IN THIS ISSUE

• Issue Brief: GlobalWA Members Lead the Way in Climate Action and Resilience
• Member Blogs
• Welcome New Members
• GlobalWA Events
• GlobalWA Community Events
• Career Center

Issue Brief

GlobalWA Members Lead the Way in Climate Action and Resilience

CharlVera on Pixaby

Climate change affects every sector, region, and community—but not all bear the burden equally. Those already facing economic, agricultural, or health-related challenges are at higher risk for the devastating impacts of climate change, such as extreme heat, flooding, and food scarcity. Although significant progress has been made in advancing climate adaptation and resilience, growing barriers to philanthropic support highlight the need to reevaluate how we define and deliver impact.

As the consequences of climate change intensify across the globe, so does the need for adaptive responses from involved organizations. Adaptation was a common theme in our June Climate Webinar, co-hosted with DE Design + Environment. Through our conversations about navigating the future of climate action, we learned that the most successful organizations are locally rooted, community oriented, and globally aware. Our webinar speakers, Dr. David Oswald, Sofia Campello Beckwith, and Dr. Grant Gutierrez shared their expertise when it comes to developing climate resilience. Such efforts are marked by a willingness to reframe their approaches when faced with challenges, and to work toward strategies that are adaptive and long-lasting. Whether through developing new technologies, reimagining financing models, or designing new approaches to land and resource management, our speakers demonstrated how real progress requires continued reflection and learning.

Furthermore, these experts emphasized that meaningful climate action is not only adaptive, but also collaborative and justice oriented. It prioritizes equity, inclusion, and shared decision-making. It centers the voices of those most vulnerable to climate disruption and ensures they have power in shaping solutions. Successful climate action requires resilience and adaptation, as well as building fair and connected systems that leave no one behind.

In this issue, we spotlight the work of leading climate champions—organizations that are pushing boundaries in climate leadership and financing, clean energy, regenerative agriculture, and local resilience.

Leaders in Climate Change Mitigation

GlobalWA member organizations are leading the charge in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting clean energy at the global level. They are consultancies, resource hubs, technology-based researchers, and leadership organizations. Below, we showcase the work they have been doing to promote positive climate action:

CleanTech Alliance

The CleanTech Alliance is the leading convener for the Northwest’s clean energy and clean technology sector.  We drive innovation, economic development, and public policy to drive clean technology adoption, benefiting all communities. An industry trade association with more than 1000 members, we offer programming for every step of a cleantech company’s journey. We offer entrepreneur education, tech transfer, and commercialization programs; workforce development programs; and lead economic development projects focused on Carbon Removal and Utilization, Fusion Energy, and Built Environment Modernization. Our member companies focus on a wide array of clean energy generation, advanced manufacturing, circular and bio economy projects, efficiencies, and more. Members include corporations, startups, national labs, research institutions, service providers, workforce partners, local governments, and nonprofit partners. Our vision is that every company sees itself as a clean tech contributor, working with innovators to solve the world’s greatest challenges.

Learn more at www.cleantechalliance.org.

Global Impact Collective

The Global Impact Collective is a purpose-driven strategy consultancy collaborating with organizations worldwide to tackle challenges within food systems, the environment, and sustainability. Food sits at the center of the world’s most pressing challenges: climate change, food security, economic resilience, and public health. Transforming food systems isn’t just about feeding people—it’s about building a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable world. 

Whether it’s helping to reduce food waste within a specific supply chain or ensuring that global agricultural technologies are delivering the most value to smallholder farmers, we take a human-centered approach to problem solving, always beginning with research to deeply understand and empathize with the people most impacted by the problem— what are their biggest pain points, needs, and priorities? 

Most recently, our team partnered with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) to explore how food businesses and other commercial entities can influence consumers to waste less food and ultimately build a culture that values food. Our team led a 6-month discovery phase that combined desktop research, key informant interviews, and over 30 individual interviews and focus groups (totaling over 100 individuals). Our synthesized insights and recommendations laid the foundation for a strategic roadmap aimed at shifting culture and accelerating progress on food waste in the region.

Learn more at www.globalimpactcollective.net.

Diversity Travel

At Diversity Travel, we want to make sustainable travel the default. Technology has a key role to play in that, and our recent updates such as Air-to-Rail Switching and Carbon Offsetting are just the beginning. We’re building tools that help travelers make more informed, climate-conscious decisions every step of the way. The goal is to give travelers more control and more insight. With these updates, we’re making sustainable travel choices easier— not just possible, but preferable.

Learn more at www.diversitytravel.com.

Good Citizen

Addressing the climate crisis requires bold leadership and coordinated action across every sector. At GoodCitizen, we partner with mission-driven organizations to identify and recruit the leaders needed to meet this moment—leaders who bring not only technical and strategic expertise but also a deep commitment to justice, collaboration, and impact.

We are proud to support organizations on the front lines of climate action, including Climate Lead, Waverley Street Foundation, Water Foundation, Vertue Lab, Pacific Environment, Ocean Conservancy, Robertson Foundation, and the Lemelson Foundation to name a few. These groups are advancing climate solutions across policy, philanthropy, innovation, and grassroots engagement—ensuring that resources, strategies, and leadership are aligned with the scale and urgency of the challenge.

Whether helping build out new climate portfolios or strengthening long-standing programs, we understand that leadership is one of the most powerful levers for change. Our approach is values-driven and equity-centered, focused on finding individuals who can navigate complexity, inspire action, and lead with integrity.

As climate challenges grow in urgency, scale and complexity, the need for leaders is growing. We’re inspired every day by the people currently leading— and newly entering the field to do this vital work.

Learn more at www.goodcitizen.com.

Carbon Direct

Carbon Direct is the leader in science-based carbon management. We help emerging and established climate leaders like Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, American Express, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, JetBlue, and The Russell Family Foundation drive scalable and just impact through deep decarbonization strategies and carbon dioxide removal. With Carbon Direct’s scientific approach, organizations can confidently set targets and measure their emissions, implement reductions across their operations and supply chain, and build high-quality carbon dioxide removal into their climate plans to accelerate impact. Go from climate goal to climate action. To learn more visit: www.carbon-direct.com.

Community-based Resilience

Many GlobalWA members are pioneers in climate adaptation and action on the ground. These organizations are promoting community-based and locally-led solutions. Some work closely with indigenous communities, and others specifically focus on empowering women and girls, both disproportionately affected communities. They all share the common goals of protecting the land on which communities depend and providing community members with effective tools for resilience.

Mercy Corps

The most vulnerable people in the world are disproportionately exposed to extreme weather, more reliant on natural resources, and least able to cope with environmental shocks.

Mercy Corps drives bold, locally led solutions to help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change today—while preparing for a more resilient tomorrow. In 2024, we reached over 11 million people with climate-smart tools and strategies that support both immediate response and long-term adaptation.

From sub-Saharan Africa, where smallholder farmers are gaining sustainable access to weather data and climate services, to rural Nepal, where communities are breaking the cycle of disaster through anticipatory flood action, Mercy Corps pairs innovation with deep local partnerships. In Senegal, solar-powered water pumps keep crops growing. In Uganda, solar cold chains reduce food waste.

Through Mercy Corps Ventures, we scale cutting-edge solutions—investing in AI-powered tools and early-stage enterprises that reach the communities least responsible for climate change yet most at risk.

By combining emergency preparedness, nature-based solutions and future-focused innovation, Mercy Corps is proving that climate resilience is not only possible—it’s already underway. Now is the time to invest boldly and accelerate that momentum. We invite you to join us. To learn more, please visit: https://www.mercycorps.org/advance-climate-resilient-communities. 

Water 1st International

The climate crisis is a water crisis. In the regions where we work, droughts are longer, rainfall is less predictable, and families face growing water scarcity. Not knowing how climate change will impact the future is deeply unsettling for the people we serve. At Water1st, we work with communities in Kenya, Bangladesh, and Honduras to respond to these challenges by building resilient, community-managed water systems that provide safe, in-home water access 24/7.

Our partners lead with powerful solutions:

• Household water meters ensure efficient, fair use of limited resources. They also turn uncertainty into insight—providing clear, actionable information about water use, how to manage a limited resource, and reduce stress in times of scarcity.
• Watershed protection and reforestation help restore water cycles
• Tiered rates and usage caps promote conservation and system sustainability

Our approach doesn’t just meet basic needs—it builds long-term resilience. In-home water access means families can grow food, stay healthy, and recover faster from climate shocks. Specifically for women and girls—often the most burdened by water collection—it helps them regain time, energy, and opportunity.

Join us at water1st.org to take action for water and climate justice.

FSC Investments and Partnerships

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is advancing climate action through a groundbreaking partnership with Mirova, an impact investment firm, and FSC Investments & Partnerships. Together, we’re launching the FSC Forest Stewardship Impact Fund to unlock finance for forest protection at scale. Forests are a powerful climate solution—critical not only for carbon storage, but also for protecting biodiversity and sustaining livelihoods. Yet financial barriers often stand in the way of long-term stewardship.

This new initiative provides capital for forest managers who follow FSC’s rigorous environmental and social standards, with a focus on projects led by Indigenous Peoples and local communities. The Fund will help bridge the gap between sustainable forest stewardship and investment, driving climate impact where it’s needed most.

Individuals can support climate-positive forestry by looking for the FSC label on everyday products, ensuring they’re sourced from responsibly managed forests. As FSC builds new models for sustainable finance, we invite everyone—from consumers to investors—to be part of transforming markets and protecting forests for future generations.

Learn more at fsc.org/en.

Snow Leopard Trust

Snow Leopard Trust works with local partners to safeguard snow leopards and fragile high mountain ecosystems by implementing various climate adaptation interventions focused on sustainable resource management, ecological restoration and community-led conservation. These initiatives help local and Indigenous communities build resilience in the face of a changing climate and mitigate further damage to their shared ecosystem.

Snow leopard-friendly honey is a new initiative in Kyrgyzstan’s high mountains that is enhancing livelihoods while reducing reliance on livestock. Our program provides equipment and advanced training in beekeeping and honey production. Our community partners are dedicated to conservation, and contribute 20% of honey sales to community conservation projects.

You can help by raising awareness about the importance of climate action to protect snow leopards and their unique habitat.

Learn more at snowleopard.org.

Global Child Nutrition Foundation

Did you know that school meals can help pass along environmental values and teach children about sustainability? From sourcing local ingredients to reducing food waste, school meal programs can help educate children about the importance of environmental stewardship while nourishing them for the future. Explore the results of the Global Survey of School Meal Programs ©, conducted by new Global WA partner Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF), for the latest data on school meal programs around the world and the environment! Also check out GCNF’s School Meal Programs and the Environment infographic to learn more! 

Creating Agricultural Resilience

Agriculture is one of the first industries to be impacted by climate, and for many this is their entire livelihood. Several of our climate-oriented member organizations go beyond surface level community-based climate action, working with smallholder farmers around the world to incorporate sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices. Some of these members are highlighted below.

Heifer International

Heifer supports smallholder farmers around the world to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. This is achieved in part through the promotion of sustainability practices that achieve production goals while supporting ecosystem regeneration. While these practices often vary, the goals are similar: to help farmers grow more food in a way that protects the environment, prepares for climate shocks and restores the land. 

Heifer has found that the most successful transitions share three traits: tangible short-term payoffs, easy-to-replicate training models and locally sourced materials. Adopting sustainability practices can help producers build long-term food security and increase their incomes.

Learn more at www.heifer.org.

Landesa

Climate change is threatening the land 2.5 billion people depend on to feed their families and grow livelihoods. Landesa advances land-based solutions to build climate resilience and ensure a secure future for people and the planet.

In Liberia, Landesa works with communities to integrate climate risks and conservation priorities into their land use planning process. Last year, two forested rural communities, with a total population of 15,000, designed climate-smart and gender-responsive land use plans to sustainably manage 93,629 hectares of biodiverse forest and ecosystems that protect intact ecosystems, restore degraded ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and support resilient livelihood strategies. Landesa also trained smallholder farmers in the communities on climate-smart agriculture and sustainable land management practices that align with their land use priorities.

Learn more about Landesa’s work on climate change at landesa.org/land-rights-for-climate-justice.

myAgro

myAgro is a rapidly growing 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to empowering smallholder farmers in West Africa.  myAgro offers a mobile layaway platform that allows farmers to save for agricultural inputs in small increments and then deliver high-quality agricultural products and corresponding training to improve farmers’ yields. With its innovative model and commitment to sustainable agriculture, myAgro aims to reach and support one million smallholder farmers by 2027. 

Learn more at www.myagro.org.

Working Together Toward a Sustainable Planet

Freepik

As the need to defend against climate change grows, and new and improved approaches to climate action gain momentum, it is imperative that global development organizations position themselves as climate relevant. This means recognizing that challenges related to gender, health, agriculture, and other social justice concerns are also climate issues. Lasting change starts with people, and the future depends on how well we work together to protect our communities, ecosystems, and generations to come.

The GlobalWA community is tackling the climate crisis from every angle. Thank you to all our members who are exemplars of climate action and resilience. Let’s keep building climate solutions that are locally rooted, community-based, globally aware, and guided by equity. Keep us up-to-date at info@globalwa.org!

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Member Blogs

Landesa Climate-Smart Agriculture Offers Agency and Resilience in Rural Liberia

Heifer International Indigenous Farmers Strengthen Integrated Farm Systems

myAgro How Climate Smart Farming Practices are Improving Soil Health, Crop Yields, and Resiliency in West Africa

Diversity Travel How Diversity Travel is Supporting Smarter, Greener Travel Booking

Carbon Direct How Carbon Direct is Expanding the Social Dimensions of Climate Action

Mercy Corps Digital Tools Help Restore Rangelands and Adapt to a Changing Climate

Snow Leopard Trust What Will Climate Change Mean for Snow Leopards?

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Welcome New Members

Please welcome our newest Global Washington members. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with their work and consider opportunities for support and collaboration!

Carbon Direct

We are a purpose-driven carbon management firm dedicated to making carbon science actionable with our end-to-end platform. carbondirect.com

Ecologists Without Borders (ECOWB)

Ecologists Without Borders (EcoWB) is a nonprofit that partners with communities hit hardest by environmental and climate crises—connecting them with the skills, knowledge, and support they need to protect and restore the ecosystems their lives depend on. www.ecowb.org

Global Child Nutrition Foundation

The Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF) provides governments and their partners with knowledge, tools, and connections to build high-quality school meal programs that support all children and contribute to national educational, agricultural, economic, social protection, health, and nutrition goals. gcnf.org

Seattle Area Peace Corps Association (SEAPAX)

The Seattle Area Peace Corps Association (SEAPAX) is a nonprofit organization that supports, connects, and engages Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) in the greater Seattle area. Through community events, service projects, advocacy, and educational outreach, SEAPAX fosters ongoing commitment to Peace Corps ideals and promotes cross-cultural understanding. peacecorpsfund.net

Thembalethu Care Organization

Thembalethu Care Organization is a Christian community-based South African non-profit organization dedicated to caring for the community in the midst of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and poverty. Thembalethu works to share the hope we have with the sick, orphaned and vulnerable in the Amangwe community in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Our vision is to share God’s love, raise awareness, promote and support loving care to those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and poverty. www.ourhope.org.za

The Musa Project

The Musa Project provides hope, healing, and restored dignity to Ugandan women affected by obstetric fistula, while working to prevent future cases of this devastating and preventable condition. musa-project.org

Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security, and Conflict Transformation(WCAPS)

WCAPS is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization that believes global issues demand a variety of perspectives, actions, and voices. That’s why we created a platform devoted to women of color that cultivates a strong voice and network for its members while encouraging dialogue and strategies for engaging in policy discussions on global scale. Through our dedication to mentorship and partnerships and our passion for changing the global community landscape, we remain committed to achieving our vision of advancing the leadership and professional development of women of color in the fields of international peace, security, and conflict transformation. www.wcaps.org

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GlobalWA Events

July 16-25

PNW Climate Week

July 17

Summer Happy Hour with GlobalWA, WCAPS & World Affairs Council – Let’s Connect!

August 6

Inside Microsoft Giving: Maximize Fundraising Through Employee Engagement

September 13

Feel the Beat: A Night with the Hawk Foundation

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Community Events

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Career Center

Executive Assistant The Max Foundation

Executive Assistant to the CEO Panorama Group

Director of Development and Marketing Panorama Group

Outreach Specialist I/II Fred Hutch Cancer Center

Clinical Research Coordinator I/II Fred Hutch Cancer Center

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Mention the North Pole or a species at risk due to climate change and people often think of polar bears. And thanks in part to the film March of the Penguins, the emperor penguin has become synonymous with the South Pole. But did you know our planet also has a Third Pole?

August 9, 2023

By Snow Leopard Trust

20% of snow leopard-friendly beekeeping profits in Kyrgyzstan fund conservation projects

Located in Asia’s high mountains, this Third Pole has the highest concentration of snow and glaciers outside the Arctic and Antarctic regions and is thought to store 7,000 trillion liters of the planet’s fresh water. It plays a major role in sequestering carbon and determines weather patterns across many countries. It is also home to the legendary ghost of the mountains.

Continue Reading

By myAgro

Aida, a farmer with myAgro in Senegal, picking up her farming inputs in Keur Samba.

For smallholder farmers in West Africa, the global climate crisis is having an outsized impact.   Rains that they rely on have become more unpredictable and temperatures are rising 1.5 times faster than anywhere else in the world. As the region’s population continues to rise, it is imperative that smallholder farmers, who produce an estimated 30% of the world’s food, are supported to respond to rapidly changing climate conditions.

Continue Reading

Communities in Kenya partner with Cisco and Mercy Corps for climate resilience

With the aid of digital mapping tools, Saadia is restoring rangeland to grow trees that will increase income and provide fodder for livestock in Wayama Japta, Kenya.

May 16, 2025

Saadia is the sole provider for her family. She supports them primarily by managing livestock like goats, sheep, and cows in Wayama Japta Village in Wajir County, Kenya.

Managing the herd was never easy and it has become more challenging. Over the last few years, recurring floods and drought have made it harder to feed and water the animals—leading to the death of livestock. Instead of going to school, her 11-year-old son must spend his days taking the animals to graze nearly five kilometers away.

Continue Reading

By Gmasonah Togba Aboah, Land Tenure Specialist 

Everlyne Nairesiae (left) speaking before the CSA training for Diagmah Clan

Year after year, following the cassava harvest, Beatrice Sumo would cut down the remaining stalks and burn her field to clear it for the next planting season. 

This agricultural method—sometimes known as “slash-and-burn”—is prevalent where Beatrice lives in rural Bong County, Liberia. It is also common for farmers to use synthetic fertilizers and cut down trees to clear land and produce charcoal. As climate change degrades their land, it has become increasingly difficult for members of Beatrice’s community to produce enough food to last through the year. Farmers are stuck in a vicious cycle: the agricultural methods they rely on to survive are the very ones that destroy soil fertility and reduce climate mitigation potential. Continue Reading

By Heifer International 

Jose

Like many of the farmers in his small community near Colonia Yucatán in Eastern Mexico, José Eliseo Uicab Ay rises before the sun comes up. He sets out from his home, traveling almost two miles down a narrow, tree-lined path to his milpa, a tract of land for cultivating crops amid the surrounding subtropical jungle endemic to the Yucatán peninsula. 

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By Emily Whitehouse, Diversity Travel

The urgency for climate action is growing. Following COP29, where 50 countries backed a call for enhanced climate action in tourism, it’s clearer than ever that the travel sector has a major role to play. 

At Diversity Travel, we’re always looking for ways to make a positive impact, and we know many of our clients are too. That’s why we’re excited to announce the launch of several major enhancements to our online booking tool, designed to make sustainable travel easier and more accessible than ever before. 

These new features empower travelers to reduce their environmental impact right from the point of booking. Whether it’s choosing rail over air, offsetting carbon emissions, or filtering for eco-certified hotels, we’re putting sustainability front and centre. 

Continue Reading

Carbon Direct seeks to improve the quality and integrity of carbon management and broader decarbonization projects to advance climate mitigation. To achieve this, it draws on deep expertise across the biophysical, engineering, and social sciences. 

A core pillar of Carbon Direct’s work is integrating climate and environmental justice principles to guide best-in-class practices. As the carbon market matures, Carbon Direct is expanding its focus to include broader social dimensions through our Community Impacts team. 

In this Q&A, Nili Gilbert, Vice Chairwoman of Carbon Direct, sits down with Dr. Grant Gutierrez. Grant leads Carbon Direct’s Community Impacts team and the firm’s Social Impacts and Just Transition Strategy work, drawing on climate and environmental justice frameworks to promote equitable climate solutions. 

Continue Reading

IN THIS ISSUE

• Letter from our Executive Director
• Issue Brief: Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Why it’s Here to Stay
• Organization Profile: AI with Accountability: PATH’s Approach to Smarter, Stronger Health Systems
• Goalmaker: Dr. Kingsley Ndoh, Clinical Assistant Professor, UW Department of Global Health; Founder and CEO of Hurone AI; Affiliate Member, Vaccines & Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutch Cancer Center
• Member Blogs about Good Health and Well Being

Letter from our Executive Director

AI is rapidly transforming healthcare—from automating administrative tasks to advancing drug discovery and improving diagnostic accuracy. Its potential to drive global health equity is especially exciting. Organizations like PATH are leading the way, building AI tools not just for diagnostics, but also for medical supply chain optimization and data management. VillageReach is using AI chatbots to support frontline health workers in Malawi, and the Gates Foundation is investing in tools that streamline medical record generation and flag dangerous symptoms in vulnerable communities.

Yet, responsible implementation is critical. Concerns around data privacy, bias, and ethical use remain central to the conversation. The Fred Hutch-led Cancer AI Alliance (CAIA) is one example of how innovation and ethics can align. By training models on localized patient data and sharing only aggregated insights, CAIA protects patient privacy while accelerating cancer research.

AI offers immense opportunity—especially in low- and middle-income countries where early adoption could increase efficiency and reduce long-term costs. But human oversight, strong governance, and context-specific design must guide its development. As AI’s role in healthcare grows, I’m inspired by the innovative, equity-driven work of GlobalWA members.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank outgoing Communications Director Joel Meyers for his 4 years of service to Global Washington. We’re grateful for all of Joel’s contributions and wish him the best in his next chapter. You can reach out to Joel on LinkedIn to stay in touch.

Elizabeth Stokely
Executive Director

Issue Brief

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Why it’s Here to Stay

By Aneesh Chatterjee

Illustration by PlacidPlace/Pixabay

The advent of AI has revolutionized healthcare. AI tools are optimizing everything from transcription to drug discovery and development, day-to-day consults by healthcare professionals, and optimizations in administration and logistics. The industry and those working to improve global health – including NGOs, governments and private sector actors – face the quandary of adoption, and the ethical concerns that come with it. To that end, several GlobalWA members demonstrate the proven benefits of AI utilization, while nascent research in the field unveils clear strategies for addressing the ethical concerns surrounding the subject.

One of the strongest catalysts for progress in the global health development space is the adoption and deployment of generative AI and LLMs, according to Linksbridge. The impact of AI on how NGOs and governments can leverage data in matters of healthcare will be unprecedented, primarily by broadening ease of access to data and streamlining the extrapolation of insights. Beyond data, AI has also proven effective as an assistant tool for conducting logistical and clerical work. AI assistance plays a critical role in the healthcare sector in Malawi, as reported by VillageReach. From automated report filing to reminders, diagnostic assistance, and data tracking of patient updates on treatment guidelines, AI-driven chatbot assistants are streamlining many of the complications for healthcare workers in the region. AI-collected data is also helping identify trends, patterns and weaknesses to be addressed through government policy in the realm of public health.

Maryam Mustafa, assistant professor of computer science at Lahore University of Management Sciences in Pakistan, was one of 50 grant recipients under the Gates Foundation’s  Grand Challenges initiative. The proposal was a novel integration of an AI assistant in the health and medicine sector – a language learning model (LLM) that can use voice and text recognition to help healthcare workers generate medical records. Using AI to streamline logistical support, data analysis and collection, and a broad range of other specialized use cases in the health and medicine sector has helped these Grand Challenge recipients maximize time for patient care, boost their efficiency, and actualize outcomes at a faster pace. The Gates-led Grand Challenges Network, a family of global partners sourcing innovations to solve key global development problems, continues to accelerate transformative solutions to global health.

The impact of joint ventures underlines how much attention AI has garnered in recent years, particularly in collaborative efforts by multiple parties. The Cancer AI Alliance (CAIA) is a joint venture between cancer centers, spearheaded by Fred Hutch alongside Memorial Sloan Kettering, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, partnering with tech giants Microsoft, Deloitte and AWS to build a framework for AI-driven data analysis in the cancer research space. By bringing the collective wealth of research data among these centers under the lens of AI-driven analytical extrapolation, the CAIA targets two major challenges in the field: making high-volume data analysis fast and accessible, and remaining compliant with regulatory policies about sharing patient data. The computing power available thanks to this alliance meets strict adherence to policy frameworks around data privacy, leading to AI-driven insights that could help researchers learn new things about cancers, the biology of tumors, and discovering novel treatments.

Signifying the importance of data in 2024, Save the Children launched their new data platform, The Child Atlas, to organize and boost accessibility for open-source data on the challenges faced by children across the world. The platform underlines the vital necessity of accurate and in-depth data extrapolation to solve problems. Data on the Atlas is disaggregated by wealth, disability, gender and localized sub-national regional names. Save the Children compiles the insights on the Atlas for the public in visually engaging, accessible formats, and leverages the power of AI to explain the implications of their data and derived insights, creating even higher accessibility to the results of powerful data analysis – even for those who aren’t technical experts.

Among the increasing deployment of AI, skepticism continues to permeate when it comes to its reliability, or other implications of adopting AI. Linksbridge underscores these concerns and points out that transparency, continuous user feedback, and building trust with users is key to sector-wide adoption of LLMs. As AI models are becoming more prevalent in healthcare, data privacy is a central concern, with patient data and confidential information facing potential exposure for the sake of training the predictive analytics of LLMs. Research from 2024 shows data privacy concerns and ethical matters to be at the forefront of the skepticism when it comes to AI adoption in healthcare. The tendency of AI software to develop unintentional biases is also acknowledged, a real problem arising from drawing inaccurate patterns from data, which can only be remedied through rigorous development, user testing, clear limitations on the scope of AI usage in caregiving, accountability mechanisms, and error detection – all in tandem with a strong presence of human judgement and policies.

Some actors have developed innovative ways to circumvent the dilemma of data privacy. For the CAIA led by Fred Hutch, data privacy is key when it comes to the adoption of AI for cancer research. The novel method used by the CAIA works to train learning models only on the localized, specific patient data of each research center, creating learned adjustments based on the patterns and insights derived, and exporting only those patterns to a centralized location to be incorporated. This way, patient files and personal information aren’t compromised while aggregating the data from all centers.

Despite ethical concerns, AI adoption has seen a steady rise across various areas in healthcare as of 2025. AI is used, for example, to help derive imaging insights from X-rays and MRIs, with significant accuracy. The proficiency of AI in image analysis has helped revolutionize diagnostic procedures, not only by increasing speed and accuracy, but even identifying smaller outlier details that might otherwise be overlooked. The speed of AI-powered analysis leads to a reduction of delayed diagnoses, addressing the issue of misdiagnosed or delayed interventions for preventable diseases. Machine learning algorithms have also helped in building personalized treatment plans for patients based on their specific profiles and needs, building more optimized roadmaps for caregivers. These examples, alongside the various administrative benefits of AI-powered optimization across multiple levels of the healthcare sector, signal a powerful forecast for the future of AI in healthcare: a market presence growth from $11.2 billion in 2023 to $427.5 billion in 2032 – a meteoric 47.6% increase.

Illustration by TungArt7/Pixabay

The future is bright for the adoption of AI, as GlobalWA members demonstrate. In global health, AI is optimizing everything from reports to advanced diagnostics, and everything in between. To avoid the pitfalls and dangers of adoption, continuous research, engagement, testing on local data, and transparent feedback are key recommendations. Given the projected rise of healthcare AI in the market, responsible use and due diligence will only lead to greater optimization and fewer roadblocks in the healthcare industry, be it for research, logistics or patient care.

The following GlobalWA member organizations have issued the following statements about their global health programs.

Give2Asia

As the world’s leader in donor-advised granting to China, Give2Asia empowers donors to support the issues and communities they care most about through trusted, local partnerships. In global health, Give2Asia supports locally driven solutions that address health disparities in underserved regions—particularly through our two Signature health programs in rural China.

The Rural Doctors TCM Training program strengthens the capacity of frontline healthcare providers in underserved rural communities by equipping them with modern Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) techniques and public health training. Since its inception in 2021, over 2,300 doctors have received specialized instruction, improving the quality of care for 2.3 million rural residents across China.

The Rural Healthy Family program works to improve cardiovascular health at the household level by training family members and local health instructors to identify hypertension early and equipping them with the skills to monitor and respond to risk factors. With educational materials and tools adapted with support from the American College of Cardiology and regular community sessions to promote healthy lifestyles and raise awareness, rural residents are empowered with practical knowledge on prevention and care.

By partnering with local foundations, public hospitals, and global donors, Give2Asia ensures that every dollar supports sustainable health interventions tailored to local needs.

Panorama Strategy 

Panorama Strategy is a consulting firm that partners with organizations and leaders to turn their vision for social impact into a reality. In the lifecycle from ideation to impact, we collaborate with our clients to identify and fulfill their unique role in creating a better world.

We partner with NGOs, foundations, multilateral agencies, and pharmaceutical companies to develop and implement strategies to enhance their global health impact. Our efforts support program expansion, policy shaping, advocacy, resource mobilization, convening and facilitation, and more. With experience across diverse issue areas—including noncommunicable and infectious diseases, maternal and reproductive health, health system strengthening, and health equity—we apply cross-sector insights to help clients navigate complexity and drive lasting solutions.

Recent projects include:

• Convening funders to launch a cross-donor initiative on sexual and reproductive health and rights.
• Organizing MSD’s panel discussions on the sidelines of the World Health Assembly to strengthen collaboration in global oncology policy.
• Leading strategic planning for a network of humanitarian-focused organizations.
• Designing and executing grantee engagement and advocacy strategies for The Type 1 Diabetes Community Fund.

VillageReach

VillageReach is actively exploring artificial intelligence (AI) to address critical health care access gaps in under-reached communities across Africa. Our Telehealth solution, Health Center by Phone, plays a key role in this exploration. We’re assessing how AI can enhance user experience and improve the quality and efficiency of remote health services. This includes using AI for triage, decision support and natural language processing to deliver vital health information in local languages via voice and text.

Our approach prioritizes responsible, people-centered AI that complements health care workers, reaching individuals often through basic mobile phones. We’re also collaborating to evaluate the integration of generative AI into interactive voice response (IVR) systems. This could enable more responsive, real-time interactions for health inquiries, even without the presence of human agents.

As part of the Global Telehealth Community of Practice (GTCoP), VillageReach is dedicated to developing ethical and contextually appropriate AI solutions in digital health. AI that is thoughtfully developed and implemented can strengthen primary health care, enhance pandemic preparedness and drive greater health equity across the continent.

World Concern

World Concern’s community health activities aim to improve access to better healthcare, reduce risk of illness, and reduce infections from opportunistic and communicable diseases. Additionally, our interventions promote the uptake of a balanced diet to support physical, cognitive, and emotional health and development, ultimately leading to greater overall health and well-being. Our health programs are predominantly targeted toward vulnerable populations, such as women, children, and those living with limited access to healthcare. World Concern partners with the Ministry of Health in our countries of operation to facilitate activities such as medicine and nutrition supplement distribution, disease prevention campaigns, nutrition awareness training, and psychosocial support. Through a variety of interventions, we aim to create lasting, transformative change for improved health within the communities we serve.

World Vision

The goal of World Vision’s global health work is to ensure support of the most vulnerable mother, newborn, children, adolescents and advance health outcomes as defined by the WHO: “A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

World Vision’s health core competencies include over 20 years of technical leadership in maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH); family planning (FP); orphans and vulnerable children (OVC); HIV and AIDS; nutrition; integrated water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); neglected tropical diseases (NTDs); malaria; poliomyelitis, tuberculosis, public health emergencies and emergency health. World Vision has been a key partner of the USAID global health, President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), and The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. We also provides leadership on various technical bodies including, the CORE Group, Roll Back Malaria, OVC Task Force, U.S. Coalition for Child Survival, InterAction, through WVI the Inter Agency Task Team on Elimination of Mother-to-Child-Transmission of HIV, and the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health. Local organizational consortium management and sustainability has demonstrated World Vision’s strong ability to build technical and organizational capacity of local organizations through grants.

Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation

At Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation (YRRF), we focus on delivering health care in some of Yemen’s most vulnerable and underserved communities. With nearly 80 percent of the population relying on humanitarian aid and much of the health system no longer functioning, we have built our approach around the people and networks that remain: local health workers, community leaders, and partner clinics who are closely connected to the communities they serve.

Our health programs respond to immediate needs while also addressing long-term gaps. We treat children with severe malnutrition, train midwives to provide maternal care in areas without clinics, and expand access to clean water through wells, water trucking, water filter distribution, and solar-powered water systems. During emergencies, such as the floods that affected several regions last year, we respond quickly with food, hygiene kits, and essential medical supplies.

Our work is grounded in the belief that health is a basic human right and contributes to progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being. While our priority is meeting urgent needs on the ground, we are also exploring how simple, adaptable technologies could help us reach more people and improve services. Rebuilding Yemen’s health system takes time, and it starts by supporting communities to lead the way. ​ ​

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• Organization Profile: AI with Accountability: PATH’s Approach to Smarter, Stronger Health Systems
• Goalmaker: Dr. Kingsley Ndoh, Clinical Assistant Professor, UW Department of Global Health; Founder and CEO of Hurone AI; Affiliate Member, Vaccines & Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutch Cancer Center
• Member Blogs about Good Health and Well Being

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By Jessica Mayenda, VillageReach

Call Center Attendant Florence Banda in the National Call Center, Lilongwe, Malawi. Photo credit: Paul Joseph Brown

In many parts of Africa, accessing quality health care has long been a daunting challenge, especially for those in remote or hard-to-reach areas. Yet, a technological transformation is underway, reshaping this narrative.

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