By Tim Jing, Stanford Master’s Student, Computer Science Program

Across Africa, health outcomes are closely tied to a multitude of factors. Chief among them is conflict, which not only is inherently destabilizing but also has profound impacts on human health and healthcare systems. My project focused on providing insight into these issues directly through the perspectives of on-the-ground physicians and healthcare professionals. Originally, I considered orienting this project toward drafting a policy memo with recommendations and suggestions from these physicians and healthcare professionals. However, after a conversation with Dr. Gibson, I realized that raising broad public awareness of how conflict affects health was actually more urgent, as this issue remains vastly under-recognized in mainstream discourse. I pivoted to conducting a series of exclusive interviews with a number of African health leaders spanning the African continent. This approach allowed me to center the voices of those actively navigating these challenges.

My final output was these video interviews, which I edited for social media platforms in a digestible, informative way. The videos were accompanied by short introductions and descriptions to provide context. The overarching goal of the project was to raise awareness of ongoing and structural barriers to improving health outcomes in countries impacted by conflict and political instability in Africa. Furthermore, my aim was to ensure that the project didn’t simply highlight the problem but invite the audience to take action, such as by advocating with their local elected officials.

SWAP has deepened my understanding of how global health, policy, and digital communication intersect. I loved working with Dr. Gibson to conduct these interviews and then adapt them to fit the ever-changing demands of online media platforms for effective dissemination. Meeting and learning from African health leaders also inspired me to continue working in health policy, as there is a tremendous need and potential for support.