By Jessica Murray
I came to Belize as part of my field placement experience for my Masters of Public Health program. As an epidemiology student, I am interested in who has disease and why. Currently, there is an epidemic of chronic kidney disease of unknown origin in the Mesoamerican region. Chronic kidney disease of unknown origin or Mesoamerican nephropathy has been seen in countries like El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica; however, we do not quite know if it has made its way to Belize as there is no published data on this disease here. I came with a surgery resident and her attending physician to Belize to work at La Loma Luz Hospital to do research (chart reviews and patient interviews) on this topic. There has been a lot of difficulty in getting my research project approved with the hospital and the Ministry of Health in Belize; however, I was successful and have finally been able to start my project. So far it’s been a great experience to do international research, as well getting to know people in Belize, about how they live, and the problems they face regarding healthcare.

By Amy Fogleman, RN

During February 8-10, 2018, over 200 students from all over the U.S. and Canada gathered at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI for the Faith and International Development Conference (FIDC). This three-day conference attracts students who are interested in programs of development, global studies, and missions. The FIDC provides opportunities for these students to engage with and learn from speakers and organizations who work in global development, in hopes of inciting their interest for global service.

By Bill Frist

Tracy and I are in Africa for two-weeks: Tanzania, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya. The trip will bring together work from Hope Through Healing Hands (global community health) and The Nature Conservancy (intersection nature and health) in conjunction with Pathfinder International (global women’s health). As chairman of Hope Through Healing Hands, I will explore how we can globally impact peoples’ well-being and health by more smartly addressing and integrating: food and nutrition; clean water by protecting sources and exploring the power of social impact water funds; sustainable agricultural practices; environment and pollution; climate change and coastal impact; maternal and reproductive health; infant mortality and child health. The expertise of The Nature Conservancy – the leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people – will be invaluable as we study in depth its science-based best practices in each of these areas. Internet access is intermittent, but I will share updates as I can.

By Jenny Eaton Dyer, PhD

Last week, I had the privilege of speaking at the National Association of Evangelicals Christian Student Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.

The conference was led by Galen Carey, Vice President of Government Relations, and on the day I spoke, it was in the grand marble Kennedy Caucus room in the Russell Building on Capitol Hill.