Skip to content

Programs : Brochure

This page is the brochure for your selected program. You can view the provided information for this program on this page and click on the available buttons for additional options.

SMHS International Medicine - Child Family Health International (CFHI) - Arusha, Tanzania (Outgoing Program)

Print  Save 

  • Locations: Arusha, Tanzania
  • Program Terms: Fall, January Term, Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Restrictions: GW applicants only
Dates / Deadlines:

There are currently no active application cycles for this program.
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Program Category: Medical Program
Program Description:
Located in East Africa, Tanzania is known for its beautiful nature reserves and wildlife parks, including the Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Ngorongoro Crater. It is one of the most culturally diverse countries on the African continent, with more than 158 distinct local languages spoken.

While Tanzania has maintained a stable economy and political system for the past 30 years, the country faces significant health and social challenges. 75% of the population lives in rural areas, where adequate sanitation and drinking water remain inaccessible to many. Communicable diseases are common- water borne, airborne, vector borne, diarrheal, and sexually transmitted –all are linked to poverty and insufficient education.  Health education outreach efforts and community mobilization campaigns have had success in rural Tanzania, and have led to results such as increased access to antiretroviral therapy.

Travel to Arusha, in northern Tanzania, a city of approximately 2 million people. In this popular, bustling city and its surrounding communities, program participants will take part in clinical rotations through a regional referral hospital, at rural health centers, and through community-based public health initiatives. The majority of patients visiting public hospitals and health centers are from disadvantaged communities and face numerous barriers to accessing care. In addition to clinical rotations where they will shadow local healthcare professionals in their daily activities, participants will engage with a grassroots nonprofit organization, offering support and training to Maasai women's groups. Through their work, this NGO supports the women's groups in their efforts to provide community-based care and education for orphans in their community, which has been disproportionately affected by HIV. 

This program offers the unique opportunity to interact with health professionals at the regional, district, and rural levels. Learn about the social determinants of health and contribute alongside Tanzanians towards community-driven initiatives, both clinical and public-health focused. By learning from local experts, you will improve your understanding of how capacity building for women, nutrition, water sanitation, and agricultural initiatives contribute to improve socioeconomic and health outcomes of the local population. Enjoy weekly cultural and medical lectures and exciting weekend excursions led by CFHI’s international partners. 

https://www.cfhi.org/healthcare-systems-and-community-based-development