Who we are

About Us

Bridging academia and community to transform public health in Palestine.

Seven healthcare professionals standing together in an illustration.

Our origin

From Research to Health Impact

The establishment of the An-Najah National University Institute for Global Health (GHI) was born out of the acute need to improve the public health situation in Palestine. Acting as a bridge between international and local stakeholders, GHI aims to improve public health in Palestine and correct the institutional drawbacks thereof. Under its affiliation with An-Najah National University (ANNU) as a pioneer of health research, GHI is uniquely positioned to translate the immense production of health research into health interventions by collaboration with local researchers, moving research beyond the frontiers of academia.

A multidisciplinary research team collaborating around an interactive table in a health laboratory.

Global approach

Putting Palestine on the Global Health Map

Given the presence of multiple public health bodies in Palestine and the wider Eastern Mediterranean Region, An-Najah Global Health Institute distinguishes its work by adopting a global approach. The institute aims to situate Palestine on the global health map by establishing connections with international health institutes and joining global health platforms to improve the bidirectional flow of health information.

A connected world map illustrating the international exchange of health knowledge.

Our impact

Research, Health Campaigns and Capacity Building

An-Najah Global Health Institute generates evidence-based conclusions to inform and coordinate health campaigns and interventions. An-Najah Global Health Institute implements health interventions by relying on evidence of effectiveness to ensure positive population-level outcomes. The institute serves as a platform for education and training by capitalizing on ANNU educational resources to provide training sessions, courses, and micro-credentials. The institute also serves as a hub of global health research, facilitating collaboration between academics, practitioners, and health students.

Public-health practitioners reviewing evidence and discussing program findings during a workshop.

Our vision

A Future Built on Health & Equity

To advance equitable health in Palestine through evidence, innovation, and global collaboration, becoming a hub for global health research, education, and action.

Meet the People Behind Our Mission

A dedicated team of researchers, practitioners, and communicators working every day to advance global health in Palestine.

Meet the team

Our Staff

Dr. Kherieh Rassas

General Supervisor

Dr. Rassas is the Vice President for International and External Affairs at ANNU, with a diversified academic background in optometry and law. Dr. Rassas is the founder of the first optometry college in Palestine. She has a track record achievement in introducing several new legislations and presidential decrees and has received an award from Queen Elizabeth II decorated as Serving Sister, MStJ Grade V, for establishing the community eye health program in Palestine, and knighted by the rank of Knight (Chevalier) of France’s National Order of Merit, for promoting French- Palestinian relations.

Dr. Abdulsalam Khayyat

Acting Manager

Dr. Khayyat is the Vice President for Academic affairs at An-Najah National University. Dr. Khayyat is an associate Professor of Epidemiology, a Public Health expert in Palestine and the wider MENA region. He is a scientific collaborator at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel in Switzerland and Honorary senior researcher in the Population Health Sciences in Bristol Medical School at Bristol University, UK. His research work focuses on the area on non-communicable disease including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and mental health, as well as Health Policy and Management.

Dr. Sari Taha

Administrative coordinator

Dr. Sari is a medical doctor and a specialist in global health. He holds a postgraduate degree in international health from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) KIT institute in the Netherlands, awarded with distinction. He has an experience working in clinical care, primary healthcare, public health, medical education, and academia. His research focuses on global health, epidemiology, and dermatology.

Rania Saleh

Campaign Manager

Driving community health engagement

Dr. Sami Barakat

Senior Researcher

Focused on maternal and child health

17Research Staff

6Active Campaigns

100+Publications