TY - JOUR AU - Houweling, Rebecca AU - Astle, Barbara PY - 2018/11/08 Y2 - 2024/03/28 TI - Principles to Guide a Volunteer Humanitarian Faith-based Short-Term Medical Mission in Nepal: A Case Study JF - Christian Journal for Global Health JA - CJGH VL - 5 IS - 3 SE - Case Studies DO - 10.15566/cjgh.v5i3.235 UR - https://journal.cjgh.org/index.php/cjgh/article/view/235 SP - 35-42 AB - <p>Global health inequities, natural disasters, and mass migration of refugees have led to an increase in volunteer humanitarian responses worldwide. &nbsp;While well intentioned for <em>doing </em><em>good</em>, there is an increasing awareness of the importance for improved preparation for international volunteers involved in short-term medical missions (STMMs). &nbsp;This case study describes the retrospective application of Lasker’s (2016) <em>Principles for Maximizing the Benefits for Volunteer Health Trips </em>to international volunteers from two faith-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Canada and the United States partnering with a faith-based NGO in Nepal.&nbsp; These principles are intended to maximize the benefits and diminish challenges that may develop between the international volunteers and the host country staff. &nbsp;Lessons from this case study highlight the importance of applying such principles to foster responsible STMMs. &nbsp;In conclusion, there is an increasing call by host country staff for collaborative and standardized guidelines or frameworks for STMMs and other global health activities.</p> ER -