Ghana 2016

• Location: Accra, Ghana
• Theme: Child Health & Social Determinants
• Host Organization: Child Family Health International
• Trip Dates: TBD, most likely June 14/15 to August 9/10 
• Price: $4,100 + airfare (estimate: $1,500-1,800); Cardinal Quarter stipends of $4,500 - $6,500 will be available to all selected participants. Additional costs not included in participant fee: passport, visa, and vaccination expenses
• Trip Leaders: Nchedo Ezeokoli: Science, Technology & Society '16 & Brian Ombonga: Science, Technology & Society '16

Ghana, located in West Africa, has a long and rich cultural history and is considered one of the most stable and democratic countries in Africa. With strong political and economical systems, vibrant cities, and friendly people, Ghana is the perfect gateway for a colorful and cultural experience in Africa. Despite strong economic growth and a stable political system, it still has a long road to providing quality healthcare for children throughout the country. Ghana has been working tirelessly to reduce infant mortality rates and improve the overall health of the pediatric population in the country. However, social and economic conditions have continued to impact the health of children, with malaria, anemia, and malnutrition the leading contributors to childhood morbidity in Ghana.

Living conditions, nutrition, physical environment, social and community support, water and sanitation, housing, rather than individual factors such as genetics or other behavioral causes are major contributions to the cause and burden of disease. In the bustling capital city of Accra, see firsthand the various factors that directly affect the health of Ghanaian children.

Join local medical professionals in the historic Children's Hospital in Accra and see how these professionals provide care in a resource-poor environment, overcoming challenges such as the financial and structural constraints of the healthcare system itself and the social determinants that lead to illness in children.

Participants will have the unique opportunity to engage with medical professionals in the Outpatient Department, Emergency Room, the various wards to learn about the healthcare and also the prevention and management of various diseases.

Undergraduate Participant Application

Students are selected according to the criteria outlined above. Decisions are made in late winter quarter, and all applicants are notified as soon as participant selections are finalized.

Get the Impact Abroad 2016 participant application. Applications are due February 12, 2016, at noon.