“Invest in the future: Defeat malaria” – Using Bicycles to Combat Malaria
Malaria continues to be the most serious mosquito-borne disease in the world today with the greatest burden occurring across sub-Saharan Africa. In this region alone, it is estimated that more than 250 million cases are recorded and nearly one million deaths each year (Kelly-Hope and Mckenzie, 2009). In Zambia, the burden of malaria was estimated […]
A journey to achieving a dream!
Throughout my childhood I dreamed of being a medical doctor and being able to save the lives of people suffering from diseases. I had a special interest in cardiology, hoping to become a heart surgeon. I was encouraged by my parents and teachers, and told that all it takes is hard work and determination to […]
Sharing Your Narrative Out of Respect for Those You Serve
Zainab Salbi took the stage at Chelsea Piers in New York City with such poise and grace. With light streaming in the large windows, I sat with the rest of the 2014-2015 class of Global Health Corps fellows in awe – drawn to her experience as she spoke with honesty and humility. Her words had […]
Minding the Gap
As a child, I remember carrying around my favorite Disney characters’ story books, like Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella. I carried them not because I wanted to read, but to look at the pictures of the beautiful princesses in their pretty dresses and shoes. I am now an adult and I still find reading books a […]
Out of the Office
In February I had the privilege of traveling to Liberia. While there I worked on a number of projects with Last Mile Health’s staff on the ground, and in doing so strengthened our long-term communication and solidified some great friendships. But more importantly, I was able to see Last Mile Health’s programmatic work in action. […]
Undocumented Immigrants and Access to Health Care
Over 11.3 million undocumented immigrants in the United States, and between 1.9 million and 3.8 million in the European Union currently face barriers to health care access. Numerous legal issues and the current political climate regarding immigration policies present the complex reality of ensuring their basic right to health care. The lack of viable health […]
Faith and family planning: conversations with faith leaders
Pastor Kainerugaba is a born again Christian. He lives in Naskasongola, Uganda, a district in the central part of the country. Pastor Kainerugaba is not just a pastor, however. He devotes much of his time away from his church to educating his community about the benefits of family planning. When a Marie Stopes International (MSI) […]
Gender is My Agenda: #MakeITHappen
It is that time of the year again, when the festive season has gone by, Valentine’s Day has passed too and we’re looking forward to Easter. All these seasons are centered on love and self-reflection and how we relate with people, especially our loved ones. But one day many people may forget and do not […]
The Importance of Play
A couple months into my fellowship, I realized that I felt far away from the people that I’m here to serve. Working at an organization that doesn’t take part in direct service, it was difficult to feel like I was contributing to the issues I saw every day in Boston. Volunteering gave me a great […]
Mapping public health
Back when I was a graduate student with heaps of time to spare, I developed this fondness with cartography, and collecting guide maps as souvenirs has been my favorite hobby ever since I decided to be a wandering learner. But seriously for friends who know me very well, they always think I am doing it […]