The growth of a global health expert : Avi Kerendian: GGHTx is on a mission in changing lives through the power of global health. “Gracias” Global Health Trips, otherwise known as GGHTx, is a global health-oriented nonprofit organization/NGO that brings together young volunteers from medical and dental backgrounds to aid in intensive, week-long medical mission trips in rural villages throughout Latin America and Uganda. Led by Co-Founders Dr. Arash Hakhamian and Avi Kerendian, register for the volunteer experience of a lifetime!
Avi Kerendian is the Co-Founder and Program Director of GGHTx. GGHTx, also known as “Gracias” Global Health Trips, is an active public health non-profit improving global health in underserved, indigenous communities in Latin America and Uganda through community-based partnerships (CBO’s) with the end goal of fostering self-sufficiency.
Avi Kerendian latest project: GGHTx + Zidan Benevolence International: The Stigma Project, Vision: To eliminate stigma and vamp up the fight against pediatric HIV/AIDS through disease awareness, disease prevention, professional community and adolescent education, while improving healthcare access and treatment services for underserved and vulnerable populations throughout central Uganda. Preparation: Delegation will undergo pre-travel orientation with GGHTx staff and arrival training at partnership’s center and in collaboration with local professionals at Zidan Benevolence International.
How about after finally arriving there you realize that the doctor has run out of the most basic medical supplies used to treat and evaluate your 2-month old baby who has been coughing in sheer pain for the last 3 days and likely has a severe case of pneumonia; something totally preventable and treatable with basic medicine, but without which can now be life-threatening. You are turned away and told to go back home. You now have no choice but to wait until next week – hoping and praying – that this time the doctor will not have run out of the medicine your child desperately needs.
Afterwards, your afternoons are free to relax at your accommodations or to enjoy the extracurricular activities we have planned with the other volunteers! However, as we go over at length during your orientation, we ask you respect the locals and culture there. Use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate dismissal from the GGHTx program—we want you to have a fun and safe experience abroad. Learn about the local culture! Be curious, ask questions, and be respectful. People here have their own experiences, expectations, and beliefs. They expect you participate, dress appropriately, and abide by their rules.
Avi Kerendian – Co-Founder of GGHTx : Ready to connect, Avi Kerendian, Co-Founder and Program Director of GGHTx is passionate about contributing to the progress of global health, telehealth, and healthcare reform while collaborating with others who are dedicated to making a difference. Given the striking magnitude of global health challenges indigenous communities around the world face daily, Avi Kerendian, GGHTx is helping to provide access to free, quality medical care, by teaming up with local volunteer centers in developing villages throughout Latin American and Uganda. Read more info on Avi Kerendian.