As the 2023-2024 Global Health Corps (GHC) fellowship cohort approaches the end of their transformative year, fellows across the globe are reflecting on their impact and culminating their experiences with final cohort projects. These projects serve as a testament to GHC’s belief that leadership is a catalyst for health equity, bringing together diverse stakeholders to drive meaningful, community-led change.
In Rwanda, GHC fellows took to the streets—literally—organizing a citywide “My Health, My Right” Walk-a-Thon to champion the fundamental right to health. The event, created in partnership with the Ministry of Health Rwanda, the World Health Organization, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Health Development Initiative (HDI), and the Rwanda Association of Midwives, was a dynamic demonstration of how public engagement can advance health advocacy.
Over 1,600 participants joined the walk-a-thon, reinforcing the importance of health education and its role in strengthening population health outcomes. The event not only encouraged individuals to take an active role in their own well-being but also highlighted systemic barriers to healthcare access. Through interactive sessions and discussions, attendees engaged with health professionals, learning about essential services and advocacy efforts aimed at improving healthcare delivery.
A central focus of the event was midwifery and the indispensable role midwives play in maternal and newborn health. Midwives are critical frontline workers who provide life-saving care, yet their contributions often go unrecognized. By amplifying their voices and calling attention to the need for stronger midwifery support systems, GHC fellows helped advocate for more investments in reproductive healthcare.
Through initiatives like these, fellows not only develop their technical and advocacy skills but also build lasting partnerships that will extend far beyond their fellowship year.
As this cohort prepares to step into the next phase of their careers, their work will continue to resonate in the communities they’ve served. Their dedication to health equity is not confined to a single project or event—it is part of a broader movement to ensure that health is recognized and upheld as a human right.