Announcing the winners of our student organization global health equity challenge

The Center for Global Health Equity at the University of Michigan proudly announces the winners of its inaugural Student Organization Global Health Equity Challenge. Launched in December 2023, the program invited 14 student organizations to propose innovative projects aimed at enhancing the well-being of communities in low- and middle-income countries. After a rigorous selection process, four finalist groups were invited to pitch their proposals to an interdisciplinary panel of judges on March 29, 2024, vying for funding to implement their transformative ideas.

The winners are:

• M-HEAL Team DRIP, tied for 3rd place, awarded $1,500 - Supporting ongoing efforts to reduce the impact of type 2 diabetes in Puerto Peñasco, México, through the development of low-cost medical devices alleviating suffering from diabetic foot ulcers and community health outreach materials.
  
• The Quito Project, tied for 3rd place, awarded $1,500 - Supporting a community needs and impact assessment of their summer camp program, now in its 20th year.
  
• Global Surgery Student Alliance, 2nd place, awarded $3,000 - Supporting the evaluation of current patient education standards concerning post-C-section wound care and its impact on surgical site infection (SSI) prevalence.
  
• Project MIA, 1st place, awarded $5,000 - Supporting the development of a locally-produced menstrual pad made from banana fiber, alongside educational materials.

“We are incredibly proud of the commitment these student organizations have demonstrated in service of advancing global health equity,” said Alana Rodriguez, education and outreach program manager for the Center.

“Each proposal was a testament to their tireless dedication and talent and we can't wait to continue mentoring these groups as they embark on the next phase of project implementation.”

The Center for Global Health Equity extends its deepest gratitude to the students, mentors, faculty mentors and judges, staff, and our global collaborators who made the Student Organization Global Health Equity Challenge an incredible success. We commend all participating teams for their hard work, innovation, and relentless pursuit of health equity.