International Medical Aid (IMA)

Join Maggie Cornelius from the University of Colorado Boulder as she guides us through a day in the life of an IMA intern in Cusco! From engaging with local communities to participating in hands-on medical activities, you’ll get a first-hand look at what being part of our South America program is like. Ready to embark on your own adventure? Applications for our South America Healthcare Internship Programs are open. Don’t miss out—apply today!

Over the weekend, we organized a Community Medical Clinic at Mtomondoni Primary School in the Mtwapa neighborhood of Kilifi County. The clinic aimed to address a range of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) affecting the local population, with our primary focus on hypertension and diabetes, which are particularly prevalent in this region. Kilifi County reports more than 1,000 new diabetes cases and over 3,000 new hypertension cases every month, making these conditions a significant public health concern. During the clinic, we provided free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, as well as personalized guidance on lifestyle changes and medication management. Our goal was not only to address immediate healthcare needs but also to empower residents with the knowledge to prevent and manage these chronic conditions. We emphasized the importance of regular health check-ups, balanced nutrition, and consistent physical activity to improve long-term health outcomes. By enhancing healthcare literacy and providing essential screenings, we worked to help the Mtomondoni community better manage their health and reduce the burden of NCDs. Interested in our Global Healthcare Initiatives? Visit medicalaid.org today! #studyabroad #premed #internships #communityoutreach #kenya

We recently held a Hygiene Education Session at Marycliff Girls Primary School to inspire young students to adopt essential hygiene habits. In a region where handwashing is often overlooked, we emphasized how small changes can significantly improve their overall health. Through interactive activities, we illustrated the importance of handwashing and the benefits of oral hygiene. These practices help reduce the risk of infections, allowing the children to attend school regularly and focus on their studies. By empowering them to embrace these habits, we’re equipping them not only to succeed in school but also to create a ripple effect. As they share these valuable lessons with their families, the positive impact spreads across the community, leading to lasting change. Interested in exploring our Global Health Initiatives or joining our Healthcare Internship Programs? Visit us at medicalaid.org

Our Mental Health Awareness Clinics are dedicated to improving student well-being by offering practical and actionable strategies for maintaining mental wellness. This initiative is crucial because mental health outcomes cannot meaningfully improve without adequate preventative measures. Recently, our interns and licensed psychologists visited Chain Secondary School in the Changamwe neighborhood of Mombasa to share essential tips on managing stress, practicing mindfulness, and using healthy coping mechanisms. During the session, students learned relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises and journaling to promote self-awareness and mindfulness. Each student also received a journal to track their thoughts and emotions, helping them build lasting habits for better mental health. We remain committed to offering continuous support and resources to help students thrive. Through these efforts, we aim to create a more informed and supportive school environment, ensuring that mental health remains a top priority. Want to make a difference? Visit medicalaid.org to support our Global Health Initiatives and be part of the change. #studyabroad #premed #mentalhealth #psychology #kenya

In many parts of Kenya, the lack of access to sanitary towels significantly impacts women’s health and obstructs young girls’ education. Without these essential products, girls face considerable challenges during their menstrual cycles, leading to both health risks and frequent missed school days. Research shows that missing just four days of school each month due to menstruation can result in a loss of approximately 39 school days annually, equivalent to six weeks. This cumulative learning loss can severely limit academic progress and future opportunities throughout a girl’s primary and secondary education. At IMA, we recognize that the lack of access to menstrual products often forces girls to stay home, negatively affecting their education and limiting their potential. Through our biweekly Women’s Health Education Session and distribution of menstrual hygiene products, we aim to break the cycle of menstrual inequity, empowering girls to thrive academically and in life. This week, our team visited Shariff Nassir Girls Secondary School in Kisauni, Mombasa, where we successfully conducted our Women’s Health Education Session and distributed sanitary towels to over five hundred girls in attendance. #studyabroad #premed #endperiodpoverty #kenya

Good hygiene practices are crucial for preventing severe infections and promoting overall health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, poor hygiene can lead to digestive and respiratory illnesses, which are major contributors to child mortality worldwide. Limited access to oral hygiene products also heightens the risk of dental diseases, further compromising children's health. To address these challenges, International Medical Aid organizes Hygiene Education Sessions at primary schools. These sessions educate children on essential practices like proper handwashing and tooth brushing to help them stay healthy and build lifelong habits. This week, our interns visited Makupa Primary School to demonstrate these techniques and provide free toothbrushes and toothpaste to over three hundred and fifty children to encourage better oral hygiene. By empowering children with these skills, we aim to create healthier and happier communities. Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact? Join us at medicalaid.org to contribute to transformative healthcare initiatives!

IMA's interns make a significant difference through their exceptional contributions and commitment to impactful work. They lead our Mental Health Awareness Clinics, providing students with practical strategies for managing stress and building resilience, promoting a culture of mental well-being. Additionally, they play a crucial role in empowering young women with comprehensive knowledge about reproductive health, breaking down complex information to support their overall well-being. In our Hygiene Education Sessions, our interns educate children on essential dental and personal care practices, laying the foundation for healthier futures. Their support in our Community Medical and Dental Clinics—assisting with recording vital signs and patient histories—contributes directly to our mission of delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare. By undertaking these diverse responsibilities, our interns not only gain real-life experience but also drive tangible, positive change in the communities we serve. Their work is integral to our mission and underscores the importance of their role in advancing global health and improving lives. If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact and advancing your skills in global health, our Fall and Winter programs offer the perfect opportunity. Join us at International Medical Aid to engage in hands-on experience and contribute to transformative healthcare initiatives, paving the way for a rewarding and impactful career.

forever grateful for the people met, places visited, and lessons learned 🇰🇪 holding this experience close to my heart indefinitely ・・・ #Repost @vic.ardellini

Earlier this week, we conducted a Women’s Health Education Session at the Changamwe Girls Secondary School in the Changamwe neighborhood of Mombasa, where we aimed to empower the young women with vital knowledge on managing menstruation and their reproductive health. Our interns led an engaging session, thoroughly explaining the female reproductive system and the functions of each organ, from the ovaries to the uterus. They also provided practical advice on using menstrual products like sanitary towels and tampons, emphasizing proper usage and the importance of changing them regularly to avoid risks like toxic shock syndrome. To support the students directly, we distributed sanitary towels at the end of the session. Through interactive presentations and open discussions, our interns ensured the students felt informed and confident in managing their menstrual health. #studyabroad #premed #endperiodpoverty #kenya

We recently organized a Community Medical Clinic at Al-Walidayn Center in Kwale County. This center plays a vital role in supporting and uplifting the community through the establishment of essential facilities like a school, hospital, mosque, and rescue center for boys and girls. At this safe haven, we provided essential screening and interventional care to approximately two hundred residents. This impactful clinic was designed to address various health needs through specialized services. Our dental team offered comprehensive oral health care, including detailed examinations and targeted treatments for common dental issues such as cavities and gum disease. Our optical professionals conducted thorough vision assessments to identify refractive errors and other eye conditions, providing corrective lenses and expert eye care guidance to enhance visual health. Our registered dietitians delivered personalized nutritional consultations, focusing on dietary adjustments to support overall wellness and manage chronic conditions. Additionally, we offered general consultations, where our medical professionals provided essential health evaluations, answered questions, and addressed various health concerns. We distributed prescribed medications to ensure that residents received the necessary treatments for their ongoing health management. This clinic not only highlights our commitment to delivering accessible and high-quality healthcare but also reflects the dedication of our medical professionals, interns, volunteers, and community partners who made this clinic possible. By aligning with Al-Walidayn Center’s mission to uplift the community, International Medical Aid is committed to continuing such impactful initiatives, ensuring ongoing support and positive change for the residents we serve. #studyabroad #premed #internships #summer #kenya