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SPOTLIGHTS
Meet Kayla Vuoso
Kayla Vuoso originally joined Project Parasite as a Public Health student. She was initially interested in sustainable development within the initiative
March 1, 2024 by Shreya Patel
THE BEGINNING
As Kayla states, the "overarching concept was to go abroad and look at a parasite that was afflicting a community."
The current members when Project Parasite & Kayla became full-fledged initiative had the original idea of creating sustainable shoes. These shoes would be made from recyclable material, specifically helping communities where parasites affected the feet.
While the idea was commendable, Kayla states "...we were kinda doing it backwards." The group had the "why," but not the who, what, when, and where. Kayla emphasized the importance of figuring out the demographics and the environment on the public health side. Introducing neglected tropical diseases through deliverables, Kayla and the members settled on schistosomiases.
SENEGAL TRIP 2023
During her trip to Senegal, Kayla points out the importance of recognizing cultural competancy on her trip. She remembers the livestock interaction and familiarity among citizens, explaining it as "the cross-section" that public health experts need to analyze more.
On a sustainable side, she recalls the disheartening realization from the lack of sanitation intervention by the government in Senegal. Although it was different than what she was used to, Kayla highlighted the disparity in culture between her life and Senegalese citizens.
TIPS: HOW TO STAY AWARE
As a public health major, Kayla had a lot of insight on how to create and spread awareness on schistosomiases and neglected tropical diseases in general. By following and communication with RU Global and CRISP partnerships, members can continue to spread awareness and gain information on svhistosomiases.
Kayla also advises members and interested parties to stay aware of current global events about neglected tropical diseass and regulations from governments that affect them. If everyone continues to raise questions and create importance to schistosomiases, CRISP will be facing a bright future.
Kayla notes, "the smallest things matter."
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