2019 UBCO Nursing Global Gala

Ghana and Zambia are two low-income countries that face some of the most challenging health issues in the world. These countries have limited resources and their quality of life is affected by socioeconomic, cultural, political and educational factors. A major way that we can help these communities overcome adversity is by bringing money to help with local health initiatives. This GoFundMe is a student-led initiative to raise funds to help address global health issues and influence change. Over the years, instructors at the University of British Columbia Okanagan have developed strong relationships with local communities in Ghana and Zambia. Through these relationships, the needs and priorities of the community are discussed and the funds raised are used accordingly. 

100% of the funds raised go towards health initiatives, supporting outreach clinics, and purchasing medical equipment in Ghana and Zambia. We always discuss what is needed in these areas with the people who are living and working there. Anything raised by the GoFundMe or UBCO Global Gala is used to address these deficiencies. Some past initiatives have included: health promotion teaching, education on malnutrition, maternal and child health programs, CPR training, building a patio at the clinic in Chanshegu as it was a requirement from Ghana Health Services before the clinic was commissioned by them, direct patient care in hospital settings, and purchasing medication and supplies for health screening clinics in rural/remote villages.

​This year, we aim to repair and update the pediatric treatment room at the Lewanika General Hospital in Zambia. The local Zambia tradespeople will work with a contractor/carpenter volunteer from Kelowna to complete this project. We anticipate a needed budget of about $7,000.00. This will include: 
- New flooring
- New ceiling panels
- Painting the walls
- Building a cabinet for medical supplies
- A new sink/counter for equipment management
- New treatment bed
- New family member furniture
- New drapes
- Painting and creating child-friendly distraction items on walls/ceiling etc.

Students are required to pay their own way and accommodation in Africa. None of the proceeds go towards students or teachers going on the trip to Ghana or Zambia or any administrative costs.

Examples of items the communities may need and their cost:
-Stethoscope $90
-Pediatric blood pressure cuff $40
-Watches $14
-Window screen $75
-Goat $90 including immunizations
-Donkey $320 including immunizations
-Cart (for the animals) $300
-Generator to help with frequent power outages in some communities in Ghana
-Bed linens for Pediatric ward
-Mom and Baby Packages
-Thermometer
-Protective glasses
-Deworming medication
-Fetal Doppler
-Finishing projects previously started in Zambia/Ghana
-Accommodation so there can be 24-hour nursing staff in that community

The Global Gala is a community event held in Kelowna, BC. This event is hosted by a group of University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) nursing students who are passionate about global health. The aim of the Global Gala is to build community capacity in global health initiatives, increase awareness of the impact nurses have both locally and internationally, and to raise funds for health care initiatives and medical supplies in Ghana and Zambia. If you can not attend the event, this is a great way to get involved! 
The 2019 UBCO Global Gala is taking place on Nov. 15th, 2019. 

Check out our website at www.globalgala.net