Infectious Disease

Vaccines are one of the most effective tools in preventing infectious diseases, protecting millions of lives annually. They work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight pathogens, reducing disease transmission and severity. Faculty members in the Hubert Department of Global Health focus on key areas such as vaccine development, addressing vaccine hesitancy, and ensuring equitable global access to immunization. Vaccines have successfully controlled diseases like polio and measles, yet challenges such as misinformation and logistical barriers persist. Public health initiatives aim to improve vaccine uptake through education and policy interventions. 

Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, such as Ebola, Zika, and COVID-19, highlight the ever-present threat of new pathogens. Factors like climate change, deforestation, and global travel accelerate their emergence and spread. Understanding these drivers is critical for predicting and responding to future outbreaks. Advances in disease surveillance, early warning systems, and international cooperation have improved outbreak preparedness and remain key research topics for many faculty members in the Hubert Department of Global Health.  

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect over a billion people worldwide, primarily in low-resource settings. Diseases like Chagas, leprosy, and schistosomiasis thrive in conditions of poverty and inadequate health care. Efforts to combat NTDs focus on improved diagnostics, mass drug administration, and integrated approaches to control and eliminate these diseases. Despite their significant health and economic impact, NTDs receive limited global attention and funding. Addressing these diseases is crucial for reducing health inequities and achieving sustainable development goals and remains an important research topic for faculty members in the Hubert Department of Global Health. 

Vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Lyme disease are transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes and ticks. Climate change and urbanization have expanded vector habitats, increasing the risk of outbreaks in new regions. Preventive strategies include vector control measures, public health campaigns, and research into effective vaccines. These diseases disproportionately affect low-income communities, exacerbating global health disparities. Collaborative efforts between governments, researchers, and organizations are essential to mitigate their impact. This topic is explored through faculty research and the work of various Centers in our department. 

HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria remain significant global public health challenges. These diseases are complex, requiring a combination of prevention, treatment, and policy interventions to address their social and biological dimensions. Advances in antiretroviral therapy, TB diagnostics, and malaria vector control have made strides in reducing mortality. However, challenges like drug resistance, stigma, and health system gaps persist. Tackling these diseases requires sustained investment and innovative strategies. The Hubert Department of Global Health has many dedicated faculty members and centers focused on tackling these challenges.

Waterborne and foodborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and E. coli infections result from contaminated water and food sources. Poor sanitation and hygiene practices exacerbate their spread, particularly in low-resource settings. These diseases can cause significant morbidity and mortality, especially in children under five. Public health interventions focus on improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure and promoting safe food handling practices. Early detection and outbreak control are critical to mitigating their impact. In the Hubert Department of Global Health, WASH efforts are supported through faculty research, global health classes, and practical work at the Center for Global Safe WASH.

Strong health systems, effective policies, and social and behavioral understanding are crucial to combating infectious diseases. Equitable access to care depends on robust infrastructure, strategic investments, and collaborative policymaking across governments, NGOs, and private sectors. Stigma, misinformation, and cultural norms often hinder testing, treatment, and prevention efforts, particularly for diseases like HIV/AIDS. Community engagement and culturally sensitive education can address these barriers, reduce disparities, and improve health outcomes. Strengthening systems and addressing social determinants are vital for global health security and the fight against infectious diseases. The Hubert Department of Global Health focuses on various practice and methodologies in this regard, including behavioral and clinical interventions, epidemiologic research, implementation science, program planning and more.