Greetings from Geneva, Switzerland! This summer my practicum is with the headquarters of the Migration Health Division (MHD) at the International Organization for Migration (IOM). It has been an eye-opening experience as I get the phenomenal opportunity to learn and contribute daily to the formulation of institutional policy, guidelines and strategy, quality-control, and oversight of migration health services globally. The health services conducted aim to meet the needs of States in managing health-related aspects of migration, and to promote evidence-based policies and integration of preventive and curative health programs that are beneficial, accessible and equitable for vulnerable migrants and mobile populations.
Since my first week being here, which was last week, I have had the opportunity to assist with planning and implementing a three-day intensive Global Health Training for internal and external partners of the division. The training was conducted to inform and build a better understanding about ongoing policy developments and start thinking of strategic priorities the MHD would like to focus on in the years to come to address migrant health. In addition to assisting with the training, I am in the process of working on a policy brief on international health worker migration with my preceptor. This policy brief is a joint effort between IOM and the World Health Organization, and I have the honor of working on the first draft. In all, I am super excited about what is still yet to come while interning with IOM through the end of July.
If you are interested in learning more about the leading inter-governmental organization of migration, check out the short yet concise video below.
-Fatima Guerrab
“I’m so excited to be using this funding to return to a country where I have spent a formative part of my life and made so many friends and connections. I have lived in the Amazon of Ecuador, the Andes, and now will be able to live in the Galapagos for a time. Ecuador is one of my passions, and I’m so grateful that thanks to the Global Practice Award I am able to continue learning about a new part of the country and culture I have grown to love. This has also allowed me to work with an incredible research team and learn from Dr. Clare Barrington, an expert in qualitative research, about the process and expectations for qualitative research.”
“Being selected for a Global Practice Award has opened up many doors and removed many barriers. With these funds, I will be able to work with a leading United Nations agency and learn how to tackle the most pressing policy challenges on a global scale.”
“This funding is incredibly helpful. There are a lot of upfront costs associated with going to South Africa, and knowing that I have this funding is hugely helpful as I make those preparations. Receiving funding has also helped me focus on being a student without worrying about financing my practicum. For a while I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to go abroad, but ultimately I was able to choose a practicum that really aligned with my interests. I’m grateful for financial support to pursue this opportunity.”
“I feel really lucky to be selected for the Global Practice Award. My practicum would not have been possible without this funding. I would have had to take out loans if I did want to pursue this practicum. It’s definitely really helpful. I’ve always wanted to work in Asia, and it’s one of my careers goals. This is really meaningful and I feel privileged to have been awarded this money.”
“Being able to work and travel abroad is really a privilege and having this financial support is going to enable me to do that. Working abroad in public health is something I’ve seen colleagues do and has been a dream of mine to actually get to do myself. This money is really meaningful to me and is going to make this experience possible. I’m excited for my practicum, as maternal mortality prevention has been an interest of mine, but getting to see how it is practiced in the field with vulnerable populations from different cultural backgrounds is going to be really informative to my education and allow me to bring best practices back to the Chapel Hill community.”
“Receiving this funding is an incredible opportunity for me as it allows me to give back to my home country! I am excited to go back home and to use knowledge and skills that I developed in recent years and learn how to adapt them within the context of Mauritius. I will be working with Gender Links, an NGO that strongly advocates for the advancement of women. I left Mauritius since I was 18, mostly oblivious of the challenges that women face. As I have grown and developed into a woman myself within the North American context, I have often reflected on what being a woman means within the Mauritian context. I am especially grateful that the funding will allow me to better understand the realities of the Mauritian women and contribute to her advancement.”
“When I found out that I received the Global Practice Award to support my practicum, I felt an enormous amount of relief! I am so grateful for the generosity of funders so that I can prepare for and fully embrace my practicum in Kenya without being overly-concerned about finances.”
“Receiving the Global Practice Award for my practicum with Save the Children allows me the space to truly focus on my work rather than worrying about working a second job. Knowing that I have the funding means I can put all of my energy into my work, take on additional projects, and professional development opportunities at Save the Children that will help me build towards the career that I want.”
“Receiving the Global Practice Award is a major support and encouragement in accepting a practicum that excites me, develops a variety of public health skills, and offers the privilege of collaborating in new community and cultural contexts. It shows how the school and alumni value our opportunities and ambitions to engage in meaningful global health work.”
“Receiving the Global Practice Award is incredibly meaningful. It has allowed me the opportunity to focus on my work in adolescent mental health while gathering the necessary quantitative evaluation skills for my continued career in global public health—and I couldn’t do that without this incredibly generous funding.”
