The Global Health Institute (GHI) at the American University of Beirut (AUB) hosted the Global Forum on Refugee Health titled “A Global Crisis in Need of Local Solutions: Bridging the Research to Policy and Practice Gap.” The event, which took place on July 23, 2024, on the AUB campus, offered a unique platform for policymakers, researchers, and humanitarian practitioners from around the world to collectively address pressing challenges and potential solutions in the realm of refugee health. The forum featured global case study presentations and a moderated panel discussion among key local, regional, and global actors.

The forum was inaugurated by Dr. Zaher Dawy, Provost of AUB, who underscored the escalating public health and livelihood vulnerabilities faced by displaced populations. Dr. Dawy emphasized the critical need for research that is both locally and contextually driven, aiming to educate and empower affected communities.

Dr. Shadi Saleh, Founding Director of GHI, highlighted the significance of the Refugee Health Program, which was the institute’s inaugural program. He noted, “Seven years on, the Refugee Health Program remains crucial, reflecting the ongoing global urgency of this issue, especially in light of current global events.”

Mr. Hady Naal, Manager of Research and Policy Programs Division at GHI, discussed the complexities involved in ensuring dignified health and well-being for refugees. He stressed the importance of context-specific and sensitive approaches tailored to the unique needs of these communities, and he described the strategic positioning of the Refugee Health Program to respond to them.

Ms. Cordelia Lonsdale, Senior Research Impact Advisor at Elrha, discussed the importance of enhancing skills, competencies, and budgetary planning to support and amplify research findings in areas with limited evidence.

The forum also featured a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Gladys Honein (AUB), which included Dr. Zinia Sultana, Senior Public Health Officer at UNHCR; Dr. Randa Hamadeh, Director of Social Health Services and Primary Healthcare Department at the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in Lebanon; and Dr. Joseph Bahout, Director at the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs at AUB. The panel was also joined by online speakers from WHO (Dr. Ali Ardalan, and Dr. Lale Say), the university of Liverpool (Dr. Fouad Fouad), and the Asfari Foundation (Ms. Lina Abou Habib). The panelists shared their insights and experiences in refugee health research, exploring potential actions to bridge gap between policy, research, and practice.

The “Global Forum on Refugee Health” at GHI successfully highlighted the critical need for integrating research with practical solutions and empowering the communities affected by displacement. This event underscored the importance of continued collaboration and innovation in addressing one of the most pressing global health challenges of our time.

You can watch the full event, here.