Virtual Summit Submission

The University of Texas at Austin
Public Health

Biography

Ashley Mascorro, CPhT, NCICS, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a minor in Healthcare Reform and Innovation at The University of Texas at Austin. Her academic and research interests focus on health equity, structural determinants of health, and culturally responsive health policy. As Lead Teaching Assistant for the Public Health Program and President of the Latino Pan- Hellenic Greek Council, she demonstrates leadership in health education and community engagement. Her research examines access disparities among Latino and underserved populations. Ashley intends to pursue a PhD in Public Health to advance equitable policy development and public health scholarship.

Project

Alignment of a Child Malnourishment Clinic’s Pharmaceutical Inventory with the WHO Essential Medicines List for Children: A Case Study in Antigua, Guatemala
In Antigua, Guatemala, I conducted a case study at Casa Jackson Pediatric Nutrition Center to evaluate the clinic’s pharmaceutical inventory against the World Health Organization’s Essential Medicines List for Children. The project aimed to identify gaps in access to essential medicines and assess how donation-based supply systems affect care for malnourished children. Using an inventory audit and staff interviews, I cataloged available medications, compared them to WHO recommendations, and analyzed the clinic’s stock management practices. The study revealed that only 15% of WHO-listed pediatric medicines were available, with critical shortages in emergency and rehydration treatments. These findings highlight how resource limitations and inconsistent donation systems contribute to preventable barriers in pediatric recovery. This research underscores the need for structured formulary development and inventory tracking in low-resource clinics. Strengthening these systems can improve treatment continuity and health outcomes for vulnerable children, both in Guatemala and globally.