Project World Health (PWH), a pioneering non-profit organization founded and led by medical students at the University of South Florida (USF), is making headlines with its impressive comeback after a challenging hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Founded in 1991, PWH has dedicated itself to providing basic healthcare services to underserved communities. From its inception, PWH has been at the forefront of international medical outreach, initially delivering medical supplies and support to populations in Colombia, Haiti, Honduras, and Cuba. The organization’s mission expanded in 2000 when it began its impactful trips to Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic. What started with a small team of students, a physician, and a nurse has evolved into a large-scale operation. Since then, over 900 PWH students have volunteered on medical outreach trips to Jarabacoa. The team has grown from just 13 on the first trip to Cuba to over 100 students, nurses and physicians on the 2019 Jarabacoa trip.

In 2023, after a hiatus during the pandemic, PWH resumed its mission trips with a renewed sense of purpose. The 2024 trip was a testament to their resilience and commitment, with over 500 patients receiving care during a five-day clinic. This resurgence highlights the unwavering dedication of USF medical students, who not only extend their services globally but also enrich their local practice by gaining international perspectives.

Sydney Kerr, a second-year medical student and PWH member, emphasizes the critical role of fundraising in sustaining these vital missions. Each year, PWH spends over $50,000 on medical supplies, medications, and travel expenses. To support these efforts, the organization invites the community to engage through its fundraising initiatives.

For those interested in supporting Project World Health, donations can be made through their HerdFunder page, and additional information can be found on their website.