Creating sustainable healthcare partnerships and community connections between Appalachia and the Warm Heart of Africa
In April 2026, a team of medical students from Huntington, West Virginia will travel to Ekwendeni, Malawi.
Our focus is on learning from Malawian clinicians and communities, building cultural humility, and contributing in ways that are sustainable and respectful. This "Warm Heart of Africa" faces challenges that parallel those in rural Appalachia—long travel distances to care, limited resources, and workforce shortages.
Learning in this setting equips us with adaptability and problem-solving skills that directly strengthen our ability to serve underserved communities in West Virginia and beyond. Bringing a large group of students (17) enables us to contribute meaningfully to hospital and community projects and transport medical supplies to Ekwendeni.
Learn more about our visionA diverse team of medical students committed to learning and serving near and far.
Supervised exposure to tropical medicine and community health under Malawian leadership.
Supporting initiatives at Ekwendeni Mission Hospital and the Ekwendeni School for the Blind.
As full-time medical students, we are personally funding our travel to participate in this service-learning experience. However, our goal is to do more than just show up—we want to contribute tangibly to the community.
We are raising funds to support specific, community-identified projects:
All charitable donations are processed through the Global Medical Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit helping support Malawi medical student education.
Your contribution directly supports medical student education and essential healthcare projects.
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