Published on February 24, 2026 Published in Frontier in Public Health – Public Health Education and Promotion https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1706228 Authors: Shubha Kumar, University of Southern California Catherine Zhou, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Mellissa Withers, University of Southern California Summary: This paper evaluates APRU’s collaborative multi‑university virtual model built around two long‑running distance education courses on global health leadership and ethics. The model strengthens transnational, interdisciplinary, and decolonized learning across APRU institutions, with students reporting strong competency gains and valuing the culturally diverse, technology‑enabled global classroom.

The report was prepared by the APRU Global Health Program, hosted by the Institute on Inequalities in Global Health at the University of Southern California. The program is directed by Professor Mellissa Withers. It highlights the program’s major accomplishments in 2025 and outlines upcoming activities for 2026. For the most recent updates, please visit the program webpage: https://www.apru.org/programs/pacific-rim-challenges/global-health/    

Highlights of the APRU Global Health Program’s research and educational activities in 2024 included: The 17th annual APRU Global Health Conference The 10th annual APRU Student Poster Contest The 9th annual APRU Virtual Global Health Case Competition The APRU Student Global Climate Change Simulation APRU Mini Certificate in Health Research Ethics Global Health Distance Education Courses 19 scientific papers that were either published or accepted