The Division of Global Health Equity (DGHE) works in the intersection of anthropological social science and global health. By using insights from modern anthropology, history, sociology, epidemiology, statistics, economics, and other social sciences to enhance medical care in the world's poorest areas, DGHE aims to decrease disparities while improving medical practice.

Main Role:
The Division of Global Health Equity (DGHE) supports strategies to reduce inequities in disease burden to improve treatment outcomes both in the US and around the world. The Division focuses on infectious diseases (e.g., HIV and tuberculosis) as well as non-infectious diseases (e.g., coronary artery disease, diabetes, addiction) and other health problems of critical importance to society.

Gaps in Racial and Economic Status:
UN Foundation, in pursuit of a healthier and more sustainable world, established The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) in December 1993 to support pediatric AIDS research and care throughout the developing world. EGPAF opened the world's first Pediatric AIDS clinic at TASO Hospital, Kampala, Uganda in March 1996.

DGHE is based in Washington, D.C., and provides a unique forum for global health leaders to come together on a regular basis to discuss, debate and make decisions that improve the lives of poor and disenfranchised people across the globe. During high-level DGHE meetings, health Ministers make decisions that address pressing health issues facing those living in poverty globally.

Research Activities by Global Health Equity:
Global Health Equity supports research activities that target inequalities in disease burden and treatment outcomes, advocating the application of lessons learned to inform the design of health interventions and programs for improving health and health equity in any country.

The division's research focus ranges broadly, including HIV/AIDS, multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), cholera vaccines, neurosurgery, cardiology, liver cancer and other forms of liver disease, kidney disease control, and hypertension, diabetes, nutrition, and diet in the context of diabetes and cardiovascular disease prevention (e.g., the DPP study), pediatric surgery in developing countries, TB vaccines.

GHE’s Educational Activities:
The Global Health Equity Division at BWH is focused on training the next generation of global leaders in health care delivery and services. The Hiatt family provides generous support to create opportunities for learning and growth in the Doris and Howard Hiatt Residency in Global Health Equity, and the medical student course Global Health Inequities that educates first-year students about how disparities affect health. Division faculty provide content for residency programs and administrative fellowships across the globe.

Accomplishments of Selected Faculty:
Michelle Morse, M.D.
• UGHE Medical School Curriculum Design Committee.

• National Minority Quality Forum 40 Under 40 Leaders in Minority Health Award.

• Society of Hospital Medicine Award of Excellence in Humanitarian Services.

• BWH Department of Medicine Faculty Mentor Award.

• Keynote Speaker, Massachusetts Medical Society Global Health Conference.


Division of Global Health Equity is committed to improving access to TB treatment for people living with MDR-TB globally. The Division is a key partner in the PIH partnership with Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Massachusetts General Hospital.

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