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Press Release | 12. July 2007

Columbia University Establishes Global Health Research Center in Central Asia

New York, NY-The Columbia University School of Social Work's (CUSSW) Social Intervention Group and the Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy (ISERP) today announced the launch of the Columbia University Global Health Research Center in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The first research center on global health established by a university in Central Asia, the center will serve the countries of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The Center will develop effective solutions to pressing health problems and to reduce health disparities in Central Asia, a region that is experiencing one of the fastest growing HIV epidemics in the world.

"The Global Health Center will play an important role in combating some of the most serious health issues in Central Asia," says Lee C. Bollinger, president of Columbia University. "The Center affirms Columbia's mission to support research on global issues and to create international academic partnerships. It will provide rich opportunities for research and educational exchange."

"In some regions, people affected with HIV have doubled annually since 2000. The sharp rise in the health epidemics in Central Asia demands innovative and scientifically-based approaches to prevention and social policies," says Nabila El Bassel, professor of social work and director of the Social Intervention Group at CUSSW. "These epidemics are linked with psychological distress, trauma, poverty, domestic violence and other problems that need to be addressed."

The incidence of HIV/AIDS in Central Asia has shown exponential growth largely due to the sharp increase in heroin injection drug use. The rapid diffusion of drug use in this region has coincided with drug trafficking, population migration and mixing which has created risk environments conducive to the spread of HIV, tuberculosis (TB), Hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). As a result, the region has also seen an increase in unemployment and poverty, which has spurred the growth of informal economics that include illicit drug trade and sex work. At the heart of this epidemic are young people, with 80 percent of the HIV cases affecting people under 30.

The Center's work is based on nearly 20 years of experience of Columbia researchers addressing the needs of those affected by HIV/AIDS, substance abuse and trauma. The Center will bring leading multidisciplinary global health experts together to conduct behavioral and social science research that will inform best practices for effective prevention, treatment and care of HIV/AIDS, infectious diseases, TB, and other global health problems arising in Central Asia. By working in collaboration with a regional advisory network of academics, research scholars and leading representatives from government and NGO's, the Center aims to build the social service infrastructure and strengthen the capacity of local institutions to bring effective interventions to community-based settings.

"Our program activities are focused on strengthening academic research capacity in the region and building a bridge between institutions and communities," says Peter Bearman, director of ISERP. "The Center's three core program areas will help to determine community needs, develop intervention programs and advance regional health policies to improve treatment for those affected who need them most."

The three core program areas of the Center are:

Research and Training: Conduct scientific research that will inform policies and programs to reverse the tide of HIV/AIDS and other global health problems in Central Asia. In addition, increase the number of research scientists, faculty, and PhD and post doctoral students in the region who are able to conduct epidemiological, behavioral and social science research.
Translation of Research into Effective Programs and Policy: Translate research into prevention and treatment programs, using proven methods of dissemination and effective health interventions in different low resource, community based settings.
Technical Assistance: Provide technical assistance on global health research methods and data analysis to government, private and NGO organizations in Central Asia.

For more information, please contact Jeannie Hii at 212-851-2327 or jy2223@columbia.edu.