The Full Story
Public Health in Ghana
In May 2024 through the University of Wisconsin Madison in partnership with IAP, I had the privilege to travel to Ghana, West Africa to utilize the concepts and techniques learned in my coursework. Read below to find more information on my unique experience.
During my study abroad experience in Ghana, I participated in the Food Security, Community Nutrition, and Public Health program, offered through the University of Wisconsin-Madison's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences in partnership with IAP. This program provided an incredible opportunity to explore Ghana's health and food systems, collaborating with universities, NGOs, government organizations, schools, and health agencies.
Guided by experts in fields such as public health and community nutrition in mobile primary care, I was able to deepen my understanding of nutrition interventions and sustainable agricultural practices. We focused on critical topics like dietary intake, child feeding practices, and nutrition security tools, while also visiting hospitals, clinics, and key organizations like the World Food Program and the Peace Corps. Notable research sites included the University of Ghana – Legon, the Cocoa Research Institute, and the Center for Medicinal Plants.
In addition to academic exploration, the program provided a chance to connect with Ghana’s natural beauty. I had the opportunity to hike to waterfalls, enjoy canopy walks in Kakum National Park, and swim at the beach, blending environmental appreciation with physical activity.
This experience also fostered meaningful reflection through daily debriefings with program leaders and peers. Throughout the program, I traveled within Ghana and enjoyed meals at local restaurants and private homes.
Ghana's unique history as the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence, combined with its prominent agricultural sector, made it an ideal setting to study public health, nutrition, and food security. I also learned about the country’s significant role in the global cocoa industry, being the second-largest exporter of cocoa beans in the world.
Through this program, I gained valuable insights into the socio-cultural, political, and economic factors that influence human health and wellness in Ghana, while developing critical thinking and comparative perspectives on global health and environmental challenges.
Photo Gallery
This photo was taken at the University of Ghana- Legon, we got to sit in on a health and nutrition class with the students.
Here were are volunteering at Keta municipal hospital, we were there during infant mortality awareness week.
We got to help students establish a local 4-H club which teaches students about agriculture. We put in a garden for the school. After we got time to talk to the students. They loved taking pictures with us.
Our tour guide's wife made all the students who attended the trip a traditional skirt. In this picture were are showing the skirts off along with all the colorful fabrics.
We got to tour the Peace Corps center in Ghana.
I got a chance to volunteer in the NICU at Ketu Municipal Hospital. It was one of my favorite parts.
We also got to tour a school of the deaf. Seeing how these students experience education was eye- opening.
We got to help some fishermen pull their boat in from a long day of fishing. It is a lot heavier than it looks.