In this episode, we explore the emotional toll of humanitarian work and what it truly takes to build resilience in the face of burnout, moral injury, compassion fatigue, survivor’s guilt, and other often unspoken mental health challenges. Whether you’ve spent years in the field or are just starting out, chances are you—or someone you’ve worked closely with—has felt the weight of this work. Joining us is Weanne Estrada-Magbanua, Mental Health Specialist at ADRA International, who brings extensive experience in supporting staff wellbeing and organizational wellness in crisis-affected settings. Together, we unpack the risks, the stigma, and the practical strategies that help humanitarian workers care for themselves and each other—so we can thrive, not just survive, in the work we do.

In today’s episode, we have a very special guest who has been involved in ADRA’s health initiatives for several decades. Sharon has served in various roles, including Project Director in Indonesia, Technical Advisor in Haiti, Sudan, and Tanzania, and most recently as Sr. Technical Advisor for Health at ADRA International. Sharon holds a Master of Public Health from Loma Linda University and has clearly dedicated her long career to advancing global health. In this episode, Sharon will be reflecting on her rich career, sharing personal stories, experiences, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

In this episode, we are joined by Andre Alencar, Coordinator of Social Projects and Emergencies with ADRA Brazil. Andre has been at the forefront of responding to the needs of Venezuelan migrants crossing into Brazil on foot. He shares firsthand insights into the health, nutrition, and WASH challenges faced by these vulnerable populations and how ADRA Brazil is working to provide critical support. Join us for an engaging conversation on humanitarian response and the realities of assisting displaced communities.

In this special episode, we break from our usual format to explore the journey of a young professional in the humanitarian and development sector. Join us as we chat with Veronica Sanchez, an intern with ADRA International's Program Implementation Unit, who shares her experiences, insights, and thoughts on how ADRA plays a role in shaping the next generation of professionals in the field.

In this episode, we explore the growing global challenge of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and how holistic health practices can combat them. Joined by Dr. Peter Landless and Dr. Josue Orellana, we discuss the CELEBRATIONS program, its principles, and its implementation in Mongolia. Listen to learn how partnerships between ADRA and Adventist Health Ministries are making a global impact and how these initiatives could transform health outcomes worldwide.

In this episode, we explore the crucial role of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) in humanitarian settings with our guest, Fadzai Munodawafa, WASH Projects Coordinator at ADRA Zimbabwe. Fadzai sheds light on integrating MHM principles into WASH initiatives, addressing cultural taboos, and fostering collaboration to empower communities. Join us as we uncover the impact of prioritising menstrual health on communities affected by crises.

This is the second episode in The HTLL Podcast's three-part series on Health, Nutrition, and WASH in Conflict Zones. In this episode, we’re joined by Natsayi Nembaware, ADRA International’s Sr. Technical Advisor for Nutrition, for a discussion focused on nutrition in conflict zones.

It’s a sobering fact: In several conflict zones, more deaths are attributed to illnesses resulting from poor health, nutrition, and access to WASH than just the bullets of war. In this episode, we discuss the challenges, opportunities, and realities of implementing WASH humanitarian interventions within the context of conflicts. Our guest is Mona Mohammed, ADRA International’s former WASH Advisor for the Middle East and North Africa region.

In this episode, we learn about an exciting technology for psychosocial support (PSS) from Eric Leichner, Regional Emergency Manager for the South America Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church based in Brazil. 

We've gathered a diverse group of ADRA colleagues (Shilpi from ADRA India; Davidson from ADRA International; Anna from ADRA Germany; and Melissa from ADRA International/Loma Linda) to discuss One Health and its growing relevance for the humanitarian sector. 

Links to resources mentioned in the episode:

• ADRA Carbon Neutral Strategy webinar: on YouTube here