Who We Are
…putting knowledge into action
Mission
ICAP transforms the health of populations through innovation, research, and global collaboration.
Vision
Healthy people, empowered communities, thriving societies.
About
Based at Columbia University with operations in more than 40 countries, ICAP is a leader in global public health, internationally known for tackling the world’s toughest health challenges—from HIV to tuberculosis, from malaria to maternal and child health, and the growing problem of non-communicable diseases, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. Through innovative research, collaborative technical assistance, and a focus on strengthening health systems, ICAP helps to create better, more accessible, health services to reduce the burden of illness on people and communities. A beacon for inspiring change, ICAP disseminates knowledge and best practices to inspire better population health worldwide.
ICAP was founded at Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health in 2003 by Wafaa El-Sadr. ICAP was created at a time when an estimated 2.4 million people were dying every year from HIV around the world. As the global crisis unfolded, ICAP was determined to overcome the challenge of making HIV treatment available in areas with very limited health care infrastructure.
ICAP’s pioneering approach was inspired by the experience of Dr. El-Sadr and her colleagues in the New York City community of Harlem, where HIV had been rapidly spreading and causing immeasurable suffering.
Originally called the International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs, ICAP quickly engaged in the global HIV response, enabling the successful scale-up of HIV care and treatment in some of the most resource-challenged countries in the world. The immediate results galvanized the global health community.
Committed to a healthier tomorrow for all people, ICAP pursues a vision of a world where quality health services are available to all, so that people and communities can thrive and prosper.
Statement on Racism and Injustice
ICAP at Columbia University stands strong against structural oppression and racism in the United States and globally, and in solidarity with organizations, communities, and individuals fighting for racial justice.
We support local, national, and global public health agendas guided by social justice and that acknowledge the negative impacts of racism and inequality on the health of people and their communities.
We unequivocally condemn racism in all forms. We commit to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination and discriminatory harassment, and to fostering a nurturing, vibrant community founded upon the fundamental dignity and worth of all.
We pledge to be an antiracist organization. We will continuously seek to identify and address the ways in which we may fall short of our organizational expectations. As a first step, ICAP Headquarters has organized an internal Task Force on Racism and Injustice, dedicated to promoting open dialogue around topics of racism and inequality, and developing an internal organizational plan to address structural inequities and implicit bias in the workplace, and ICAP’s core public health work.
We commit to maintaining open and respectful dialogue around topics of racism and inequality; to promoting an inclusive and respectful work environment; and to prioritizing the recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce.
To learn more about the work ICAP is doing in this space, please reach out to icap-communications@cumc.columbia.edu
Impact Reports
In 2021, ICAP led numerous health initiatives in countries around the world in support of our mission to transform the health of populations through innovation, research, and global collaboration. The stories that follow provide a glimpse into how ICAP went the distance to support public health in communities worldwide. See 2022-23 Impact Report, 2021 Impact Report and 2020 Impact Report
