Dear Donors,

Our journey into global health is deeply personal. As students passionate about public health and health equity, we have seen how access to care, education, and resources can shape entire communities.

Through our academic work and experiences, we have become committed to addressing health disparities not just locally, but globally.

This summer, we have the opportunity to work with Columbia Students for Global Health Equity & Medicine (GHEM) in partnership with Gulu Women’s Economic Development & Globalization (GWED-G) in Gulu, Uganda. For six weeks, we will be part of a team supporting grassroots, community-led efforts to reduce HIV transmission and improve maternal and newborn health in war-affected communities.

What makes this experience especially meaningful to us is its focus on sustainable, community-driven change. Rather than imposing outside solutions, GWED-G empowers local health workers and community members to become leaders in their own health decisions. We will contribute by helping with HIV education and awareness campaigns, supporting community health workers, and assisting local health facilities that often lack essential resources.

As students pursuing careers in public health, this internship is more than just a learning opportunity, it is a chance to actively engage in work that aligns with our long-term goals of promoting health equity and serving vulnerable populations. It will allow us to better understand global health challenges, strengthen our skills in community engagement, and bring these insights back to continue advocacy and education within our own communities.

Your support will directly help cover travel, housing, and program costs, making it possible for us to participate in this impactful work. More importantly, it will contribute to ongoing efforts that empower communities in Northern Uganda to build healthier, more sustainable futures.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

Best,

Columbia Students for Global Health Equity and Medicine (CU GHEM)

Jordan Paschall, Adelyn Ghee, Ella Choi, Gabrielle Antoinette Gourgue, Natalie Shao, Eunice Park, and Lotanna Oraedu