The panel was led by Elon faculty members Ifeoma Udeh, Titch聽Madzima, Sandra聽Darfour-Oduro, Sheila Otieno and Mussa Idris. Each speaker contributed unique perspectives shaped by their research, professional backgrounds, and personal experiences, offering attendees a multifaceted view of contemporary issues affecting African nations. Throughout the event, the panelists addressed a series of thought-provoking questions that guided the discussion. 鈥淲hich issues in Africa have most influenced your research? allowing each speaker to reflect on the driving forces behind their academic work.

Healthcare,聽trade,聽culture聽and聽religion聽in African countries聽were the major focus of discussion. Panelists聽emphasized the importance of聽the聽African Continental Free Trade聽among African countries.聽They also聽acknowledged聽the surge in non-communicable diseases and聽discussed聽promoting聽health education,聽investing in聽healthcare,聽and expanding access to medical聽care聽in聽Africa.

Religion聽and culture聽were聽explored as a powerful social force, particularly in response to the question, 鈥淐an religion be leveraged as a tool for social and health promotion in Africa and how?鈥� Panelists discussed how religious institutions often serve as trusted community hubs and can play a significant role in聽disseminating聽information, encouraging positive behavioral changes and fostering social cohesion.

Finally, the discussion concluded on an optimistic note with the question, 鈥淲hat gives you the most hope about Africa鈥檚 future?鈥� Panelists pointed to many different things that gave them hope, but among them were the continent鈥檚 rapidly growing youth population, increasing innovation and expanding聽opportunities as key sources of hope. They emphasized the resilience and creativity of African communities, as well as the potential for continued growth and global influence.聽The event was moderated by Salome Onikolase聽and Mariama Jalloh.

In addition to the academic discussion, attendees were treated to a traditional Ghanaian meal, which added a meaningful cultural dimension to the event. Sharing food created a welcoming atmosphere and allowed participants to experience a tangible aspect of African culture, reinforcing the event鈥檚 goal of connection and understanding.聽The event was made possible through the support of Associate Provost for Academic Inclusive Excellence Naeemah Clark, Dean of Global Education Nick聽Gozick, the Isabella Cannon Global Education Center at Elon, and Beth聽DeFord, program assistant.

Baker presented on a documentary-dance film titled 鈥淩eclaiming Power: The Black Maternal Health Crisis.鈥� She collaborated with Assistant Professor of Dance Keshia Gee and collected data from viewers before and after watching the documentary, which showed that the documentary promoted a hopeful view of Black birth in the United States.

鈥淎t a time when public health is being challenged in numerous ways, coming together with people in our field from around the world was exactly what I needed to affirm that the work I am doing matters and needs to continue,鈥� Baker said.

Two public health majors, Emily Ecker 鈥�26 and Niagara Legette 鈥�26, also presented their work at the conference. Ecker received the Public Health Education and Health Promotion Student Award for her poster presentation.

鈥淚t meant a lot to be the only undergraduate recognized among master鈥檚 and doctoral students,鈥� Ecker said. 鈥淔or me, the award highlights how important community-engaged research is and the impact it can have when local voices are centered in public health work.鈥�

This year, the department supported four additional public health majors in attending the conference, increasing their exposure to the significant research and practices shared. This was made possible through the generous contributions of alumni and parent donors to the department鈥檚 gift fund and Fair鈥檚 coordination. Jamari Heredia 鈥�27, Jenna Toms 鈥�26, Madalein Amoaka 鈥�26, and Tajallah Amirkhil 鈥�28 were selected through a competitive application process and received funding for travel, lodging and conference registration.

Elon鈥檚 participation in the APHA Conference demonstrates the Department of Public Health鈥檚 commitment to experiential learning opportunities for students, enabling them to engage in high-quality public health experiences in communities and settings beyond the college campus.

By continuing to participate in the APHA Conference, Elon underscores the department鈥檚 commitment to developing future leaders who address critical health challenges through research, collaboration, and community engagement. This also provides a crucial opportunity for growth and learning for the public health students who were able to attend the conference.

鈥淚 think attending the APHA conference gave students the opportunity to experience the numerous public health research that is being done in the USA and around the world,鈥� Darfour-Oduro said. 鈥淚t also gave students the opportunity to listen and engage with leading experts in Public Health.鈥�