South SFV Today

In the face of global challenges, two prominent figures in global health research, Desiree LaBeaud and Anna Stewart-Ibarra, emphasize the importance of joy derived from human connection and aligning personal values with professional work. LaBeaud, an associate dean at Stanford University, and Stewart-Ibarra, executive director at the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research, met through a project studying climate's impact on dengue virus in Kenya and Ecuador.

"From the beginning, we worked together as scientists from a space of openness," said Stewart-Ibarra. Their collaboration extended into co-authoring a book during the COVID-19 pandemic titled "Transforming Global Health Partnerships." The book features contributions from 90 authors across 26 countries and proposes a new framework for equitable partnerships based on trust and joy.

Stewart-Ibarra noted that their experiences as researchers informed their approach to writing. "The book was informed by what we had seen – the good, the bad, and the ugly of global health," she said. LaBeaud emphasized the importance of community among contributors: "We were very deliberate and intentional to ensure that we were upholding a rich interweaving of different voices."

The theme of joy is central to their vision for global health partnerships. LaBeaud stated, "Joy in humans comes from really authentic human connection." She believes these connections can sustain collaborative efforts addressing complex issues like pandemics and climate change.

Both authors advocate for more equitable partnerships in global health research. Stewart-Ibarra pointed out issues with current funding models that often favor researchers from wealthier nations. She highlighted efforts to make funding systems more inclusive by allowing proposals in multiple languages.

Addressing historical inequities in global health partnerships is another focus of their work. LaBeaud remarked on changing perceptions about knowledge exchange between North and South: "We’re uplifting partnerships that recognize and seek to rectify power imbalances." Stewart-Ibarra added that they are promoting a scientific paradigm valuing diverse knowledge systems beyond Western science.

The director of Stanford's Center for Innovation in Global Health underscored the need for increased female participation in discussions about climate change and health solutions.

For further information or media inquiries, contact Jamie Hansen at Stanford or reach out directly to Desiree LaBeaud or Anna Stewart-Ibarra via email.