Join Us in Reflecting on a Year of Progress and Community Impact!
VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 12
Welcome to the SAPHA December Newsletter!
As we close out an incredible year at SAPHA, we’re taking a moment to reflect on everything we’ve built together. From expanding our community programs to elevating South Asian public health voices, this year has been full of meaningful progress made possible by people like you.
We invite you to watch ourYear in Review and celebrate the milestones, stories, and impact we achieved as a community. Thank you for showing up, volunteering, advocating, sharing, and investing in better health for all.
As we look ahead, your support remains essential. If you’re able, please consider making a donation to help fuel our work in 2026 and beyond.
Wishing you a joyful and healthy New Year. We can’t wait to see you in 2026!
⬇️ Let’s dive in! ⬇️
✨ Curious about our work?✨
Come be part of it!
Want to get involved with SAPHA? We’d love to hear from you.
Whether you’re interested in volunteering, joining a committee, lending your expertise, or simply learning more about our work, filling out our interest form is the first step.
Share a bit about your interests and how you’d like to contribute, and
If you self-identify as Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and/or Pacific Islander, are 18+, live in the U.S. or U.S. Associated Pacific Islands, and can read or speak one of several languages (including English, Mandarin, Hindi, Tagalog, and more), you’re eligible to join!
Participation is voluntary, and all information collected is de-identified to
protect your privacy.
By signing up for the CARE registry, you may be contacted about research opportunities that could help improve health outcomes in our communities. Your participation can help ensure that AANHPI voices are represented in science.
In a recent community poll, 41% of AAPI adultscited health care as the important problem facing them and their family. With Congress preparing for a pivotal vote on health insurance subsidies, it’s critical for us to translate data and insights into action.
AAPI Data is excited to share their newest By the Numbers guide, a deep dive into AAPI health that features:
Key data on insurance coverage, disability, mental health and more
Timely public opinion insights on AAPI priorities around health
Essential policy background on hot button issues
Explore the data driving one of the most urgent issues for AAPI communities today.
“Our recent AAPI Policy Priorities Survey demonstrated that healthcare is one of the most important issues facing AAPIs and their families,” said Gregg Orton, National Director of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans. “Given recent Congressional actions around health coverage, it’s vital that we are tuned in. This guide will be an important resource as our coalition continues to rally around the issues that matter most to AAPIs and advocate for affordable healthcare for all.
TheASPIRE Asian American Cohort Study, a first-of-its-kind national research effort is focused on understanding the causes of cancer in Asian American communities.
ASPIRE aims to build a diverse cohort representing Asian Americans from across the United States, the first study of its scale and scope, to help uncover what drives cancer risk and guide better prevention efforts for future generations.
Participants can contribute by completing surveys over time, with the option to provide saliva samples, and all activities can be done from home. This study helps fill critical gaps in research and ensures that Asian American voices and health experiences are represented.
A recent American Psychiatric Association (APA) Healthy Minds Poll finds that 41% of U.S. adults expect more stress around the holidays this year compared with last year — a significant jump from 28% in 2024 and 29% in 2023. Younger adults (18–34) are especially likely to feel this increase in stress.
While many people still look forward to holiday traditions like seeing family and friends, enjoying good food, and giving gifts, concerns about finances, grief and loss, family dynamics, and loneliness are top stressors for the season.
Broader worries about the economy, health care, political tensions, and social issues also contribute to anxiety during this time of year.
Despite these pressures, a growing share of people report that the holidays have a positive impact on their mental health.
A recent study, “Consumption of iron-rich foods and its associated factors among South Asian children aged 6–23 months,” published in Springer Nature Scientific Reports, highlights important gaps in early childhood nutrition across the region. Researchers found that many young children are not consuming enough iron-rich foods, a concern given iron’s essential role in healthy growth, brain development, and preventing anemia.
Using multilevel analysis across several South Asian countries, the study identified key factors linked to higher iron intake including maternal education, household wealth, access to health services, and community-level nutrition awareness.
The findings underscore the need for continued investment in family nutrition education, affordable nutrient-dense foods, and programs that support caregivers during the critical first two years of life
On October 7, 2025, the South Asian Public Health Association (SAPHA) Advocacy Committee hosted “Be a Vaccine Hero: How Public Health Professionals Can Address Vaccine Hesitancy in the South Asian Community,” a virtual webinar led Baldeep K. Dhaliwal, PhD, MSPH from the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics. Public health professionals, students, and community advocates tuned in to learn how to address vaccine hesitancy in South Asian communities more effectively and compassionately.
Dr. Dhaliwal began by reframing vaccine hesitancy as a structural and relational issue, not simply a lack of information. She highlighted how colonial medical histories, racism in healthcare, immigration challenges, and language barriers can fuel mistrust, especially when combined with misinformation spreading via social media and platforms like WhatsApp. This framing grounded the conversation in health equity and emphasized the importance of meeting community members where they are.
The webinar then focused on practical strategies public health professionals can use in their day-to-day work, including:
Starting with listening and empathy before offering facts
Using plain language and culturally relevant examples to explain vaccine safety and benefits
Partnering with trusted messengers, such as faith leaders, community-based organizations, and clinicians who share language and culture
Acknowledging past and ongoing harms while still advocating for vaccination as a critical tool to protect community health
Through scenario-based discussion and Q&A, participants practiced responding to common myths, de-escalating tense conversations, and designing outreach that prioritizes trust, dignity, and cultural relevance.
This webinar is part of SAPHA’s ongoing commitment to advancing health equity and strengthening advocacy for South Asian communities. We extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Dhaliwal and all attendees who contributed their insight, questions, and lived experiences.
The South Asian Public Health Association (SAPHA) is dedicated to promoting health equity for South Asians in the United States and the communities they reside in. As a public health organization, we recognize that administrative actions and federal legislation can have deep and lasting effects on the health and well-being of South Asian communities here in the U.S. As such, we condemn the passage of US HR 1, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”. In light of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history ending, one that threatened access to SNAP, forced federal workers to go without pay, and shut down critical federal agencies, it is all the more important that we continue to fight for the funding of pivotal governmental assistance programs that immensely contribute to the health and well-being of all Americans.
Signed into law on July 4th, 2025, HR 1 will have a largely adverse impact on communities of color, including South Asian communities, whose healthcare, insurance, and access to benefit programs will be impacted. HR 1 contains major funding cuts to Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), establishes complicated work and eligibility requirements, and makes it more difficult for lawfully residing immigrants, such as asylum seekers and refugees, to access coverage. Some of these changes have already gone into effect, such as eliminating the enforcement of certain rules that facilitate Medicaid enrollment, while others, such as Medicaid expansion incentives, are set to end at the beginning of 2026.
Samira Khan, SAPHA President, released the following statement: “As HR 1 moves through its implementation phase, we are beginning to see its consequences. South Asian families are bracing for rising premiums, reduced coverage options, and new barriers to care at a time when our community already faces a high burden of chronic disease. These changes will make preventive care and chronic disease management even more difficult, threatening long-term public health. In this moment, SAPHA is committed to providing clear, accessible information and partnering with healthcare and community organizations to help families understand their options and stay connected to care. We will continue advocating for policies that protect coverage and keep our communities healthy.”
Beyond this, given recent administrative and federal agency actions on immigration, fear and misinformation are spreading in the communities, causing many to disenroll or avoid healthcare and having their mental and physical well-being threatened.
An estimated 1.1 million Asian Americans stand to lose insurance coverage as a result of this bill (the precise number of South Asians is unknown due to a lack of disaggregated data). Many South Asians vary in immigration status, and especially those who come on work or student visas may now be burdened with higher costs due to stricter fees and requirements. Additionally, many South Asians may be asylum seekers or refugees, as in FY 2023, India was one of the fifth-largest countries of origin for asylum seekers. Further, “Near East/South Asia” was the second largest region of origin for refugees in FY 2023.
Given the 4.6 million Asian Americans, including South Asians, who rely on Medicaid, HR 1 will undeniably have a significant impact on, not only healthcare access and coverage, but the health of South Asian communities. Many South Asians already suffer from a higher incidence of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The loss of access to care will be detrimental for managing and treating these conditions.
At SAPHA, we remain committed to advocating for just and equitable health outcomes for the South Asian American community and believe that health care coverage and access are a human right. We call on Congress to unwind harmful health provisions that stand as coverage barriers. We will continue to support community members, healthcare providers, and public health professionals by sharing resources to help navigate an increasingly complex landscape to access healthcare
November 2025 Newsletter: Advancing Global South Asian Health Efforts
Your Support Matters! Make an Impact This Giving Tuesday with SAPHA.
VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 11
Welcome to the SAPHA November Newsletter!
As we step into November, we’re still buzzing from the excitement of SAPHA’s inaugural Gala and Conference! Bringing together public health leaders, clinicians, researchers, students, and advocates from across the country, this milestone weekend was a powerful reminder of the energy, creativity, and commitment within our community.
From inspiring fireside chats and panel discussions to celebratory moments at the Gala and Conference, we witnessed firsthand the collaboration and passion driving South Asian public health forward. The conversations, connections, and ideas shared have set the tone for new year of continued learning, partnership, and impact.
If you joined us for the Gala or Conference, we’d love to hear from you!
In this edition, we’ll recap highlights, share stories from our members, and spotlight opportunities for engagement as we carry this momentum into 2026.
Read on to celebrate, reflect, and plan with us.
⬇️ Let’s dive in! ⬇️
✨SAPHA Gala and Conference Recap!✨
We’re still feeling the amazing energy from our inaugural SAPHA Conference and Gala! A two-day event filled with connection, inspiration, and powerful conversations about advancing South Asian public health.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our inaugural SAPHA Conference and Gala! Your presence, energy, and engagement made the weekend extraordinary and helped strengthen our growing community.
Our full recap is now available on the SAPHA website, including highlights from the panels, the interactive networking session, and our unforgettable gala program.
Thank you for your generous support of SAPHA’s Conference and Gala. We’re truly grateful. The event marked a milestone for SAPHA and your support helps us expand the impact we’ve already begun.
Indian Americans Embrace Dual Identities — Survey Highlights
A new nationally‑representative survey of over 1,200 U.S. residents of Indian origin highlights how Indian Americans balance life in the U.S. while staying connected to India.
Strong Cultural Ties: Over 80% maintain connections to Indian culture through food, movies, and the arts.
Identity Matters: 87% say being Indian is very or somewhat important to who they are.
Civic Engagement Rising: Many discuss politics with friends/family, volunteer, or engage in community problem-solving showing growing participation in U.S. civic life.
Facing Discrimination: Nearly half of respondents reported experiencing discrimination in the past year, including biases related to skin color, religion, or country of origin.
Support for Anti-Discrimination Policies: Over three-quarters support laws against caste-based discrimination in the U.S.
These insights underscore the diversity, civic engagement, and evolving identity of Indian Americans which is essential context for organizations and communicators engaging with this community.
Heat & health risk: World Bank warns of rising temperature impacts
A World Bank report titled “An Unsustainable Life: The Impact of Heat on Health and the Economy of Bangladesh” shows that since 1980 the “feels like” temperature has increased by ~4.5 °C in Bangladesh, leading to rises in diarrhea, cough/respiratory illness, fatigue, mental‑health issues (depression, anxiety), and productivity losses of about 250 million workdays in 2024.
Women and older adults were especially vulnerable.
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlight a growing health challenge in the U.S.: more adults than ever are living with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs). Between 2013 and 2023, the prevalence of adults managing two or more chronic diseases has steadily increased across all age groups.
Key Findings
The study “Trends in Multiple Chronic Conditions Among U.S. Adults, 2013–2023” examined data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
Among young adults (aged 18‑34): the prevalence of having two or more chronic conditions (MCCs) rose from ~21.8% in 2013 to ~27.1% in 2023, meaning ~5.2 million more young adults had any chronic disease and ~3.8 million more had MCCs.
SAPHA hosted our inaugural Gala and Conference, a milestone moment uniting public health leaders, researchers, clinicians, innovators, students, and advocates committed to advancing health equity for South Asian communities.
October 2025 Newsletter: Advancing Global South Asian Health Efforts
Don't Miss Out: 3 Weeks Until the Inaugural SAPHA Gala & Conference!
VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 10
🍁 Welcome to the SAPHA October Newsletter!
We’re looking forward to connecting with many of you at APHA 2025 in a few weeks! We love meeting members and partners who share our commitment to advancing South Asian health equity. Scroll through theSouth Asian Compendium that we compiled to attend panels pertaining to South Asian health.
Right after APHA, we’ll gather in Washington, DC for the 2025 SAPHA Gala & Conference (Nov 5–6), featuring an incredible lineup of speakers and sessions.
Highlights from the agenda include:
From Pioneers to Pathmakers: Leadership and Legacy in South Asian Public Health
Funding What Matters: Mobilizing Cross-Sector Investment for South Asian Health Equity
An interactive “Professional Speed Dating” session connecting policy, practice, and research
Lunch & Networking with a screening of Brown Heart
Power in Action: Advocacy for South Asian Health Equity
Driving Innovation: Reimagining South Asian Health Through Technology and Storytelling
And our Closing Keynote: A Vision for the Future of South Asian Health
These sessions are designed to inspire bold ideas, spark collaboration, and strengthen our shared mission.
SAPHA’s Inaugural Gala & Conference is almost here!
✨ Be part of this historic first event that includes 2 days of curated panels, roundtables, networking, and celebration of South Asian health.
🎉3 Weeks to Go!🎉
🌟 ICYMI! We’re thrilled to announce that Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and a leading voice for equity and social justice, will speak at this year’s Gala. We’re also honored to welcome Dr. Ashish Jha, former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator and a national leader in public health, as the closing keynote for our Annual Conference.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear two inspiring leaders share their insights on policy, health, and the future of our communities
In a groundbreaking public health achievement, the Maldives has become the first country in the world to achieve “triple elimination” of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.
This milestone, recognized by the World Health Organization, demonstrates what is possible with strong health systems, targeted interventions, and community engagement. It serves as a powerful model for maternal and child health strategies across the Asia-Pacific region and around the globe.
🧠Dementia Risk Study Highlights Gender Disparities
A recent study from Kaiser Permanente Northern California indicates that South Asian women aged 60 and older have the highest lifetime dementia risk among Asian American groups. This underscores the need for targeted interventions and increased awareness within the community.
The study found that lifetime dementia risk was higher among women than men, with the largest sex/gender differences observed among South Asian and Chinese participants. These findings highlight the importance of addressing gender-specific health risks in dementia prevention strategies.
Cigna-authored research highlights that South Asians in the U.S. face significant health disparities, including higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and mental health challenges. These issues are compounded by barriers such as lack of insurance, language differences, and limited access to preventive care.
For instance, over 40% of South Asian men and over 30% of South Asian women have high blood pressure, and South Asians tend to have excess body fat around the abdomen and organs, which increases the risk of heart disease. Additionally, mental health is often an integral component of cardiac health, but seeking help is often stigmatized in the South Asian community, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
The survey takes about 15 minutes, is anonymous, and at the end, participants may volunteer for a brief audio-only interview. Interview participants will receive a $30 gift card as a thank you.
