Minnesotan heads Obama's effort to improve global health

by Tom Crann, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — The Minnesotan at the head of President Obama's Global Health Initiative is back in the Twin Cities to be honored by her alma mater.

Lois Quam turned from her work in the private health care sector in January to become the first executive director of the Global Health Initiative in Washington.

Now, she reports to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on the country's effort to take on a long list of issues like HIV-AIDS and tropical diseases in developing nations.

Quam gives the commencement address at Macalester College in St. Paul on Saturday. We invited her to MPR Friday to talk about her work with the State Department.

Quam said the nation's focus on global health is a top priority for national security.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, 05/13/2011, 3:49 p.m.