Since 2007, led by the University of Southern California, the program has connected universities across the region to address urgent health issues, from pandemic preparedness and non-communicable diseases to mental health and health equity. Activities include:

• Annual Global Health Conference: A convening of global experts to shape regional health agendas. The 2026 conference will focus on “Resilience and Adaptation: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Global Health in a Changing World.”
• Webinar Series: Expert-led discussions on emerging health topics. Recent topics included AI in health research, ethics in aging, and health access in conflict zones.
• Leadership Development: Faculty Workshops and a Global Health Virtual Case Competition to engage students in solving pressing real-world challenges.
• Distance Education: Graduate-level virtual courses on global health leadership and health ethics ,providing students with an opportunity to work with peers across institutions and regions to hone skills and develop cultural competency.
• Joint Research: Collaborative studies on regional health risks, such as a recent multi-country investigation into tracheal cancer, linking urbanization, lifestyle, and health outcomes.

The program also includes seven thematic working groups, which foster collaboration in key health areas—developing joint publications, organizing webinars, and conducting trainings. Themes include Aging, Bioethics, Global Health Education & Technology, Humanitarian Emergencies & Health, Mental Health, Non-Communicable Diseases, and Nursing.

Recent examples:

Mini Certificate in Global Aging 2026 (link), February 26 – March 13
The 10th Annual APRU Global Health Virtual Case Competition 2026 (link), register by May 1
The 19th APRU Global Health Conference 2026 (link), December 7 – 9