Strategic Clinical Partnerships

The University of Arizona College of Medicine–Tucson, Office of Global and Border Health partners with QEWFA (Quality Education & Water for All) in Togo, West Africa through a strategic clinical collaboration. This partnership supports ethical, community-centered global health engagement by integrating clinical education, public health practice, and local capacity-building into meaningful learning experiences.

QEWFA serves as the in-country implementation partner and community liaison, ensuring that all initiatives are culturally responsive and aligned with locally identified priorities. The Office of Global and Border Health provides academic oversight, clinical mentorship, and structured educational frameworks that prepare learners for responsible global health practice.

Through this partnership, medical learners participate in supervised clinical rotations alongside local healthcare professionals while supporting primary care and preventive health services. Learners also contribute to community health assessments, public health data collection, and health education initiatives. These experiences emphasize cultural humility, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of health systems in resource-limited settings.

Since its founding in 2021, QEWFA has delivered measurable, lasting change across rural Togo through solar-powered water infrastructure, education support, and community-led development.

To date, our water projects have impacted over 5,000 lives across five villages. Every well operates on 100% renewable solar energy and is managed by trained local water committees to ensure long-term sustainability.

Access to clean water has:

• Reduced waterborne illnesses
• Improved hygiene and sanitation practices
• Decreased infant mortality rates
• Strengthened overall community health
• Increased school attendance by eliminating long daily walks for water collection