University of Memphis School of Public Health agreement with Rainforest Flow

December 3, 2024 - The University of Memphis School of Public Health recently signed an MOU with Rainforest Flow, a nonprofit, California Public Benefit Corporation (“Rainforest Flow”).  Rainforest Flow develops integrated WASH (water-sanitation-health) programs in collaboration with rainforest communities in Manu Biosphere Reserve in the Peruvian Amazon.

For over 20 years, Rainforest Flow has collaborated with Peruvian health, environmental agencies and indigenous communities to deliver more than 64 million gallons of safe drinking water to four indigenous villages in the Manu Biosphere Reserve. Rainforest Flow has educated hundreds of families about health, hygiene and sanitation to help them strengthen the health of their communities.

Educational experience opportunities will be offered for SPH students to learn through this partnership by way of research, study, service learning and practice experiences. A study abroad program for graduates to study and teach in the Rainforest Flow Global WASH Training and Research Center and conduct research the WASH sites established in the Manu Biosphere. Faculty and graduate students will analyze raw data collected by Rainforest Flow to capture its impact on the health of the indigenous communities where it has implemented WASH programs. Part of the collaboration with Rainforest Flow will entail developing an educational curriculum that aims to train indigenous groups living in the Manu Biosphere on how to implement a WASH program in their community.