DETROIT — The World Health Student Organization (WHSO) at Wayne State University’s (WSU) School of Medicine continues to serve underprivileged communities in different countries through its humanitarian missions. 

The group is comprised of students who hope to gain rich medical and cultural experiences outside of their immediate communities. 

The organization’s goal is to provide free medical care to under-served populations around the world, to volunteer in community outreach projects that serve the citizens of Detroit and to teach students about global health, through various speakers and seminars.

For the 2013-2014 school year, the WHSO will be sending students from WSU’s medical and pharmacy schools on humanitarian missions to Ecuador, Haiti, Panama and Peru. 

The group plans to service 3000 patients in these countries throughout the year, by providing them with medical supplies, like glucose monitors, ultrasound machines, water filters and vitamins that they wouldn’t have access to otherwise because of their economic status.

The group also helps perform certain medical procedures on needy patients and opens health clinics that are run by students.

Arab American WSU Medical Student and WHSO Vice President of External Affairs Danny Orabi participated in a medical mission to Nicaragua last year and described the experience as life changing. 

“The humanitarian work students do through the World Health Student Organization is very fulfilling,” Orabi said.

The medical missions give students the chance to acquire a better understanding of the healthcare needs of developing nations and to get exposed to clinical settings that are not routinely found in the United States.

Orabi says water filters are one of the most important things the group supplies needy people, living in areas where water contamination is a serious issue.

On every mission the group educates people on how to use water filters and sustain them. 

Orabi says that, for only $10, you can supply a family with a water filter that will provide them with clean, drinkable water for years. 

The WHSO’s next medical mission is to Haiti this December, where water contamination is a major problem. Distributing water filters will be crucial to help save lives and prevent diseases in the area. 

The cost for supplies and medication for six medical relief missions exceeds $30,000. Each trip is funded through student fundraising and donations. The organization is grateful for any help the community can offer. 

“When they donate, they can be sure it goes directly towards supplies and equipment,” Orabi said. 

Businesses and individuals who want to help take part in the group’s mission can attend its fundraising dinner at Byblos Banquet Hall on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6-9 p.m. 

To sponsor the event, email wsuwhso@gmail.com.  More information on the WHSO can be found by visiting waynewhso.org.  All donations are tax deductible.