What does it take to achieve health equity in a world marked by systemic inequities and global crises?
The McGill Department of Global and Public Health held its 16th annual McGill Global Health Night on Nov. 21 to help explore this question. Students, professors, and global health workers presented their findings and perspectives on equitable approaches in clinical research settings and public health.
Global Health Programs Update
The event began with a student poster session and welcome remarks, followed by an update from Madhukar Pai, Inaugural Chair of McGill’s Department of Global and Public Health.
“How do you teach global health to young people in the midst of polycrises, and how do you give them any hope at the end of that class?” Pai said in his talk.
Despite these challenges, Pai finds hope in the resilience and determination of young people. He explained the dedication of McGill students is evident, along with the institution’s commitment to empowering them through initiatives like the Global Health Scholars Program and a new bachelor’s program in population and global health, set to launch in 2026.
Pai believes that through support and investment in youth, McGill can foster a new generation committed to advancing global health and equity.
Importance of Global Health and McGill’s Contributions
The event also featured insights from Victor J. Dzau, President of the US National Academy of Medicine and Chair of the SPGH International Advisory Board, who highlighted the critical importance of addressing global health inequities through innovation, collaboration, and equitable access to care.
Reflecting on his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dzau highlighted collaborative efforts to address urgent health challenges, such as equitable vaccine distribution.
“No matter what our challenges are, health is a universal human right to everyone, regardless of income, status, geography, et cetera,” Dzau said in his talk.
Dzau highlighted the need to bridge the equity gap and improve access to medical innovations, emphasizing McGill’s role in uniting young people to advance global health equity. He acknowledged McGill’s legacy, spotlighting figures like Joanne Liu and Madhukar Pai for their continuous efforts for health equity.
Uprooting Health Inequities
The evening concluded with a powerful keynote from Oni Blackstock, the Founder and Executive Director of the consulting firm Health Justice, whose talk focused on tackling systemic inequities and fostering inclusive approaches to global health.
Blackstock highlighted a quote that she resonates strongly with: Epidemics don’t happen in isolation; they emerge along the fissures of our society and reflect patterns of marginalization, exclusion, and discrimination. This quote was from Mary Bassett, former New York City and New York State health commissioner.
Sharing insights from her career, Blackstock detailed a collaborative approach to creating transformative change in communities disproportionately impacted by healthcare inequities. Her experience in working with HIV patients facing discrimination set the trajectory for the rest of her career.
Blackstock highlighted the systemic barriers that grassroots organizations, particularly those led by marginalized groups, face in accessing funding. For example, many of these organizations operate from homes rather than formal office spaces and rely on mutual aid and crowdsourcing instead of maintaining annual budgets. Funding opportunities often require applicants to meet criteria that favour well-established organizations, leaving smaller, community-based groups—often serving the most impacted populations—unable to qualify. She showcased her efforts to reimagine these funding processes, prioritizing capacity building and inclusivity.
Finally, Blackstock stressed the importance of building meaningful relationships with community-based organizations to foster bi-directional engagement in global health. Her talk served as a powerful reminder of the need for equity-driven solutions that empower communities and tackle structural barriers head-on.
Overall, Global Health Night celebrated the achievements of McGill’s students, faculty, and alumni in advancing global health equity. The annual event demonstrates the university’s work towards fostering inclusive solutions for urgent health challenges.
