SAN FRANCISCO, August 14, 2018 (Newswire.com) - Child Family Health International (CFHI), a nonprofit organization that has provided transformative global health experiences to over 10,000 participants since 1992, today announced the launch of a new program in Ghana, increasing the organization’s scope to over 40 Global Health Education Programs in 10 countries. This new program will cater to undergraduate and graduate students looking to explore the intersection of social work, public policy and healthcare in an international setting. Staying true to its mission and values, CFHI has teamed up with local health professionals in-country who will mentor CFHI Scholars through the local culture, customs and social determinants of healthcare in Cape Coast, Ghana.
With strong political and economic systems, vibrant cities and constantly evolving healthcare systems, Ghana offers an incredible learning experience for CFHI participants looking to expand their medical and cultural frame of reference. Throughout their time in Accra, CFHI participants gain exposure to social work as an approach to combating health and social welfare challenges in Ghana compounded by the consequences of colonialism, imperialism and the adoption of debt-reduction programs that have stifled the social sector.
Social work is an essential role for global health and it takes many forms around the world. I'm grateful we can showcase this approach to supporting communities through our new program in Ghana. CFHI is committed to multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary learning and practice - this program brings that commitment to life.
Jessica Evert, M.D., Executive Director, CFHI
Participants engage in community health system clusters and learn about challenges in the social system while exploring Ghana’s national health policy for healthcare delivery and community-level approaches to development. Participants will have the option of collaborating with NGOs and partners in the health and social sectors, and to contribute to projects that seek to empower communities and foster social change.
“We are excited to offer a program that takes a socioecological approach to population health in the Ghanaian context. We welcome applicants from all academic and professional disciplines who are interested in making a positive impact in their home communities through the intersection of public health, policy and social work,” states Deborah Dauda, CFHI’s assistant director of programs in Africa.
With this latest program, CFHI demonstrates its commitment to introducing unique global health topics and unparalleled international learning opportunities to its students. “Social work is an essential role for global health and it takes many forms around the world. I’m grateful we can showcase this approach to supporting communities through our new program in Ghana. CFHI is committed to multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary learning and practice - this program brings that commitment to life,” observes Dr. Jessica Evert, CFHI executive director. CFHI’s programs foster well-rounded health professionals who are equipped to serve diverse patient populations and respond to current global health challenges that transcend borders.
Founded in 1992, CFHI (http://www.cfhi.org) is a non-government organization (NGO) operating at the grassroots level to provide transformative global health education experiences and community empowerment in underserved communities around the world. CFHI offers more than 30 Global Health Education Programs designed to broaden students' perspectives about global health - as well as a variety of community health initiatives and projects - in developing countries including Bolivia, Ecuador, India, Argentina, Mexico, Uganda, South Africa, Ghana and the Philippines. More than 8,000 students have participated in CFHI programs to date. CFHI has been granted Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC).
Source: Child Family Health International
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