Accelerate to Equal: How to open doors for women in global health

PI: Dr. Mary Hayden

Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Project Description: Vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever cause significant mortality and morbidity in low and middle-income countries and present a risk to high-income countries.  Anecdotal evidence suggests that incorporating women in the design, delivery, and adoption of health interventions, increases acceptance and compliance. Field studies at a household, community and programmatic level were conducted in Indonesia and Kenya to better understand existing programs, elicit benefits, barriers, and strategies to engage more women as agents of change, and help shape best practices for increasing women’s participation at all levels.

Purpose: The benefits of women in vector control will drive action, but barriers must be overcome with specific gender-focused strategies to achieve success.

Contact: Dr. Mary Haden mhayden@uccs.edu