The Fall Welcome Picnic

Many thanks to Stephen Bezruchka and Mary Anne Mercer for hosting the annual Fall Wlecome Picnic for current and former students, staff and faculty of the International Health MPH program, and staff and directors of Health Alliance International and the PLP. Wlecome everyone!

Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to say hello to all the new IHPers...welcome to the program!! I just returned from Niger, where I was doing research for my thesis and practicum. I did an internship with Helen Keller International (HKI). The purpose of our research was to evaluate HKI's rehabilitation program for acutely malnourished children.

Unlike most non-profit organizations in Niger, HKI works with the Ministry of Health. Other NGOs prefer to set up private clinics that operate independently of the government health system. After having HSERV 531 and hearing Prof. Gloyd stress the importance of building the capacity within government health centers, it was great to work with a NGO who actually does this. Although working within health systems may be more challenging, the resulting capacity building is arguably more valuable in the long run.

Also, if any of you speak French and are interested in doing research in Niger, please let me know and I can connect you with NGOs in the country.

Looking forward to meeting you all on Saturday!

Katie