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In efforts to further research about diseases that disproportionately affect the Black community, the Morehouse School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College in Tennessee, and the University of Zambia have joined forces to create an international exchange program, ABC News reported.

During the program—which is slated to begin this fall—students will delve into the causes of the diseases, conduct research surrounding why they are prevalent amongst individuals from underserved communities, and develop strategies for prevention, the news outlet writes. Amongst the diseases that will be studied are HIV & AIDS, diabetes, cancer, HPV, malnutrition and other infectious illnesses.

“We are thrilled to have formed this partnership with the University of Zambia alongside Meharry Medical College,” Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, President and Dean of Morehouse said in a statement. “This agreement between three like-minded organizations promises to accelerate treatment and care options for AIDS, diabetes, cancer and other disease states that plague the people of America and Africa. By collaborating more closely we can impact more fully the lives of the people we serve.”

Professor Luke Mumba, Vice Chancellor, University of Zambia, called the partnership historic and believes that the collaborative effort will lead to medical breakthroughs and contribute to shaping the future of healthcare. Dr. James E.K. Hildreth, President of Meharry Medical College says that the exchange program is exemplary of the need to make an impact in underserved communities around the world. According to the news outlet, the program is an extension of an initiative launched by Morehouse and Meharry in 2015.

Several historically Black colleges and universities have been dedicated to addressing racial health disparities. In February, Tuskegee University was awarded an $8.5 million grant to go towards exploring why African Americans are affected by diseases at a higher rate than individuals from other racial backgrounds.

SEE ALSO:

North Carolina Central University Receives $16.3M To Fight Racial Health Disparities

Tuskegee University Receives Multi-Million-Dollar Grant For Racial Health Disparity Research

HBCUs Partner With The University Of Zambia To Further Disease Prevention Research  was originally published on newsone.com