Global Health in the Philippines (2 Week Intensive)
Please note this program is an unpaid global health education program. There is a program fee required to participate. This program fee pays for on-site services such a lodging, language classes (if relevant), 24/7 emergency support, coordination of rotations and/or placements, and on-site staff. CFHI is a nonprofit organization committed to fair-trade partnerships around the world. Please use the following code "HandshakeCFHI" in order to have the application fee waived when applying for a program on the CFHI website.
Comprised of over 7,100 islands in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is an archipelago filled with natural beauty and rich culture. Along with its rich biodiversity, white sandy beaches, mountain ranges, and tropical rainforests, the country’s colorful history is filled with a unique blend of cultures. Known for their warm hospitality, contagious smiles and delicious food, Filipinos truly make the Philippines a very special country to visit.
While experiencing the cultural diversity and natural beauty of the Philippines, learn about the organization of its primarily devolved health system and the various challenges in providing adequate healthcare in the context of its peculiar geography. In many remote, hard-to-reach islands, otherwise known as geographically isolated disadvantaged areas (GIDA), hospitals and health care clinics strive to deliver quality health services despite the often inadequate infrastructure, investment, supplies and personnel. Experience first-hand the daily healthcare challenges faced by “barangays” or villages, on remote islands in the provinces of Quezon and Romblon.
Visit premiere urban public and private health facilities in the capital city of Manila prior to the remote island immersion for a better appreciation of the dichotomies between public versus private and rural versus urban healthcare systems. Meet local health professionals at the Department of Health, and enjoy cultural lectures and excursions led by CFHI's on-site partners.
This program offers life-changing firsthand exposure to the struggles and triumphs of local people working together to achieve better health outcomes for their communities.