Kabba Kargbo, Public Health Threats in Suriname, Summer 2026
One of the most meaningful parts of my experience in Suriname that will stick with me forever was interacting with local communities and learning from their perspectives. These interactions reminded me that public health is not simply something professionals deliver to a population. The people living within a community already possess valuable knowledge about their environment, traditions, health concerns, and everyday needs. Public health professionals must listen to and respect that knowledge instead of indulging in biopiracy.
During our visits, we learned how culture and the natural environment can shape people’s understanding of health. At Rusten en Werken (Rest & Work), for example, we were introduced to plants that have traditionally been used by local communities for different purposes. It was very intriguing to be reminded that health is not always viewed only through a Western medical perspective, because as someone living in a Western country, I tend to forget that not all healthcare systems are like our own. Family, community, tradition, spirituality, and lived experiences can all influence how people understand illnesses and treatments. As a Sierra Leonean American, I found myself making connections between Surinamese culture and my own cultural background. I recognized a similar emphasis on community and the use of shared cultural knowledge. These similarities helped me feel connected to the people and places we visited, even while recognizing that every community has its own history and experiences.
My interactions with local communities also taught me the importance of cultural humility. Public health professionals should not enter communities believing they already have every answer and that they are more knowledgeable about the community’s own land. They must be willing to ask questions, listen carefully, and learn from the people whose health they hope to improve. Community members should be viewed as partners rather than simply as recipients of services. Successful public health programs must be shaped by the communities they serve are more likely to be trusted and effective when local voices are included. My time in Suriname taught me. My experience in Suriname is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life, academically and personally speaking. The amazing connections I made with my cohort and people living abroad showed me how important community public health is.
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