Ghana Health Care Program

I could not have asked for any better customer service from Sarah Ehlers. She was very prompt and provided all of the accurate documentation whether it was receipts or information regarding our trip. Even after the trip, she made sure I was able to finalize last minute business between myself and the ABV Coordinator in Ghana.
I think the reason why this trip went so well was because we went into it with a very adventurous and flexible attitude. Only one of us had traveled internationally before traveling to Ghana. We honestly had no idea what we were getting ourselves into in regards to travel, culture, food and medical circumstances. We didn’t really know what specific type of medical supplies we needed to take. We weren’t told what we should wear until we got there…and by that point, there was very little about what we could do. For example, we all brought blue scrubs, because that is what we wear in the States. However, in Ghana, white is the color of healthcare providers. Also, I wish I was better prepared for the extreme heat.
Given I had never traveled outside of the United States, traveling to Ghana proved to be a major culture shock in more ways than one. The heat was incredible, the people were unbelievable. Everyone there exuded a relaxed nature, and everyone on my team agrees that the Ghanaians exhibited a level of generous hospitality unmatched by anyone anywhere. Traveling as a student, I was uncertain as to what sort of cases we would be seeing, and what type of circumstances we would find ourselves facing. However, through the guidance of Edem and his family, that skepticism quickly fell away as we dove into learning about the culture, meeting the locals, and providing care and education to those who would not otherwise have had the chance to learn about health and their bodies. As a students, I felt empowered to then return the education I was receiving overseas to the beautiful people of Ghana. We encountered many obstacles, such as limited supplies, and spiritual traditions that greatly minimized our ability to apply the necessary care. We were all able to take home a different aspect of learning, teaching and culture by the end of the week. My only regret was that this trip was in fact so short in length. Should there be a next time, I would aim for at least two weeks. Between the hospitality of Edem and his family, the helpfulness of the ABV staff in the States, and my team, I don’t see why we wouldn’t return in the near future.