Champion Spotlight: Monika Sawhney

My name is Monika Sawhney and I am a United to Beat Malaria champion living in North Carolina. The current COVID 19 pandemic has made us all realize that infectious diseases do not recognize borders. 

As an Associate Professor of Public Health at UNC Charlotte, I’ve committed my career to bettering the health and well-being of all. Having worked in low-middle-income countries for more than 20 years, I’ve experienced firsthand the negative implications of malaria on individuals and entire communities. Women, children, and refugees end up bearing the greatest burden of malaria. 

This commitment led me to become an advocate with the Beat Malaria campaign, a global grassroots organization dedicated to fighting malaria. Being an advocate with United to Beat Malaria has provided me with opportunities to engage with my members of Congress, recruit and train the future generation of advocacy and healthcare professionals, and increase awareness of malaria in my communities.

Through our experience with COVID-19, we are reminded of the importance of global health investments – an infectious disease can reach our communities in less than 36 hours from anywhere in the world. In recognition of World Mosquito Day on August 20th, I want to remind my fellow citizens that we are in this fight to end malaria and other deadly diseases together. Working towards eradicating malaria contributes to the eradication of other co-infectious diseases. Most importantly reducing the burden of malaria will result in reducing maternal and child mortality, improving health, and expanding economic well-being. 

We all have a stake in this, and I encourage each one of us to raise our voice to help strengthen programs that keep us all healthy. Text the word “Champion” to 738674 to join.