Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a significant yet underrepresented health crisis in Africa, contributing to approximately 34,000 preventable infant deaths annually. The Ignatian Health Expansion Initiative (IHEI) at SI is dedicated to shedding light on overlooked global health issues and mobilizing support for effective interventions. In alignment with this mission, we highlight the efforts of Children’s HeartLink and their Africa Children’s Hearts Initiative, which aims to transform pediatric cardiac care in Angola, Ghana, and Namibia.

Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder in which the ingestion of gluten triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine. This damage impairs the intestine’s ability to absorb food nutrients, leading to gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms.

In Syria, millions of people are in distress and displaced without access to the basic needs of food, clean water, and healthcare while being tied to a crippling economic crisis. The UN Refugee Agency works with local partners across Türkiye and Syria to give food aid, access to water, sanitation, and emergency relief. Due to a long-lasting period of war and the eruption of two powerful earthquakes in 2023, Syria remains in a severe state of crisis and needs our attention and aid.