From Bedside to Community: Kianna Fraga Albuja's Journey into Global Health
Kianna Fraga Albuja, a Sophomore student in the University of Michigan School of Nursing, is deeply committed to improving the health and education outcomes of underserved communities around the world. As president of The Quito Project, a student organization co-sponsored by the Center for Global Health Equity and the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, she is a passionate advocate for the importance of global health equity.
We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Kianna and discuss how her background has shaped her interest in global health equity work and the valuable insights she has gained through her work with The Quito Project.
Tell us a little about yourself and why you are interested in global health.
I'm Kianna Fraga Albuja, and my passion for global health equity is shaped by my personal background and academic journey. Born in Quito, Ecuador, and raised in the United States, I've always felt a strong connection to both countries. This dual identity has fueled my desire to give back to the community in Quito, where my family is from, and to contribute to global health as a whole. My interest in global health was further ignited during my time at the University of Michigan, where I began to realize the profound impact healthcare can have on people's lives, regardless of where they come from.
How has your academic training prepared you for global health equity work?
While I am currently studying nursing, my coursework has provided me with a solid foundation in healthcare and a deep understanding of the importance of accessible and quality healthcare for all. Additionally, my coursework in global health has broadened my perspective on healthcare disparities and the social determinants of health, making me better equipped to address these issues on a global scale.
Why does global health equity matter? How does your work with The Quito Project address issues related to global health equity?
Global health equity is essential because it's a fundamental human right. Everyone, regardless of their background or geographic location, should have access to comprehensive healthcare. Growing up, I heard stories from my parents about the challenges they faced with healthcare in Quito, and that has driven me to advocate for change. The Quito Project's mission aligns perfectly with this goal. Our work in Ecuador aims to improve the educational and health literacy of marginalized communities, ultimately addressing disparities in access to healthcare and education.
Why did you join The Quito Project, and how do you think these experiences will shape your future work and career?
I joined The Quito Project with the goal of applying my classroom knowledge to make a tangible difference in the lives of Ecuadorian children. Through the organization, I have had the opportunity to develop a culturally-tailored public health curriculum to teach children about topics like kitchen and food safety, nutrition, and infectious/chronic diseases. This experience has sharpened my ability to communicate complex health information to diverse audiences, a skill that I believe will be invaluable in my future as a nurse. It has also reinforced my commitment to advocating for improved healthcare and educational opportunities in Ecuador and beyond.
About The Quito Project
The Quito Project (TQP) is a University of Michigan Sponsored Student Organization that aims to improve health and education outcomes of under-resourced communities of Quito, Ecuador. The organization works with Ecuadorian partners at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Cáritas la Primavera, and Hospital de los Valles to administer an annual summer Health and Education program for children aged 5-12. TQP is deeply committed to building meaningful community partnerships and promoting social justice for the diverse communities of Quito, all while enabling students to develop as global citizens. e for the diverse communities of Quito, all while enabling students to develop as global citizens. TQP is co-sponsored by the Center for Global Health Equity and the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies.
About the Center for Global Health Equity
The U-M Center for Global Health Equity advances interdisciplinary
engagement across our university and with global partners to equitably prevent disease and improve health in low- and middle-income countries. Based at the University of Michigan, CGHE brings together U-M faculty, staff, and students with external partners in pursuit of novel global health solutions that can positively impact individuals and communities in low- and middle-income settings. Since our founding in 2020, we have partnered with over 45 institutions in 17 different countries to realize our global vision of [a world where health is not an obstacle to education, employment, and the pursuit of a fulfilling life].
About the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies
The U-M Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (LACS) is committed to promoting a broader and deeper understanding of the region--its histories, cultures, and peoples. The center provides a venue for faculty, students, and the community to learn and share knowledge and partners with a host of units across campus on projects of mutual interest. LACS is one of several National Resource Centers housed in the International Institute. These prestigious designations, earned in national peer-reviewed competitions, are awarded by the U.S. Department of Education Title VI program. This program strives to develop the nation’s capacities in international studies, area studies, foreign languages, and international business education.