Ghana Global Health Trip

Howdy!

Thanks for stopping by my fundraising page for my upcoming Ghana global health trip.

My name is Uchenna, a 4th year medical student with aspirations to become a neurosurgeon. Because of the hardships and challenges I endured while growing up in Nigeria, I have an unquenchable passion for global health initiatives that can help ameliorate evergreen challenges commonly encountered in low income countries especially in Africa. While my precise focus is neurosurgery, I also recognize the connectivity of the healthcare disparities and how various elements could lead to adverse health outcomes for disadvantaged populations. My big dream is to establish a foundation someday that will help tackle these problems from the root; however, life must be taken one step at a time.

This current trip is part of my 4th year electives and I will be traveling to Nalerigu, Ghana for some educational and volunteer experience at the Baptist Medical Center (https://baptistmedicalcenter.org/). Founded through the joint efforts and vision of the Ghanaian Baptist Convention and the International Mission Board (Foreign Mission Board at that time) in 1958, its initial use was solely dedicated to outpatient treatment. By the mid 60’s it included inpatient facilities, a surgical unit, and a residential tuberculosis program. In the 1980’s the hospital established a public health program. The Public Health unit provides vital services to the region, such as vaccination, and it has created opportunities for engaging unreached villages. In the late 90s, BMC was at the center of an epidemic. A severe outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis brought hundreds of extra patients to the hospital. Through the hard work of our staff, government support, Medicine Sans Frontiers, and above all the provision of our Lord, Jesus Christ, BMC emerged stronger than ever. The staff’s efforts during the crisis prompted national recognition, when Ghanaian President Flt. Lt. Jerry Rawlings awarded the hospital Ghana’s Medal of honor, for its service to the Northern Region. Since its foundation 40 churches have been planted as a result of ministries associated with BMC, and many more people know Christ because of the faithful service of the hospital staff.

I will appreciate any kind support you could offer to help offset some of the costs of the trip. Medical education as it is, remains incredibly dear, and volunteer trips such as this understandably add to the cost. However, the rewarding results of such an undertaking more than makeup for any financial strains that come with it. I am conversant with the medical system in Nigeria as well as the inherent challenges to growth and development. As an individual who aspires to revolutionize neurosurgical care and healthcare in general in low income African countries, this trip will go a long way in helping me gain a better understanding of what the current barriers are and how they could be traversed. By making a contribution, you will be playing a role in bringing me closer to actualizing these dreams.

If you have read this far, I send you my sincerest appreciation for taking your time to do so. And I have greater appreciation to you for having donated however insignificant it might seem to you. Little drops make an ocean.

Thank you once again.