My Internship Experience at UNICEF, New York HQ

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Phoo Pwint Khine, Elsa

Placement Site: UNICEF, New York

On World Polio Day, October 24th, I had the amazing opportunity to volunteer and witness polio advocates, UNICEF and Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) partners gather for the event, ‘A Healthier Tomorrow: United to End Polio’ on Roosevelt Island, New York. 

Being able to stand before what remains of the Smallpox Hospital was such a surreal experience as it stands a historic symbol of the first and only disease to have been ever eradicated and an important message that science and solidarity can achieve great things. It’s only a matter of time till polio is next to mark the pages of history.  

Figure 1: World Polio Day, "A Healthier Tomorrow: United to End Polio"

As I listened to the many powerful narratives and insights shared that day, one of the sentiments that was shared repeatedly was how the fight against polio not only a scientific victory but also a human story. It is a pivotal example in which human innovation and courage were able to shape the future through cooperation. Inspiring stories from polio survivors and advocates such as that of Ramesh Ferris, who reiterated that the future of eradication for diseases like polio lies within the people, really brought a newly found inspiration and appreciation for global health development. It was honestly a humbling and eye-opening experience being able to work in an incredible team and seeing this coalition of talented individuals unite under a single purpose. 

Figure 2: #PurplePinkie

Working within the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response team has given me the perfect opportunity to fully immerse myself into the operational phase of global health security. The team’s primary objective is to ensure that all countries can predict and identify, withstand and recover from health crises and I helped contribute to this through my daily work. From drafting briefing notes to observing my colleagues across headquarters and country offices, I realised how much planning went into these projects and how committed everyone was in achieving their goal. This experience was not only a lesson in global health but made me realise that preparation, persistence and partnership was three factors that are intertwined in the world of global health security. 

Figure 3: Interns of the Health Team volunteering at UN General Assembly Week

Beyond the work and events, living in New York was also an experience on its own. The city was unique, always full of life and interesting moments which intimidated me when I first arrived but slowly fell in love with. From my visits to museums and local cafes to being able experience my favourite musicals, the city has taught me to explore unfamiliar things and jump out of my comfort zone. This allowed me to learn more about myself and learn even more about the world. 

Figure 4: Visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art