Keeping the Big Picture in Mind: An Interview with Kristin LaHatte

Kristin is the Director of Site Strategy and Implementation with the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) Network. She is based in Atlanta, GA, USA.

What do you do?

CHAMPS works to determine the definitive causes of death for stillbirths and young children in regions with high mortality rates for children under five and then leverages this data to inform evidence-based interventions aimed at saving lives. In my role, I work with the nine CHAMPS sites across Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, coordinating and collaborating with the cross-functional teams at each site.

Why did you apply to the GHDI program? What did you hope to get out of it?

I applied to broaden my understanding of the current best practices in global health delivery and to learn from the experiences, challenges, and successes of others in the field.

What is something that you wish to accomplish in your career?

I hope to contribute to global health equity. If my work can help, even in a small way, to bend the arc toward that goal, I will consider my career to have been a success.

What is the biggest challenge you have in your position?

There are so many things that can and do go wrong every day and it can be difficult not to lose your resolve. In such moments, you have to step back and focus on the big picture.

What work have you been most proud of in your career?

I worked with two maternity centers in rural Haiti. Despite the high mortality rates for neonates, hundreds of babies were born healthy. Children entered the world in a facility dedicated not only to ensuring their survival but also to treating their mothers with dignity and respect throughout pregnancy and delivery. It’s a small thing in some ways – but as a mother myself, it doesn’t feel small. In a place where loss is all too common, every healthy birth felt like a victory. These small but significant wins help you to continue to work towards systemic change and keep moving forward.

What impact do you think GHDI will have on your career?

GHDI offered me a framework through which to view complex global health challenges and issues. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was how to apply systems thinking to ask questions and find solutions. By identifying how components interconnect, we can determine what can and should be done to affect strategic change.

What do you think someone should know before applying to GHDI?

There are high expectations, but if you’re passionate and eager to learn, you can meet them. For those seeking a deeper understanding of global health delivery, GHDI is an exceptional and immensely rewarding opportunity.

What would you say to someone who is just starting out in this field? What kind of advice would you give them?

One of the greatest skills you can cultivate is being an excellent listener. Become someone who truly values what others have to say and can teach you. Expertise comes in many forms, and by understanding and learning from the experiences of others, you can gain invaluable insights.

What continues to fuel your inspiration and drive your work?

What drives me is the belief that the world could be a more equitable place and knowing that others share this vision and are also working towards this goal.