Sessional Assistant Professor, School of Global Health
DB 5022A
malta@yorku.ca
Dr. Monica Malta is an Assistant Professor at the School of Global Health with over 15 years of experience in global health research. Her work focuses on the social and structural determinants of health outcomes and gender disparities, particularly among 2SLGBTQ+ communities, with a primary emphasis on female-identified individuals. She has also conducted extensive research with other marginalized groups, including people living with HIV/AIDS, sex workers, and individuals who use drugs.
Dr. Malta's research is deeply rooted in community-based participatory approaches, leveraging the lived experiences of affected communities to inform and shape her work. She employs mixed-methods research to ensure comprehensive and impactful outcomes.
Her recent projects have addressed the mental health impacts of gender-based violence within 2SLGBTQ+ communities in Brazil, Kenya, and Vietnam, with grants from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH/NIH). In Brazil, she collaborates with queer women to combat health and gender inequities using innovative eHealth and mHealth strategies.
Dr. Malta is also a TED speaker and has been a keynote speaker at international conferences focusing on HIV/AIDS, global health, and gender equity. She has also participated as a speaker at meetings organized by the United Nations (UNAIDS and UN Women), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
She holds leadership roles on the boards of 500 Women Scientists and Women in Global Health, organizations dedicated to advancing gender equity in science and global health. Her research has been funded by the NIH (NIDA, NIAID, NIMH), Ford Foundation, Fulbright Commission, CDC (Global AIDS Program), CIHR, and Grand Challenges Canada. Her work has significantly influenced the HIV/AIDS response in Latin America, informed policies addressing gender-based violence and substance abuse, and advocated for legislative protections for transgender individuals.
Dr. Malta is a Senior Editor for PLOS Global Public Health and BMC Public Health. She has authored nearly 100 scientific publications, including peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and books.
Her dedication to addressing gender inequities, the impacts of gender-based violence, and her advocacy for 2SLGBTQ+ rights in the Global South have received several awards, These include the Nature Awards for Inclusive Health Research (Springer/Nature, 2024), the Health Innovator to Watch Award (2023), the DEI Leadership Award in Education (UNESCO and Prezi Education, 2023), and the Gender Equality Award from the Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health (CanWaCH, 2020). Her contributions have also been recognized by UNAIDS, UNESCO, WHO, and NIDA.