In Ghana, the pursuit of good health often entails engaging with a variety of healing approaches, which encompass indigenous beliefs, faith-based practices, and modern biomedical healthcare systems. Recognizing the important role faith healers play in the promotion of public health, OKB Hope Foundation is keen to identify strategies through which they can collaboratively work with faith healers to promote access to medical care to lower mortality rates that arise from chronic non-communicable diseases (e.g., Strokes, diabetes) and infections (e.g., Malaria, respiratory disease & HIV).

The SMART Challenge

OKB needs assistance in designing and conducting a field study that will allow the organization’s leadership and care providers to know, (I) what are the community members’ health-seeking behaviors in Kumasi, (II) what role faith healers play in promoting access to medical care, as well as their perceptions towards use and adoption of community-based health insurance (CBHI).

NB: This competitive project offers unique opportunities to both Cornell and University of Ghana students.

Desired Team Skills

• Background in Public Health, Applied Economics and Management, Africana studies, Global Development, Religion, Arts & Science.
• Knowledge in qualitative research methods
• Strong writing and Communication Skills
• Strong time management abilities
• Team player – cultural humility, Resilient, Flexible.

Project Lead and Faculty Advisors

Lorraine Francis | Associate Professor of Practice, Department of Public & Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine

Fridah Mubichi-Kut | Professor of Practice, Applied Economics and Policy, Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management

        Field dates: Jan 7-16, 2024 
        Field location: Ghana