The effectiveness of student-run organizations within global health promotion initiatives

Abstract

Student-led projects can play an important role in effectively preventing malaria. However coordination with existing programs, targeting hard-to-access groups, and training of students overcomes some common limitations of such student-led initiatives.

Healthy, safe and effective international medical student electives: a systematic review and recommendations for program coordinators

“…[ 9 , 47 ] Programs can also be integrated into mainstream curricula and even be expanded to cover issues such as migrant and refugee health [ 51 , 52 ]. Collaboration between students undertaking traditional individually organized electives has led to the development of student-directed international health organizations, although the educational and ethical attributes of such organizations may vary somewhat [ 3 , 53 , 54 ]. Students who undertake their electives through volunteer placement organizations typically receive pre-departure information rather than what might be considered worthwhile and multifaceted pre-departure training [ 9 ].…”

“… [ 41 , 59 ] Inform students of bursaries, scholarships and other funding support that may be available. [ 49 ] Sending organisations and students should consider funding host institutions to compensate for resources used during the placement and to develop the host institution [ 54 ] Post-return debriefing and screening Ensure that students are offered post-elective debriefing sessions. Consider providing travel doctors with information on post-return health screening.…”