Aiming High in Global Health Challenges: Perspectives From a Nonprofit Leader

Abstract

This article presents the author's reflections on leadership and creating and running a nonprofit; in this case, the global health organization Arogya World, started in 2010. In that year, I saw noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)—chronic diseases including diabetes, cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and mental illness—as the next big frontier in global health, and one worth dedicating the rest of my life to. Statistics from the World Health Organization are noted around the prevalence and prevention of NCDs. Diabetes and its prevention in India is Arogya World's focus area because I have seen firsthand what diabetes does. I have the disease, as do others in my family. (“Arogya” means freedom from disease in Sanskrit.) Arogya World is a small nonprofit, but it thinks big and aims to be mighty. It has partnered with such entities as Emory University and the multinational company Nokia; as well as Northwestern University and Stanford's CARE (Center for Asian Health Research and Education). The conclusion notes that leaders are both thinkers and doers, with a good sense of self‐worth and a deep sense of purpose. They make meaningful contributions to society through being authentic, accountable, and delivering on their promises.