Microbiology knows no borders, and neither does ASM. ASM’s Global Public Health Programs unite scientists around the world as they face public health threats exacerbated by a rapidly growing human population and increased global mobility. Through this work, ASM has assembled a strong team of microbiologists of diverse backgrounds equipped to take on some of the field’s toughest challenges, especially in resource-limited countries. ASM’s network of experts allows for sharing of knowledge, ideas and best practices, resulting in an empowered global community in which Director of Global Programs Mark Lim says “everyone emerges stronger.”
No other professional society has a global health program that can claim these achievements. ASM’s program began 15 years ago as a result the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a U.S. government initiative to address the global HIV/AIDS epidemic and help save the lives of those suffering from the disease. Since then, the program has expanded to other countries and taken on illnesses like measles, Ebola and tuberculosis.
ASM leverages the expertise of its extensive international membership to support governments, healthcare systems, educational institutions and other partners in achieving positive public health outcomes for the populations they serve. Participants conduct lab assessments, assist with achieving accreditation and provide critical workforce training and mentorship through remote and on-the-ground opportunities. Since the inception of its Global Public Health Programs, ASM has provided training, mentorship and cost-effective solutions in 26 countries.
ASM utilizes the collaborative, holistic “One Health” approach to consider the fundamental connections between human, animal and ecosystem health and predict outbreaks of disease before they happen. For example, ASM has worked with the Government of Tanzania to institute a national action plan that expands communication between animal and human health professionals. Along the same lines of work in Ethiopia and Mozambique, the “One Health” framework includes plans for improving laboratory diagnostics, reporting and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance across public health, agricultural and environmental sectors.
Other examples of GPHP’s accomplishments include:
Partnering with the U.S. CDC and National Centre for Disease Control in India, to build laboratory capacity across the country using local expertise by connecting Indian Senior Microbiologists and lab technicians.
Training Mongolian laboratorians, clinicians, biomedical scientists and technicians in the identification of antibiotic resistance in a variety of common infections.
Working with partners in Liberia to fortify the country’s health security system, including improving blood transfusion practices.
