BOSTON, Massachusetts – The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has awarded United Planet a grant for new Global Public Health projects to be completed by university students from the US and Iraq. In a virtual exchange program this summer, undergraduate and graduate students will work together to develop sustainable solutions to healthcare inequity in both countries, addressing issues that have arisen as a result of COVID-19.

United Planet is partnering with Boston University Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation and Iraqi partners to organize the program with 120 students across 11 states in the United States and nine provinces in Iraq. Twenty-four graduate students from the US and Iraq who specialize in public health will lead the seven-week virtual program to develop solutions to shared problems in the US and Iraq. United Planet and its Iraqi partner recruited 96 rising junior and senior undergraduate students, who are currently enrolled in the US and Iraqi universities.

“Our hope is that students gain understanding about how different countries are experiencing the pandemic as well as skills in cultural humility and leadership, '' said Nancy Lowenstein, Program Director, Behavior and Health at Boston University. In addition to developing solutions for healthcare inequity, the students will share cultural perspectives, promoting peace and trust. They will also develop 21st-century skills, such as collaboration and critical thinking.

This program builds on a pilot program launched by United Planet in 2020. “Last summer was a transformational experience for the students who participated. They have become exceptional, changed leaders with a desire to make a difference,” said Donna Lubrano, United Planet Virtual Exchange Officer.

ABOUT UNITED PLANET

United Planet is a non-profit organization with a mission to create a global community, one relationship at a time. Established in 2001, United Planet offers personalized, immersive, service-learning, international experiential learning, and internship experiences in more than 30 countries. Volunteers and interns have helped address important global issues—such as health, children and education, and environmental sustainability while developing leadership and other 21st century skills, building bridges across divides, and forging cohesive and productive cross-border relationships both in-person and online