In today’s globalized world, the provision of health resources through virtual platforms presents a unique opportunity for cross-cultural health promotion. By utilizing digital technologies, health professionals and educators can engage diverse communities, raise awareness about health issues, and facilitate knowledge exchange.
Virtual platforms overcome geographical barriers, enabling collaboration between institutions and individuals across different cultures. The work of Joy Kagendo a senior lecturer in NC State’s Department of Health and Exercise Studies (HES), particularly her global health education initiative between NC State and Kenyatta University, exemplifies the potential for virtual cross-cultural health promotion.
One of Kagendo’s initiatives with Kenyatta University highlighted breast cancer awareness: a health issue that, despite its global significance, may not receive the same level of attention in some regions. Through virtual platforms, she was able to educate Kenyan students at Kenyatta University while sharing vital health information with students enrolled in courses at NC State.
Since 2022, Kagendo has been working with Professor Margaret Keraka, head of Public Health Programs at Kenyatta University, who visited NC State in the 2024 spring semester. During her visit, Keraka engaged in a series of important meetings aimed at formalizing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two institutions.
Keraka met with Sarah Olson, director of Global Partnerships, and Alivia Hancock, the graduate assistant for Global Partnerships. They discussed potential collaborative efforts and outlined the key points for the MOU between Kenyatta University and NC State. This partnership aims to enhance academic exchanges, research collaboration and student mobility between the two institutions. Keraka also had the opportunity to meet with leaders from NC State’s Global One Health Academy and the Study Abroad program.
Kagendo is also the co-director for the E101 Spring Break 2025 Study Abroad trip to Kenya.
Along with Daniel Findley, associate director for transportation, research and education and adjunct professor in civil engineering, they will be accompanying 20 engineering students to Kenya. This interdisciplinary and cross-cultural collaboration will provide invaluable opportunities for mutual learning, where both sides can gain new perspectives on how technology and health issues are perceived and tackled across cultures.
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