A Transformative Journey in Global Health Equity by Gabriel Lettie

Participating in the ACCIH Global Health Equity Student Program in Tiaty Sub-County Kenya, was one of the most transformative experiences of my graduate education. Throughout the field immersion, I had the opportunity to work alongside Community Health Promoters, healthcare professionals, educators, and local organizations to better understand the social, cultural, and structural factors that influence health in underserved communities. From conducting household visits and participating in school health activities to learning about county health systems and maternal and child health services, each experience reinforced the importance of community-driven approaches to improving health outcomes.

The part of the immersion that had the greatest personal impact on me was spending time with Community Health Promoters during Household visits. Observing the trust they had built within their communities and seeing how they addressed health concerns through education, prevention, and relationship-building demonstrated that meaningful health improvement begins long before a patient enters a clinic. Despite working with limited resources and challenging geographic conditions, they remain deeply committed to serving their neighbors. Their dedication challenged me to think differently about leadership in global health - not as directing change from the outside, but as partnering with communities, listening to their priorities, and supporting solutions that are locally driven and sustainable.

What made this experience truly memorable was the warmth and resilience of communities we served and the dedication of the ACCIH team and local partners. The program provided a unique opportunity to connect classroom knowledge with real-world public health practice while emphasizing the importance of authentic partnerships, cultural humility, and community engagement in advancing health equity. I returned from Kenya with a deeper appreciation for the strength of community-led health initiatives and with skills, perspectives, and relationships that will continue to shape my career as a future global health professional.