Advancing Global Health: A Call to Action

Since its founding 15 years ago, the University of Notre Dame’s Eck Institute for Global Health has been driven by the fundamental belief that health is a human right, not a privilege. Rooted in our University's mission that commits to defending the dignity of every human person, this belief compels us to lead efforts in advancing health standards and reducing disparities that disproportionately affect the poor and marginalized. We fulfill this mission through cutting-edge research and comprehensive global health education and training at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Our work is more critical than ever in today’s global health landscape.

We remain deeply engaged with partners on and off campus to:

• Prevent unnecessary mortality from malaria, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases
• Ensure mothers and infants receive lifesaving care during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum
• Address the rising burden of cancer and non-communicable diseases among disadvantaged populations
• Leverage innovative solutions to mitigate health security risks and seek to prevent future pandemics

At the same time, we remain steadfast in our commitment to educating the next generation of global health leaders—leaders who uphold the dignity of every person, foster healthier communities, and recognize that the well-being of one is the responsibility of all.

Father Robert A. Dowd, Notre Dame’s President, urges all of us to be bridge-builders, uniting people and taking action in a world that urgently needs solutions. The Eck Institute community has enthusiastically embraced this call. As global health bridge-builders, we will:

• Deepen our focus on the health needs of the poor and marginalized
• Strengthen partnerships and multidisciplinary collaborations
• Remain unwavering in our advocacy to prevent suffering and disease
• Continue to listen, learn, and teach, bringing people together for a healthier, more equitable world

My colleagues at the Eck Institute and I invite you to join us in doing the same, whether on campus, in your community, or around the globe.

Bernard Nahlen
Director, Eck Institute for Global Health

Originally published by Damienne Jugovic at globalhealth.nd.edu on March 14, 2025.