Support my Medical Aid Internship in Rural Philippines

Hello! My name is Janine, and I’m currently based in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at The University of Sydney. This July, I have been given an incredible opportunity to volunteer and complete an internship in Philippines, where I will be working with local doctors and nurses to provide essential healthcare services to underserved communities. However, I need your help to make this dream a reality.

Growing up in the Philippines was not an easy task. Most Filipinos who can leave, do. The constant crush of poverty, natural disasters, and violence make surviving, nevertheless thriving, no easy task. But I always felt there was more potential than pain. 

I began to realise that many of the root causes of Philippines’ underdevelopment were rooted in poverty and lack of opportunity. Poverty is widespread, with 21.6% of the population in the Philippines living below the poverty line. Malnutrition is evident, with 1 in 3 children under five having stunted growth, due to lack of a nutritional diet.

Access to healthcare services isn’t the only issue. The poorest Filipinos spend around 60% of their family’s income on food. With over half of health care costs paid out-of-pocket, they simply cannot afford to fall ill: money that is meant for food will be diverted to health. This, too, is unacceptable.  

My personal connection to the Philippines, shaped by childhood experiences and a deep-rooted desire for positive change, has fuelled my passion for serving those in need. From witnessing the struggles of families living in poverty to the heartbreaking reality of orphaned children yearning for a brighter future, I have been driven by a conviction that sustainable solutions are within reach if we unite in our efforts.

The Rural Health Unit (RHU) clinics in the rural regions of Aborlan - where I will be working -stand as beacons of hope for communities grappling with limited access to quality healthcare. For many locals, these clinics are their only lifelines, providing essential medical services in areas distant from major urban hospitals. Imagine a place where basic healthcare supplies and equipment are cherished commodities, where every day presents a new challenge yet also an opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of others.

The upcoming internship programme offers me a chance to put my commitment into action, to work alongside local doctors and nurses in delivering vital healthcare services to underserved communities. I will have the privilege of gaining firsthand knowledge and experience in rural healthcare practices, all while offering a compassionate hand to those in need.

Another focus of my role will also be on identifying and addressing complications related to non-communicable diseases (such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illnesses), including treatment barriers, health needs, and service gaps.

While I am elated about this opportunity, I have been presented with financial opposition as it is an unpaid position. The reality of public health work is that it is often an underfunded field with limited opportunities for paid positions or financial support.

I humbly ask for your support in making this trip a reality. I am fundraising to help cover these costs that will be incurred over my time in the Philippines. Your generous contributions will enable me to cover essential expenses such as travel costs, accommodation, as well as enabling me to purchase much-needed medical supplies for the hospitals and clinics I will be working with.

Despite these financial deterrents, medicine and public health work is my life’s passion, and I am devoted to building a career in global health and providing the necessary resources for all communities to live happy and healthy lives.

Your donation, no matter the size, will directly impact the lives of individuals and families who rely on the dedication and compassion of volunteers like myself. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in rural healthcare access, promoting health and wellness in communities where it is needed most.

As I prepare to embark on this journey, I am filled with gratitude for your kindness and generosity. Your support not only empowers me to fulfil my commitment to medicine and health, but also serves as a beacon of hope for those we aim to serve.

Sincerely,

Janine