**Destination: Africa. Students Spent Their Summer Volunteering in Malawi and Ghana**

Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine students have had the opportunity to spend their summer in Africa, specifically in Malawi and Ghana, as part of a Global Health scholarship program. This initiative provides students with the chance to engage in meaningful service projects, offering assistance to local communities in need while gaining valuable global health experience.

**Malawi Experience**
Four medical students from BU, including Joel George (CAMED’29), Alison Chilcott (CAMED’29), and Riya Paluri (CAS’26, CAMED’29), traveled to Malawi in August. They worked with K2 TASO, a nonprofit focused on improving healthcare in rural areas. The students conducted needs assessments, home visits, and provided care to vulnerable patients. The trip was facilitated by a Global Health scholarship, which provided funding for their work.

The students were inspired by K2 TASO’s executive director, Peter Minjale, who demonstrated a tireless commitment to improving healthcare in Malawi. Many of the patients faced significant challenges, such as limited access to basic services, poor living conditions, and the need for basic necessities like clean water and healthcare. The students observed firsthand the struggles faced by Malawians, which greatly inspired their future careers in medicine.

**Ghana Experience**
Natasha Soesanto (CAMED’29) participated in a six-week Global Health project in Ghana and Zambia, focusing on the issue of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI). Working with Project SHIELD-AC, she collected data, trained community health workers, and led discussions with healthcare providers and mothers. Despite some challenges, such as delays in obtaining necessary permits, the experience provided valuable insights into the differences in public health systems between the U.S., Ghana, and Zambia.

**Impact and Reflection**
The BU students shared their experiences at the CH Cedars in Malawi and Accra in Ghana, where they gave lectures and shared their research findings with local health professionals and community members. They emphasized the importance of understanding diverse healthcare systems and the role of global health initiatives in addressing global health challenges.

**Challenges and Opportunities**
While the students faced challenges, such as bureaucratic red tape and limited access to resources, they also found inspiration in the resilience of communities in Africa. Many expressed a desire to continue their work in Africa and return for future opportunities, including the possibility of applying for BU’s fourth-year Global Health elective.

**Conclusion**
The BU students’ summer in Africa was a transformative experience that not only provided practical global health training but also deepened their understanding of the complexities of healthcare in underserved regions. Their efforts highlight the importance of international collaboration in addressing global health issues and improving the lives of communities worldwide.

For more information, visit the BU Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine website or contact the Global Health program.

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