Foundation Partners with G-DNA and WCEA on Global Mpox Training

As a first-generation Ghanaian American and a lead nurse practitioner based in Baltimore, my journey in healthcare has always felt like a bridge between continents, cultures, and callings. When the Mpox outbreak emerged in 2022, I found myself on the frontlines of an evolving public health crisis, one that demanded not only clinical expertise but also acute cultural sensitivity, rapid adaptation, and a profound sense of responsibility. Being part of the response during that critical time shaped me deeply, reinforcing my commitment to strengthening that very bridge.

I witnessed firsthand how fear, misinformation, and stigma could spread with even greater velocity than the virus itself. It quickly became clear that treating the illness was only part of the battle—we had to confront the pervasive shame that accompanied it, diligently educate communities, and empower both patients and fellow providers with knowledge, empathy, and unwavering compassion.

“I witnessed firsthand how fear, misinformation, and stigma could spread with even greater velocity than the virus itself.” ­— Dr. Melonie Owusu

Out of that crucible of experience arose one of the greatest privileges of my career: the opportunity to contribute to the creation of vital educational Mpox modules for nurses and midwives across the continent of Africa. In collaboration with dedicated and passionate healthcare professionals from diverse regions, we meticulously designed tools that were not only informative but also culturally attuned and readily accessible. We recognized that the true strength of Africa’s healthcare future lies in its people and when equipped with the right tools and training, these nurses and midwives become unstoppable forces for health and healing in their communities.

This essential work was made possible through a vital partnership with the World Continuing Education Alliance (WCEA) in my role as Director-at-Large for the Ghanaian-Diaspora Nursing Alliance (G-DNA), and through generous funding from the Health Carousel Foundation. Their invaluable support enabled us to scale our impact significantly, ensuring these modules reached those who needed them most, precisely when they were most needed.

To elaborate on our valued partners, the World Continuing Education Alliance (WCEA) is globally recognized for providing healthcare professionals with access to quality continuing education and professional development through its extensive online learning platform, demonstrating a strong commitment to empowering the healthcare workforce across Africa. Complementing this, the Health Carousel Foundation, as the philanthropic arm of Health Carousel, LLC, dedicates its efforts to the sustainability and advancement of the nursing profession worldwide. They achieve this by championing ethical recruitment practices and investing in nurses’ professional development and training opportunities, thereby strengthening global healthcare delivery.

“This essential work was made possible through a vital partnership with the World Continuing Education Alliance (WCEA) in my role as Director-at-Large for the Ghanaian-Diaspora Nursing Alliance (G-DNA), and through generous funding from the Health Carousel Foundation.” ­— Dr. Melonie Owusu

At its core, G-DNA is fundamentally about partnering with dynamic change agents like WCEA and the Health Carousel Foundation to help facilitate better health outcomes in Ghana and across the African continent. Through sustained collaboration, ongoing innovation, and a deeply shared vision for equity in healthcare, we strive to uplift systems, empower dedicated providers, and foster transformative change within communities.

To be part of something that pours back into the continent that birthed my ancestors is more than a professional achievement—it is profoundly personal. Africa is not just a place on a map to me; it is the very root of resilience, boundless ingenuity, and enduring community. Pouring into it through education and empowerment feels like an act of profound honor and a vital step towards restoration.

Our work is far from over, but this milestone reminds me that we are not merely responding to crises—we are actively sowing seeds. These are seeds of hope, of knowledge, of future leaders who will continue this vital work. And in doing so, together, we are reshaping the narrative of global health—one nurse, one module, one empowered community at a time.