GEH Lab Postdoctoral Research Fellow Presents Posters at 2026 CUGH Conference in Washington DC

Authored by former Dahdaleh Research Fellow Taslima Mamataz.

I participated in the Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) Annual Conference, held at the Hilton Hotel Dupont Circle in Washington, DC, from April 8 to April 12, 2026, as a representative of Dr. Godfred Boateng's Lab at the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research, Global and Environmental Health Lab, York University. This conference is recognized as a leading international event that brings together ~200 academic institutions and organizations. It offers a valuable platform for global health advocates to engage in knowledge mobilization and translation through poster and oral presentations, moderated sessions, networking events, and film screenings. 

Two of my abstracts were accepted for presentation at the CUGH Conference: “Exploring Women’s Experiences of Risks and Safety Issues Associated with Household Energy Insecurity in Three Afro-Colombian Municipalities” and “The Effect of Changes in Food and Water Insecurity on Mental Health Outcomes during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Slums and Informal Settlements of Malawi.” I presented both posters on Day 3 (April 12, 2026) during the main poster session (from 12:45 to 2:15 pm). These research topics, which focus on vulnerable populations such as women and informal settlers and their psychosocial health, generated significant positive feedback and constructive suggestions for addressing research gaps and developing research grants. I also established connections with international researchers working in these fields. Both manuscripts have been submitted to academic journals. 

In addition to presenting, I attended several moderated preconference sessions, including "Turning Child and Adolescent Mental Health Data into Decisions: A Simulation Workshop for Improving Data-Driven Policy in Global Health" and "Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships to Implement One Health Initiatives." I also participated in oral abstract sessions on topics such as “Social and Political Determinants of Health,” “Environmental Determinants of Health, One Health, Planetary Health,” and “Research, Education, Translation and Implementation Science, Bridging Research to Policy.” These sessions were highly informative and engaging, particularly due to the diverse participation of international experts. I found the "Turning Child and Adolescent Mental Health Data into Decisions" workshop especially intriguing, as it provided an interactive, hands-on simulation for making evidence-based decisions and investing in mental health data. 

It was intellectually rewarding and personally inspiring opportunity for me to attend CUGH 2026 conference. Another workshop I attended on “Leveraging Public–Private Partnerships to Implement One Health Initiatives” was especially valuable as it offered helpful ideas on how combined efforts can address global food security, safety, and public health challenges. The interactive talks about public–private partnerships showed me how important teamwork across various sectors is essential to transforming scientific innovation into real-world impact, especially in an environment of limited and competitive research funding. 

In conclusion, attending the CUGH conference was an exceptionally enriching experience. I gained valuable insights from global advocates and experts and established meaningful professional connections. This experience has further strengthened my motivation and passion for global health research. I am grateful to Dr. Boateng, the GEH Lab, and the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health for their continued support in my academic and research career.

“The Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health, under the mentorship and support of Dr. Godfred Boateng, has provided me with an invaluable professional opportunity that has been central to my development as a researcher. My commitment to pursuing an academic career has always been grounded in a strong desire to conduct rigorous research on issues in global health that I am deeply passionate about. Throughout my postdoctoral fellowship, I have not only advanced this research agenda but also engaged with international scholarly communities by presenting my work at global conferences. I am sincerely grateful to the dedicated faculty and staff at the Dahdaleh Institute for their continued guidance, mentorship, and institutional support. I am particularly thankful to Dr. Godfred Boateng for having me into his research lab and for the opportunity to actively contribute to and grow through the wide range of research and professional activities undertaken there.” 

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