I worked at The Global Fund as a Health Systems Analysis Fellow. My project consisted of a comprehensive mixed-methods evaluation of Project BOXER (Build Oxygen for the COVID-19 Emergency Response), a centrally managed limited investment initiative.
Public Health Practice Spotlight: Joselito Malca Hernandez, MPH ’26 (Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases)
What organization did you work with? What was your role?
Where was your work located?
Geneva, Switzerland.
What is your career goal?
I am committed to strengthening health care infrastructure and systems in Peru and across Latin America.
What was your public health practice funding source?
Leadership in Global Health Fellowship, Yale Institute for Global Health.
What were your duties/responsibilities during your applied practice experience?
My project consisted of a comprehensive mixed-methods evaluation of Project BOXER (Build Oxygen for the COVID-19 Emergency Response), a centrally managed limited investment (CMLI) initiative of the Global Fund that, in partnership with Build Health International (BHI), provided technical assistance to support the implementation of PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) oxygen plants across 60 countries. The assessment combines quantitative analysis of program data and technical indicators with qualitative interviews (semi-structured and focus groups) involving key stakeholders from the Global Fund, BHI, and country partners. The project seeks to evaluate the project’s contributions, document implementation experiences, assess sustainability and system integration, identify challenges and lessons learned, and generate actionable insights to strengthen future health systems and emergency oxygen delivery programs.
My responsibilities included quantitative data analysis of technical and program indicators, qualitative coding and thematic analysis of stakeholder interviews, protocol and ethics documentation, and the preparation of an integrated report outlining key findings and recommendations for sustainability and health system integration.
What did you take away from your experience?
I gained hands-on experience in large-scale global health project evaluation, strengthened my skills in integrating quantitative and qualitative evidence, and deepened my understanding of the operational, technical, and contextual challenges of implementing critical health care infrastructure in resource-limited settings.
What was the most rewarding aspect of your experience? What was the most challenging aspect? The most surprising aspect?
The most rewarding aspect was contributing to a project that has a tangible impact on health system resilience and emergency preparedness. The most challenging aspect was managing timelines while coordinating with multiple international stakeholders across different time zones. The most surprising aspect was the level of technical and logistical complexity involved in sustaining PSA oxygen plant operations beyond installation.
How has YSPH prepared you for this experience?
YSPH provided me with a solid foundation in research methodology, biostatistics, and qualitative research techniques, as well as critical thinking skills to assess and address real-world public health challenges. Coursework and mentorship also enhanced my ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and to apply evidence-based approaches in global health contexts.
What would you say to a student who’s considering a similar public health practice experience?
An applied practice experience (APE) at The Global Fund is a unique chance to contribute to high-impact global health initiatives while learning from leading experts in diverse technical areas. Through my work on Project BOXER, I gained hands-on experience in evaluating multi-country health systems interventions, combining quantitative analysis, qualitative research, and stakeholder engagement. The environment challenged me to think strategically, adapt to complex realities, and produce work that can directly inform policy and implementation—skills that will stay with me throughout my career.