In Lilongwe, Malawi, mothers with babies wrapped closely to their backs stream up the dusty road; they rush to find a place in the queue at the Lighthouse HIV/AIDS clinic. They are waiting for antiretroviral medications that are helping them live longer, healthier lives despite their HIV infections.

2003 Loran Scholar Vanessa Redditt spent three months volunteering at the Lighthouse, and reports that her eyes were opened to new perspectives and new challenges. �My time at the Lighthouse was deeply enriching, bringing valuable insights to issues in development and global health. My main activities at the Lighthouse involved developing integrated TB/HIV activities, collaborating with the local hospital on HIV testing and care issues, and working with health and social sector partners to strengthen care of HIV-positive pregnant women and their families in Lilongwe. Through these projects, I gained incredible exposure to public health issues and had the opportunity to collaborate with individuals ranging from government officials to hospital nurses to patients. These stories, these encounters, I hold closely; they will guide me in serving those who so often go unheard and unseen.�

For more information about the summer program, please contact Ted Aubut.