In June 2026, we had the privilege of completing a 4-week medical elective with the NGO Brighter Communities Worldwide, alongside an incredible multidisciplinary team consisting of medical, general nursing, midwifery and international development students from University of Galway and UCC.
During our time in Kenya, while rotating through 3 hospitals, we were fortunate to gain hands-on clinical experience and witness healthcare delivery in a resource-limited setting. From scrubbing into surgeries, presenting at clinical teaching sessions and seeing conditions such as malaria, TB and advanced HIV/AIDS, every day challenged us to think differently about the practice of medicine.
Some experiences were inspiring; others were more difficult. Seeing patients receive care, limited by lack of resources was a powerful reminder of the global inequalities that exist in healthcare. It gave us a renewed appreciation of the Irish healthcare system & reinforced the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and equitable access to care.
Outside the hospitals, the charity’s community projects offered an equally valuable perspective. Whether visiting schools, supporting health education programmes, or seeing the impact of initiatives like smokeless stove installations and first aid training, we were reminded that healthcare extends far beyond hospital walls.
However, what we’ll remember most is the people. Despite language barriers and limited resources, every community welcomed us with incredible warmth, kindness and generosity. Their resilience and hospitality left a lasting impression that we will carry with us throughout our careers.
A huge thank you to University of Galway, Brighter Communities Worldwide and the Kenyan healthcare staff for facilitating our medical elective, welcoming us into their communities and for making this unforgettable experience possible.
Asante sana
Maeve & Hannah
