Why is real change so hard to achieve? Why do efforts to improve health care or bring electricity to underserved communities often fall short? Real change starts with asking critical questions like these, but it doesn’t stop there. It takes listening to people, building partnerships, sharing data and evidence with decision-makers, and supporting leaders to drive policy shifts, make investments, and use the strength of government to turn bold ideas into lasting impact.
Columbia Global connects those who desire change with the agents of change — like thought leaders, policymakers, and community advocates — to address the world’s most pressing challenges with fact-based solutions and ultimately improving lives.
Explore four stories where Columbia Global is making real change happen through projects that lead to shifts in policy.
Why are new mothers in the U.S. dying at alarming rates?
The United States faces one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the developed world, with vulnerable populations disproportionately affected. Columbia Global is working alongside university researchers and federal and state policymakers to address disparities in maternal care.
Can better health care policies save lives?
The Leveraging Policy to Improve Maternal Health in the Fourth Trimester project provided evidence to help policymakers improve postpartum care. Columbia worked with state and city health departments to collect data on health outcomes, access to care, and challenges faced by new parents. This information was shared with policymakers at city, state, and national levels to create better policies, such as expanded Medicaid coverage, to support people after giving birth and improve their health and well-being.
The impact on mothers today
Through expanded Medicaid coverage, thousands of new mothers receive increased access to care for up to a year after giving birth so health complications are caught and treated early.
What holds communities back from accessing electricity?
Access to electricity is proven to increase economic opportunity, but millions of people in Uganda still live without reliable power. Columbia partnered with Uganda’s government, community organizations, and local businesses to rethink energy investment strategies and focus on underserved areas.
Can better energy access lead to new opportunities?
The Using Data to Catalyze Energy Investments project is driving energy policy in Uganda by providing data to guide investments that expand access and boost the economy. The project mapped energy sources and identified areas for energy investment, targeting small businesses in rural areas. By presenting this data to the Ugandan government, policymakers are now equipped to target areas most suited for specific energy investments, ensuring resources are allocated effectively.
The impact on Ugandan communities today
Communities across Uganda now light up, not just with electricity, but also with opportunity. These policies are fostering sustainable growth, improved economic opportunity, and creating lasting progress.
What if traditional cooking methods harm your health?
Millions of households in Ghana rely on harmful fuels for cooking, exposing families — especially women and children — to dangerous levels of air pollution. Recognizing this crisis, Columbia joined forces with the Ghanaian government to facilitate a transition to cleaner cooking solutions.
Can a different cooking fuel make a difference?
The Combating Household Air Pollution With Clean Energy project is advancing Ghana's energy policy by supporting efforts to expand access to safer, more sustainable cooking fuels. The project developed a mobile app to help Ghanaians locate and purchase fuel while partnering with local vendors to improve affordability and availability, and informed Ghanaian policies aimed at driving a large-scale shift to healthier, low-emission alternatives.
The impact on Ghanaian families today
Thousands of Ghanaian families are moving towards healthier cooking methods, reducing harmful smoke exposure and improving health while helping the country meet its goal of expanding access to safer fuels.
How does childhood health care pave the way for brighter futures?
A child’s earliest years are critical for their health, development, and future success. Yet in Sierra Leone, systemic challenges like inadequate health care and nutrition jeopardize the well-being of children. Columbia partnered with the Sierra Leonean government to develop national guidelines for improving childhood health and development.
Can informed health policies support early childhood development?
Project SHINE! has proven that integrated health and education solutions can drive impactful change. SHINE! piloted a health program at a Sierra Leone preschool, providing screenings, nutritional gardens, improved sanitation, and community health days. The project team collaborated with Sierra Leonean policymakers and health care officials to develop national guidelines, to improve health, nutrition, and sanitation in preschools across the country.
The impact on Sierra Leone’s children today
Young children in Sierra Leone will now benefit from improved health and educational services. The initiative not only addressed immediate health needs but also set a new standard for early childhood care, driving lasting policy changes to ensure brighter futures for the nation’s youngest citizens.