Knaul’s journey has been about more than her research; it’s a powerful blend of advocacy, personal experience, and a commitment to improving health care for all. Her story is not just her own; it’s a reflection of the many lives influenced by her work.

Source link

UCLA leadership, global reach, health, health policy, public health, public policy, breast cancer, women