1056-Ghana-Maternal & Child Health Initiative

Brazza International Foundation (BIF) is a dedicated healthcare organization focused on empowering Ghanaian communities through accessible healthcare. As a 501(c)(3) organization, BIF engages with NGOs both locally and internationally to drive health-related and community development capacity building efforts. The foundation has demonstrated strong growth and community engagement, as evidenced by our progressive daily growth from 171 to 421 participants in just three days in our last medical outreach this year. Our core services include comprehensive health screenings, basic laboratory investigations, and specialized healthcare support, with a particular emphasis on maternal health services and our new clubfoot treatment program. The student will provide support to the Maternal and Child Health Initiative.

The student will provide support to the Maternal and Child Health Initiative, which is a comprehensive program that combines several key components from BIF's service portfolio:

Maternal Health Services:
•        Comprehensive health screenings for mothers
•        Educational support for pregnant mothers
•        Essential medication distribution
•        Health education and support systems

Specialized Clubfoot Treatment Program:
•        Dedicated screening protocols
•        Specialized treatment and care services
•        Clear referral pathways
•        Follow-up care systems

The initiative employs a dual-location delivery strategy, with:
•        Primary operations in Kumasi and Kumawu
•        Virtual health fairs and online workshops with healthcare specialists
•        Strong partnerships with local healthcare providers
•        University partnerships for student involvement in health projects
 

The student will be involved in several key aspects of the program:

Program Development and Implementation:

•        Develop innovative and sustainable approaches to improve maternal health in underserved communities
•        Design targeted interventions
•        Help establish screening protocols and referral pathways
•        Participate in creating specialized awareness materials

Community Engagement:

•        Work as community representatives in the intervention design process
•        Facilitate workshops and collaborative sessions
•        Gather community feedback and suggestions for improvements
•        Support virtual health fair activities and online workshops

Strategic Partnership Development:
•        Help identify and establish partnerships with local healthcare providers
•        Support university partnership initiatives
•        Assist in coordinating with healthcare specialists for online workshops
•        Contribute to building sustainable community relationships

Health Education and Awareness:
•        Support the development of educational resources for pregnant mothers
•        Assist in creating clubfoot care awareness materials
•        Help implement preventive health education programs
•        Contribute to virtual health fair content and delivery

This structure aligns with BIF's vision for 2025, which includes expanding their reach, implementing new treatment programs, and strengthening preventive health education and support systems in underserved communities.

Business casual

A student who is interested in a cross-cultural experience in public health, has critical thinking analysis, able to analyse data, project management experience and adaptability and understanding of social determinants of community health issues in LMIC.

Clinical lab experience, research, advocacy awareness and global health issues

Name: Rosemary Morgan, rosemary.morgan@jhu.edu

I would describe my communication and mentorship styles as... 

I value open and transparent communication. My mentorship style is collaborative and supportive. 

A complementary student would have a working style and mentorship expectations that are..

Exemplary teamwork skills and the ability to communicate effectively. Is able to take initiative and work both independently and as part of a team.

Estimated Costs:

Brazza International will cover a percentage of all costs, which will be supported within a communal living and working arrangement. The costs below are associated with the communal living and working space. Students will be expected to contribute to a portion of this, which is outlined below.

Organization operational costs:
Housing: $500 month
Food: $500 month (includes breakfast/lunch/dinner)
Transportation: $250 (includes )monthly car service with a driver
Internet: $150 month internet
Total = $1400

Student monthly costs (to support communal living and working arrangement costs)
Housing: $200 month 
Food: $100 month (includes breakfast/lunch/dinner)
Transportation: $50 (includes monthly car service with a driver)
Internet: $50 month
Total = $400/ month
 

Additional Support from PI: 

The PI is able to cover the costs of airfare.