As I reflect on my years in public health, among the first things that come to mind are my experiences in India. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) works with more than 60 countries worldwide — but our relationship with India will always have a special place for me. My first experiences in India, as a medical officer for the World Health Organization (WHO) on loan from CDC, were among the most rewarding and challenging years of my career. We built a programme that dramatically improved the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of tuberculosis (TB) by supporting Indian physicians, state, municipal and district governments, tuberculosis control staff, community organisations and, most importantly, patients. I learned so much travelling the roads of India alongside my Indian colleagues — I had the privilege of travelling to more than 30 states and union territories, more than 200 districts and more than 1,000 towns and villages to listen to healthcare workers and patients. What I learned guided me as New York City Health Commissioner and CDC director; it will continue to inform and inspire me on the road ahead.

 

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