Last week, the Global Health Council (GHC) held its 37th annual international conference in Washington, DC. It was a well attended event filled with participants from across the globe and the global health community. Dozens of panel discussions, plenary sessions, special events, films, and exhibits were all available to provide attendees with valuable venues for learning, networking, and engaging in substantive global health conversations.

Topics ranged from global health metrics and the Millennium Development Goals to maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, chronic and degenerative diseases (including NTDs), and financing mechanisms. Additionally, GHC designed two tracks for those in the policy or research arenas highlighting subjects of particular interest for these respective groups. As the new policy director for the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases, I closely followed the policy track attending sessions on the budget landscape, advocacy, countdown to 2015, U.S. and multilateral organizations, and the use of global health as a diplomacy tool. The broader plenary sessions also provided updates and direct interaction with current leaders in the global health space—all timely and useful information.

Throughout the week, conferees were easily identified by their cotton satchels holding programs and conference materials. These bags were handmade by women in Chennai, India who are part of the Pi Project—a non-profit organization that provides economic empowerment to vulnerable women. Profits from the bag sales went directly to the women involved in the project. The satchels were a constant reminder of why global health advocates, thought leaders, and stakeholders gathered to meet in Washington, and who the real beneficiaries truly are.

Michelle Brooks joined the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases as its new policy director in February 2010. She previously worked for the U.S. Peace Corps and World Vision.