World Health Workers Week

At a glance

In commemoration of World Health Worker Week, CDC’s Division of Global Health Protection (DGHP) celebrates global health workers – the often-unsung heroes who work tirelessly to protect and promote public health worldwide.

Overview

A group of CDC employees smiling surrounded by a yellow graphic.
Every April, CDC celebrates the remarkable contributions of global public health workers dedicated to safeguarding and strengthening health security worldwide.

At DGHP, we are committed to supporting countries in building a skilled and resilient public health workforce to address emerging health challenges across the globe. Join us in honoring these inspiring individuals – from outbreak responders to laboratory experts, risk communicators, community health workers, and field epidemiologists – who are making the world a safer place.

This year’s theme, “Safe and Supported: Investing in Health Workers,” underscored the critical need to prioritize the well-being and resilience of these individuals who play diverse roles.

Celebrating our Public Health Heroes

Vedestina Shumbusho: One Community Health Worker's Heroic Response in Tanzania

A woman smiling holding a tablet surrounded by a colorful graphic. “World Health Worker Week, April 1-7, 2024 #WHWeek, Meet Vedestina Shumbusho, A community Health Hero’s Journey.”
CDC-trained community health worker Vedestina Shumbusho’s swift actions helped stem a recent Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania.

Lindsay Kim, MD, MPH: Advancing Laboratory Capabilities for Global Health Security in Vietnam

A woman with a black suit surrounded by a colorful graphic. “World Health Worker Week, April 1-7, 2024 #WHWeek, Meet Lindsay Kim, Pioneering Innovations in Global Health.
CDC's Program Director for the Division of Global Health Protection in Vietnam, Lindsay Kim, MD, MPH is advancing laboratory capabilities for global health security in Vietnam.

Christina Craig, MSc: Empowering Communities to Combat Cholera in Zambia

A woman smiling looking down at a drawing surrounded by a colorful graphic. “World Health Worker Week, April 107, 2-24 #WHWWeek, Meet Christina Craig, Engaging Communities to Save Lives.”
A behavioral scientist who joined CDC’s response team in Zambia, Christina Craig, MSc played a pivotal role in combating Zambia’s cholera outbreak.

Fhatuwani Gavhi, MPH: Strengthening South Africa's Epidemic Preparedness

A woman smiling wearing a graduation hat surrounded by a colorful graphic. “World Health Worker Week April 1-7, 2024, #WHWWeek, Meet Fhatuwani Gavhi, Strengthening South Africa’s Epidemic Preparedness”
Fhatuwani Gavhi, MPH, an epidemiologist at CDC's Division of Global Health Protection is a leading force in strengthening South Africa’s epidemic preparedness.

Esteban Zambrano Arpushana: A Journey of Commitment and Community in Colombia

A man wearing a black hat and white shirt smiling surrounded by a colorful graphic. “World Health Worker Week, April 1-7, 2024, #WHWWeek, Meet Esteban Arpushana, FETP Champion and bilingual advocate.”
A graduate of the CDC-supported FETP Frontline program in Colombia, Esteban Arpushana is a leader in bilingual health advocacy and pioneering community-based interventions.