Health inequalities are often viewed as someone else’s problem—affecting distant communities, marginalized populations, or low-income countries. Yet in an interconnected world, the consequences of poor health outcomes anywhere can quickly become challenges for everyone. From pandemics and displacement to economic instability and social unrest, health inequities have far-reaching impacts that transcend borders.

Join seasoned Nigerian rights advocate Abiodun Baiyewu as she explores why addressing health inequalities is both a moral responsibility and a matter of enlightened self-interest not just locally, but across the world. Drawing connections between health, social cohesion, security, and development, she will share examples from societies with greater health equity that promote development and human security for everyone, and facilitate a discussion on how we can turn these learnings into action.

Abiodun Baiyewu has been the Executive Director of Global Rights since 2014, and prior to that she served as the Nigeria Country Director. Before joining Global Rights, she worked with an array of organizations including the Negotiation and Conflict Management Group, the O’Neill Institute for Global and National Health Law, the Center for African Policy and Peace Strategy, and the American Center for International Labor Solidarity. She was also a 2021 Acumen Fellow and Women’s Law and Public Policy Fellow in the Leadership and Advocacy for Women in Africa Program at Georgetown University. Abiodun is the Co-Chair of the Steering Committee of the African Coalition for Corporate Accountability, the Board Chair of Justice & Empowerment Initiatives, and a member of the governing board of Annies’ Place. She is currently pursuing her doctorate at UMass Boston.