It's official-- I'm on my way!
For those of you who haven't heard the details, here's a quick recap: The MHIRT (Minority Health and Health Disparities International Research Training) Program at U of M sponsors students doing international health research. This year I am one of six students sponsored by the program to go to Ghana for the summer to do research. The six of us are split into three groups doing different projects in several locations around the country. I'll be in the town of Akwatia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akwatia) with my partner in crime for the summer, Keesha. At the moment Keesha, myself and three of the other students who will be stationed in Ghana (Nick, Alex, and Ella) are enjoying our last moments of fast internet at the JFK airport, before jetting off to Accra(the capital of Ghana) where we will be working for the first two weeks .
In Akwatia (a town 2 hours outside of Accra) Keesha and I will be interviewing pregnant women in an antenatal clinic about their needs, wants, and intentions for the delivery of their pregnancies. Despite numerous attempts in developing nations to decrease maternal mortality by increasing skilled birth attendance, over the last thirty years little improvement has been made-- More than 500,000 women die every year from pregnancy related complications. While many have hypothesized about the types of interventions that are needed to combat this issue, few have directly asked women what decides where they deliver. My hope, and the idea behind our research, is that by giving these women a voice we can better understand the circumstances that determine their delivery locations, and empower these women to help craft interventions that are more effective and culturally attuned.
So that my friends is the game plan... We'll see how it pans out! More exciting updates to follow :)
Hugs to all!
Supported by the University of Michigan Minority Health and Health Disparities International Research and Training Program, I'm spending the summer in the rural town of Akwatia, Ghana in West Africa researching pregnant women's delivery intentions. Follow along as my explorations unfold!
And you're off!...and we already miss you. Have a great adventure, sweetie. And change the world for some women who have a very hard life. We love you! Pop
ReplyDeleteHi Halley,
ReplyDeleteIt's been raining here the last two days and freakin' cold - high in the 40's. We're off to California tomorrow morning. High's are to be in the 60's this week - higher while we are camping at Yosemite Monday and Tuesday than in Berkeley. Can't wait to give your big brother and Kelty lot's of hugs. I'm guessing you are too warm. How's the hopping going? Thinking of you! love Mom
What an incredible opportunity! Best of luck, we'll be thinking about you from the comforts of western society.
ReplyDeleteJordan et al
What an adventure Halley! Enjoy all new experiences! Excited to hear about your journey.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Jaz
Hi Halley,
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your adventure! Fergie will begin her summer adventure next Sunday at the Cobblestone Combined Test (dressage and BN level stadium) with Rebecca. We'll let you know how it goes.
:)
Jennifer