For people who live in low income communities in Zambia, healthcare is neither accessible nor affordable. There have traditionally been very few medical clinics in these communities, but this is starting to change. More and more clinics are beginning to open, and now they need medical staff and volunteers to help them to provide quality healthcare.
As a Medical volunteer in Zambia, you’ll shadow and assist local medical professionals, gaining an understanding of the local healthcare system and helping to provide care. Language barriers and local laws mean volunteer work needs to be supervised at all times, so it’s important to have realistic expectations for what you’ll actually be doing.
The clinic you’re placed in will depend on your level of expertise and experience. It’s possible to assist in a range of medical fields including laboratory testing, pharmacy, maternity, gynecology and family planning, optometry, HIV/AIDS, nutrition and pediatrics. If you have an interest in any of these areas, please mention that in your application, though your placement is ultimately decided by the Zambian Ministry of Health so we can’t guarantee you’ll be volunteering in your preferred department.
This project is open to fully qualified doctors and nurses, as well as students in nursing or medical school. You’ll need plenty of initiative and enthusiasm, and be ready to volunteer in basic facilities with limited resources.
Medical volunteers must bring proof of your relevant qualifications, training or certification with you to Zambia, as well as scrubs of any colour to wear. The Medical project has a one-off surcharge of US$100 (approximately AU$133) which goes to the Zambian Ministry of Health for use in the public health sector. This will be included in the program fee quoted to you after applying. Most clinics are located 4 to 7 miles away from the volunteer house and volunteers use local taxis to commute, which costs approximately US$5 (AU$6) for a round trip.
Apply now