Repairing Medical Equipment in Rwanda

Maya Raz Start Date: Dec 28, 2018 - End Date: May 1, 2019
  • Kigali, Rwanda

My Travel Story

by: Maya Raz Start Date: Dec 28, 2018 - End Date: May 1, 2019
Hi Everyone!

As many of you know, after four long years of engineering studies and two full-time internships, I will graduate this spring from Northeastern University with a B.S. in Bioengineering. After graduation, I have been granted the opportunity to travel to Rwanda with the non-profit organization Engineering World Health (EWH) and use my engineering skills to help fix medical equipment in under-resourced hospitals. EWH seeks to connect STEM students and professionals from the U.S. with hospitals in developing countries to bring them the resources and expertise they need to repair medical equipment and improve global health.

Up to 70% of critical medical equipment in low income countries is currently out of service. Hospitals in these countries often cannot afford to meet equipment needs, and consequently rely on donated medical equipment. Unfortunately, 39% of donations arrive at the hospital in unusable condition, and 97.5% become unusable within 5 years. Without functional equipment, physicians and nurses are unable to provide quality healthcare, and the patient pays the price.

This is where EWH comes in. The first month of my time will be spent in the capital city of Kigali, acquiring technical skills and learning the local dialect Kinyarwanda. Following training I will be placed in a hospital to begin work repairing medical equipment and sharing my knowledge with local hospital staff to ensure patients get the care they need with the necessary equipment.  

This opportunity will allow me to combine my love of exploring different cultures with my passion for helping people in a direct and deeply personal way that draws from my background in engineering. I couldn’t be more excited!! However, to take part in this program, each participant needs to raise a fee that allows EWH to send participants, qualified staff, tools and supplies to the most remote corners of the world. I’ll also need to cover the cost of travel to and from Rwanda, and obtain other supplies necessary for this program.  

My fundraising goal is $10,000, and any donation big or small is extremely appreciated! Know that your donation is not only supporting my aspirations, but is also contributing to meaningful, sustainable, global change that is improving the health of people in need.

I will be documenting my experience via pictures, videos, and frequent social media posts so you all can follow along on my journey.

Thank you for all your support! Murakoze!

Maya Raz
  • Kigali, Rwanda