During the 2018 J-term, I studied abroad in St. Kitts and Nevis. It was a wonderful and educational experience on an absolutely breathtaking tropical island.
Specifically, I studied public health in both St. Kitts and Nevis with a primary focus on the prevention of HPV. We collaborated with local Non-Governmental Organizations, healthcare professionals, and teachers to design a protocol for the implementation of the HPV vaccine in middle schools. The St. Kitts and Nevis health care system is primarily community based, with an emphasis on public education and prevention. Students are typically vaccinated, during the school day, depending on their grade level. Our goal was to develop a strategy for introducing HPV vaccination into the regularly scheduled administration of vaccines, for students in the sixth grade. This process included touring the Joseph N France General Hospital in St. Kitts, visiting community health clinics, and observing lectures at the hospital. Our experiences allowed us to gain an understanding of the health care system, interact with the people of St. Kitts, and acquire knowledge essential for our work on HPV vaccination. See full document with photos on Sydney’s experience here.