Rural Medical Outreach in Madagascar

Program Description

There is a serious lack of trained medical professionals and manpower in the rural villages . No matter what your level of health care knowledge is, there is a large amount of work that needs to be done.

It is extremely difficult for many people to travel to their closest clinic and so they often leave visiting a health care facility until they are very sick. As well as this, the locals do not have a varied diet and often it consists of mainly the Cassava root vegetable, which does not nourish pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, leaving many malnourished children to attend.

Local clinics are lacking in manpower, skills and equipment and your involvement will provide the local villagers with health care that they would not normally have access to.

You may assist with anything from minor aliments to more serious illnesses and injuries, as well as offering a pre and post natal service to mothers.

As well as your work in the local clinics you will also be assisting with providing educational health workshops in the local community, on topics such as nutrition, basic first aid and malaria.

Highlights

-Provide much needed medical assistance in poor rural communities
-Gain insight into medical challenges and practices in Madagascar
-Experience life in a rural village and immerse yourself in Madagascar's colourful culture

Qualifications

Although specific qualifications are not required for this project, medical students will definitely benefit from this project and gain a large amount of experience, as well as learn to adapt to a rural environment. Medical professionals are very welcome too and would find the work extremely fulfilling.

Volunteers need to be hard working,motivated and able to show initiative. Good health and physical fitness are also required. Volunteers also need to be confident with speaking English and knowledge of French is a benefit, though not essential.

Volunteer Types

What`s Included

-All project operating costs, equipment, tools and resources
-Pick up & drop off from Fort Dauphin airport
-24/7 emergency support
-Orientation & Training
-Accommodation
-3 Meals a day
-Project Related Transport
-Project T-shirts
-Dedicated coordinators to assist you daily
-Project support and feedback sessions throughout your stay
-Assistance with optional activities and tours
-Assistance obtaining a local SIM Card for your phone
-Additional cultural and outdoor activities on Friday afternoons (and some evenings)
-Post-project involvement, and an exclusive return volunteer discount