Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to join a mission trip with Baylor to the Philippines.
This experience was not just a journey to a distant land but a voyage into the heart of a
significant issue: the stark disparity in access to quality women’s healthcare.
The Reality in the Philippines
During our mission, we visited several communities where healthcare, especially for women, is
vastly under-resourced. Clinics were often overcrowded and understaffed, and many women
lacked access to essential medical services. Prenatal and postnatal care, cancer screenings, and
other critical health services were either unavailable or difficult to access for many women in
these areas.
One particular encounter stands out in my memory. We met Maria, a young mother of three,
who had never had a proper medical check-up due to the inaccessibility of healthcare services
in her rural village. Her story is just one of many that highlight the urgent need for improved
healthcare infrastructure and services.
A New Perspective on Healthcare Disparities
Witnessing the healthcare challenges faced by women in the Philippines was eye-opening. It
made me realize how fortunate we are in the United States to have relatively easy access to
comprehensive healthcare services. However, it also brought to light that even in a developed
country like ours, there are communities and populations that still struggle with access to
quality healthcare.
This realization has profoundly shifted my perspective. The disparity in healthcare access is not
just a distant issue; it’s a local one too. Many women in underserved communities across the
United States face barriers to accessing the care they need, whether due to economic
challenges, lack of healthcare facilities, or other socio-economic factors.
A Call to Action
Inspired by my experiences in the Philippines, I am more determined than ever to contribute to
improving women’s healthcare, both globally and locally. Here in the United States, there are
several ways we can help bridge the gap in healthcare access for women:
1. Advocacy and Policy Change:
Supporting policies that aim to increase funding for
women’s healthcare services, especially in underserved areas.
2. Community Health Programs:
Volunteering and supporting community health initiatives
that provide essential services to women in need.
3. Education and Awareness:
Promoting awareness about the importance of regular
health check-ups and screenings for women, and providing information on available
resources.
4. Research and Innovation:
Continuing to engage in research that seeks to address
healthcare disparities and develop innovative solutions to make healthcare more
accessible and affordable.
Conclusion
My mission trip to the Philippines was a transformative experience that highlighted the critical
need for improved women’s healthcare worldwide. It has strengthened my resolve to work
towards ensuring that all women, regardless of where they live, have access to the healthcare
they deserve. By taking action locally, we can make a significant impact and move towards a
future where quality healthcare is a reality for every woman.