Event Recap: How Public Health Professionals Can Address Vaccine Hesitancy in the South Asian Community - 10/7/2025
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.
September 2025 Newsletter: Celebrate Fall with SAPHA's Latest Insights!
Don't Miss Out: 11 Weeks Until the Inaugural SAPHA Gala & Conference!
VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 9
As we step into the fall season, we’re proud to reflect on the progress we’ve made together this year. SAPHA has continued to expand our library of resources—including toolkits, reports, and databases—that support public health professionals and communities working to improve health outcomes for South Asians. Most recently, we released our Misinformation & South Asian Health Landscape Report, a timely and evidence-based resource to help address one of today’s most pressing challenges in health communication.
As a reader of this newsletter, we know you know - we’re excitedly preparing for two major events that bring our community together: the Inaugural SAPHA Gala and Conference. Both will showcase the expertise, collaboration, and shared commitment that drive our work forward. These gatherings are not only a celebration of our achievements but also a chance to connect, learn, and shape the future of South Asian public health.
Thank you for being an essential part of our journey. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and hearing how our resources are helping you create impact in your communities and thoughts to consider in 2026.
⬇️ Let’s dive in!! ⬇️
✨SAPHA Gala and Conference Updates!✨
🎉 11 Weeks to Go! 🎉
The countdown is on: 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.
🇳🇵Mental Health Support Resources for the Nepali Community🇳🇵
Nepal is facing a difficult time, and many families and communities are carrying heavy burdens. Our hearts are with the Nepali people who are affected by this turmoil. We stand in solidarity with them and hold close the hope for peace and strength in the days ahead.
In this spirit, we encourage you to explore the resources collated by NAAPIMHA to support health and community well-being for Nepalis.
We grieve the young lives lost and share the following resources to support all those impacted:
To support students and the community, the Healer Nepal is offering free counseling sessions to anyone in need of a space to talk, heal, and find strength
South Asian IBD Alliance (SAIA) serves as one of the first patient-clinician-led collaborative organizations in the IBD community. SAIA works to create resources, research, and education for patients, caregivers and healthcare providers managing IBD & chronic GI conditions to minimize delays, dispel stigma, promote early diagnosis, and improve access to treatment for all.
Formed as a joint partnership between the patient advocacy group known as IBDesis and a group of multi-disciplinary physicians, SAIA has won multiple awards in recent years for its innovative work. To understand the scope and multiple layers that come with IBD, check out SAIA’s recent publications and patient education videos.
Bangladesh is grappling with a severe public health emergency as cases of dengue and chikungunya surge concurrently. As of early September 2025, the country has reported over 33,800 dengue cases and 132 deaths this year. The first week of September alone saw at least 10 deaths and more than 1,500 hospital admissions due to fever.
Chikungunya, which had been absent for years, has made a significant return. Between January and July, four Dhaka-based laboratories confirmed 785 cases, with detection rates exceeding 30% in some facilities. In Chittagong, officials reported 30 new cases in just 24 hours, bringing the city's total to nearly 3,000 cases this year.
Hospitals, particularly the Dhaka Medical College Hospital, are overwhelmed, operating at more than triple their intended capacity. Experts attribute the crisis to the rapid adaptation of the Aedes mosquito to urban environments, where stagnant water in construction sites, rooftops, and flower pots serve as breeding grounds.
The WHO has identified dengue as one of the fastest-growing global health threats, exacerbated by climate change and urbanization. Health professionals emphasize the need for early recognition of warning signs, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding, or reduced urination, and caution against the misuse of NSAIDs or steroids in viral fevers.
To mitigate the situation, experts call for intensified mosquito control measures, expanded testing capabilities, and year-round eradication efforts to prevent future outbreaks.
As Alzheimer’s cases continue to rise, experts predict that the number of Asian Americans affected will triple by 2030. However, because many in this community often associate Alzheimer’s symptoms with normal aging, early signs of the disease may go unrecognized, leading to delayed treatment and potentially worse outcomes.
A recent systematic review published in BMJ Global Health synthesizes empirical evidence on the prevalence and determinants of e-cigarette use across South Asia. The study included 17 peer-reviewed articles, all graded as above average after quality appraisal.
Key Findings:
Prevalence Rates:
Pakistan: 6.20–10.1%
India: 0.01–5.39%
Nepal: 5.9%
Bangladesh: 0.5%
Determinants of Use:
Perception of e-cigarettes as less harmful or addictive
Use as an alternative to tobacco smoking
Appeal of flavors
Stress and mental health factors
Peer influence and social acceptance
Product pricing
Conclusion:
The review highlights the limited empirical data on e-cigarette use in South Asia and calls for further research to inform public health interventions tailored to the region's unique sociocultural and economic contexts.
