Summer practicum opportunity in Cameroon-Community needs assessment of birthing practices (2 spots available!)
The Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Board is looking for one or two students to complete a community needs assessment of birthing practices. The Baptist Hospital of Banyo (BHB), Cameroon will expand their maternal health services including a new maternity department but would like to involve the community as they plan the program expansion. The primary clientele of the hospital are from the Fulani ethnic group. Traditional birthing practices and religious beliefs lead to low utilization of delivery services. The hospital would like to expand their community outreach to raise awareness about maternal health issues and increase the number of women choosing to deliver at the hospital. Students would work with community health promoters to conduct focus groups, key informant interviews, and community mobilization activities.
The hospital is located in a rural area in a French-speaking part of Cameroon. All hospital employees speak English and French and an American doctor and his wife work at the hospital. Speaking French would be helpful but not required. The hospital services a population of over 140,000 people in collaboration with a government district hospital.
The hospital will provide lodging for up to 2 students. All other expenses are the responsibility of the student. The practicum opportunity is available either for July and August or September and October.
For more information contact Monita Baba Djara (monitab@bu.edu)
