Position: International Sector Director at the Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research (CHPIR)

Education: MPH, Health Behavior/International Health; 2001, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC. BA, Anthropology; 1996, State University of New York at New Paltz, NY.

Current Projects: Rachel is currently working on at variety of different research project at CHPIR. Her current project include: Positive Outcomes for Orphans (POFO), Coping with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania (CHAT), Tearfund Evaluation (Child Sexual Abuse Evaluation in Russia), and  Coping with HIV/AIDS in Russia (CHAR), among many

Background: Rachel directs all research activities within the International Sector of the Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research (CHPIR) at Duke University. She is interested in international public health and health disparities research with a focus orphans and children, mental health, substance use and trauma. She has a particular interest in the cultures and people of the former Soviet Republic and Eastern Bloc countries.

Contact:

• Email: rachel.whetten@duke.edu
• Mail: 2812 Erwin Road, Suite 403; Durham, NC 27705

OVC Wellbeing Content:

Correlates of Poor Health among Orphans and Abandoned Children in Less Wealthy Countries: The Importance of Caregiver Health

More than the loss of a parent: Potentially traumatic events among orphaned and abandoned children

Child work and labour among orphaned and abandoned children in five low and middle income countries

Prevalence and predictors of HIV-related stigma among institutional- and community-based caregivers of orphans and vulnerable children living in five less-wealthy countries

A Comparison of the Wellbeing of Orphans and Abandoned Children Ages 6–12 in Institutional and Community-Based Care Settings in 5 Less Wealthy Nations

A conceptual framework for the targeting and evaluation of UNICEF-supported pro-equity programmes

A Brief Assessment of Learning for Orphaned and Abandoned Children in Low and Middle Income Countries

Malawi Orphans and Vulnerable Children Evaluation (MOVE)

Cambodia Orphan Project Evaluation (COPE)

Positive Outcomes for Orphans (POFO): Longitudinal study of orphaned and abandoned children (OAC) from ages 6-12 to ages 15-21 living in 6 diverse settings

Child transitions from residential facilities to other communities: predictors of child wellbeing

 Pathways to health and well-being: social networks of orphans and abandoned youth

News articles:

Duke study recently released finds orphans in need of protection

Study finds orphanages are viable option for some children

Protective mental health services critical for orphans worldwide

DGHI study finds child labour is prevalent among orphans

Study finds less reported HIV-related stigma against orphans in institutional care