U.S. Health Leadership | IVLP Visit | International Leaders from Africa
Global Ties Akron welcomes a delegation of health leaders from across Africa to Northeast Ohio for a multi-day IVLP exchange focused on U.S. health systems, public health leadership, and community-centered care.
About the Visit
From March 3–5, 2026, Global Ties Akron hosts international health professionals and leaders from Africa in Akron, Ohio, through the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). This visit is organized in partnership with Meridian International Center, a leading National Program Agency for U.S. exchange programs.
Over three days, participants will meet with local healthcare providers, public health officials, hospital administrators, and community health organizations throughout the Akron region — exploring American approaches to healthcare delivery, health equity, and leadership in medicine.
Why Akron?
Akron and Northeast Ohio are home to nationally recognized health institutions, including hospital systems serving both urban and rural communities and research initiatives tackling some of today’s most pressing public health challenges. Delegates will have rare access to the people and programs shaping healthcare in the American heartland.
About the IVLP
The International Visitor Leadership Program, administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), is the flagship professional exchange program of the United States. Since its founding, the IVLP has hosted more than 225,000 participants from nearly every country in the world.
About Global Ties Akron
Global Ties Akron connects international leaders to Akron’s most vibrant institutions and community members. As a designated National Program Committee and proud member of the Global Ties U.S. network, we take pride in showing visiting delegates the full depth of what Northeast Ohio has to offer — from world-class healthcare to grassroots community organizations.