Baumann Named Global Health Research Ambassador
 |
Linda Ciofu Baumann, PhD, RN, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing, has been named an ambassador of Research!America’s Paul G. Rogers Society for Global Health Research. Baumann is now one of fifty of the nation’s foremost global health experts who will work jointly to increase awareness about the critical need for greater U.S. public and private investment in research to improve global health.
“Because millions of people travel daily between continents,” says Baumann, “health issues must be viewed within a global context. Our nation’s leaders must understand that increased U.S. investment in global health research will not only improve health conditions in impoverished countries, but will also help prevent the emergence and spread of diseases that can endanger Americans here and abroad.”
Baumann is both nursing professor and affiliate faculty in Population Health Sciences in the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. Her ongoing global health research includes the examination of diabetes self-care behaviors in Vietnam and Uganda. She also directs a community-based program on Madison’s south side to encourage physical activity and healthy eating in low-income adults.
“Dr. Baumann is uniquely qualified to serve as one of Research!America’s scientist advocates,” says Katharyn A. May, DNSc, RN, dean of the School of Nursing. “Her twenty-plus years’ experience in health care management in developing nations as well as in her home community will help ensure efforts to make global health diplomacy a national priority.”
Baumann will work to raise the visibility of global health research through the news media and in meetings with policy makers, opinion leaders and the public. Her key message will stress the importance of effective collaboration among the nation’s government, industry, academic, patient advocacy and philanthropic research sectors.
“Dr. Baumann has personally seen the value of saving lives and protecting health around the world,” says The Honorable John Edward Porter, chair of the society’s advisory council and Research!America board chair.” Her insights will help bring this important story to more Americans.”
Named for The Honorable Paul G. Rogers, a former Florida congressman and renowned champion for research to improve health, the society was established in 2006 by Research!America with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The society’s advisory council, which includes three Nobel laureates, selects the nation’s leading scientist advocates to serve as ambassadors. The appointees’ expertise covers numerous global health areas, including HIV/AIDS research, TB, vaccines, nutrition and environmental hazards.
_________________________
Research!America is the nation's largest not-for-profit public education and advocacy alliance working to make research to improve health a higher national priority. Visit www.researchamerica.org for more information.
|
