Ghs namibia medical project project description 2015 - Roda Mundo Intercâmbio

Namibia Medical Project

Overview Location

Omaheke Region: Epukiro, eastern Namibia.

Duration

From 2 to 12 weeks.

Dates Requirements

All year round.

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Minimum age: 18.

You must have an upper intermediate level of English.

Special skills: You should have an ability to take the initiative as well as a compassionate heart and an interest in community work.

Your impact 3 hands: Elements of tourism are added to the volunteer experience. You will be making an important contribution.

4 hands: Your work will make a difference, but elements of tourism are added to the experience.

5 hands: The project is an NGO and depends on volunteers. Your work will make a real difference.

How to apply

Application form, CV/résumé, Visa application (All travellers to Namibia are required to have a valid passport and a working visa).

Day of arrival

Monday or Thursday.

Day of departure

Any day.

© Good Hope Studies 2014, 11 Mariendahl Ave., Newlands, 7700 Cape Town, South Africa, www.ghs.co.za

Highlights •

Working alongside the clinic’s doctor and nurse to learn about common diseases.

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Working closely with the San community and making a real difference to a marginalised community.

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Onsite assistance from the project.

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Excursions in Namibia: 3-day to 28-day tours are available at an extra cost. Tours may include visits to the amazing sand dunes in Sossussvlei, the coastal resort of Swakkopmund and the Etosha National Park.

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24-hour emergency assistance from Good Hope Studies.

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You’ll make new friends from all over the world.

Project information The clinic is dedicated to the health and welfare of the San Bushman community. The San are considered to be the oldest culture in the world and are traditionally hunter-gatherers. They have been forced from their original lands, which are increasingly being used for grazing cattle, leaving the San unable to carry on their traditional lifestyle. Bushman are treated as third-class citizens and live in extreme poverty. The project is committed to improving the lives of the San community through education, healthcare and improved living conditions. The project aims to give the next generation of this poverty-stricken community the education, healthcare and help they need to survive and to build a brighter, healthier future.

The medical team, with the support of San translators, treat around 3,500 patients every year.

Approximately 40% are children and 70% of these are under 5 years old. TB and HIV are prevalent in the community as is alcoholism. There are also a lot of patients with aches and pains, and everyday problems.

Common diseases amongst child patients include fungal infections, intestinal worms, diarrhea, dehydration, malnutrition and mouth infections (e.g. oral thrush). By themselves, these infections and illnesses may not be particularly severe. However, if left untreated, they will get much worse, leading to complications and in severe cases even death.

In addition to working at the Lifeline Clinic, the team also runs regular outreach clinics at local schools, resettlement villages and farms. There is also a Community Health Worker scheme, which focuses on teaching certain members of the community the basics of first aid and general health care in order for them to impart this to their communities.

Programme details You will spend your time at the remote Lifeline San Bushman clinic in rural east Namibia. Situated in a village of around 500 San and Herero people, the clinic is at the heart of the community. You will assist the doctor and nurse with the running of the clinic, and will help provide primary healthcare to the local community. You will give hands-on support at the clinic. You observe consultations, help run the reception

© Good Hope Studies 2014, 11 Mariendahl Ave., Newlands, 7700 Cape Town, South Africa, www.ghs.co.za

and help in the dispensary. Dealing with patients from the local San community, you learn about their way of life and give care to patients living in extreme poverty. All volunteers are welcome – from those with no medical experience to persons who have worked in the field for 40 years. The activities vary and will be tailored to each volunteer depending on prior experience.

There is a 12-night rotation: Medical volunteers depart for the clinic on a Sunday and come back on the 2nd Friday after this. If you book for longer, you will most likely still come back for the weekend and return to the clinic on Sunday.

The project aims to provide volunteers with a wonderful opportunity to experience the African wilderness, in the knowledge that you are helping to improve the lives of the people of Namibia.

Your role You work alongside the clinic’s doctor and nurse to learn about the common diseases affecting the local population and how to treat them. You work closely with patients from the local San community. Your training will be tailored to your skills, level, background and knowledge. Prospective medical students can expect to be trained in basic clinical skills, such as history-taking and patient examinations. Trained professionals are asked to conduct consultations with patients and to assist with outreach work. Trained professionals therefore have the opportunity to have a real impact on the people who are at most in need of help.

Your tasks depend on your experience and background.

Whatever your background/experience of, you will assist with the daily duties of the clinic, which may include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Primary healthcare: observations, reassurance of patients, treatment and emergency referrals.

Observations: pregnancy tests and urine tests for patients and recording findings.

Weighing babies and keeping growth charts.

Recording blood pressure.

Glucose testing and recording.

Wound testing and recording.

Help in the pharmacy: stock control, packing medicine and new orders.

Family planning.

Substance abuse counselling.

Keeping financial records and data capture.

Accompanying the nurse into the community to carry out procedures.

General maintenance work in the clinic.

Helping with projects around the clinic such as the vegetable garden.

Assist with the Community Health Worker Scheme.

Volunteers often have special skills that are invaluable to the clinic and we encourage you to use them and suggest new activities that you feel the project will benefit from.

© Good Hope Studies 2014, 11 Mariendahl Ave., Newlands, 7700 Cape Town, South Africa, www.ghs.co.za

It is important to note that this description serves as an example only. The daily tasks and challenges depend on the volunteer and the work that needs to be done. The final job description can therefore vary substantially from the above.

Getting to and from the project Your arrival and departure base will be the Namibia Wildlife Conservation project in Naankuse, approximately 45 minutes away from Windhoek. If you wish, you could also work with the animals there for a few days. (Please let us know when you make your booking if you would like to do this.) The Lifeline Clinic is located in Epukiro (eastern Namibia), about a 5-hour drive from the wildlife sanctuary. The project team will arrange all your transfers. You will usually be transferred to the Lifeline Clinic on a Sunday morning (every second Sunday - for the Medical Transfer Schudule please contact us), so if you arrive earlier than this you will spend some time at the Wildlife Sanctuary. Please be flexible as transfers can depend on patients and other volunteers.

You need to arrive at Windhoek International Airport in Namibia, where you will be collected by the volunteer staff. Transport is provided on your arrival on Mondays and Thursdays – an additional fee of N$500 will be charged if your arrival is on an off-transfer day. Departures may occur on any day.

On arrival you will receive a volunteer handbook including general information that will be useful during your stay in Namibia.

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Accommodation and local transport Accommodation You will stay in a modern bungalow house, shared with the resident doctor and nurse. Depending on the number of volunteers, you may have your own room or may share with one other person of the same gender. Only a maximum of 4 volunteers can be accommodated at any given time so there is a houseshare or family type environment. The house has a kitchen, bathroom and living room (with TV), and electricity and hot water are freely available.

Meals

You will receive three meals each day, which are prepared by everyone living at the house – volunteers and doctors. Please advise of any special dietary requirements on arrival at the project. A vegetarian option is always available.

Free time The evenings from approximately 17:00, as well as weekends, are yours to relax. Free time can be spent visiting the local San village, playing football with the local children or visiting nearby villages to learn more about the San community.

Namibia is a beautiful country with a stunningly diverse array of landscapes. You can make the most of your time in this amazing country by combining your project with a tour. Depending on your time and budget, you can choose from a range of trips from 3 days to two weeks or more.

You could visit the amazing sand dunes and desolate plains of Sossussvlei and the Namib Desert (3-day tour available), the Skeleton Coast and the coastal resort of Swakopmund, or the dense bush and open plains of the Etosha National Park, the third largest in Africa, for spectacular game viewing (3-day tour available).

Local Transport

Transport can be arranged by the project at an extra cost.

What to bring The Lifeline Clinic is based in a dusty and remote area of Namibia. You will be provided with scrubs to wear when helping at the clinic, but will need suitable footwear and casual old clothes for evenings and weekends. The project does not sell any toiletries, cosmetics, sunscreen or other items. It is advisable to bring enough of what you need for the duration of your stay.

Personal Admin • Passport, insurance certificates and personal documentation (Photocopies of all these documents should be left in your home country.)

• Spending money

© Good Hope Studies 2014, 11 Mariendahl Ave., Newlands, 7700 Cape Town, South Africa, www.ghs.co.za

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Proof of vaccinations (Please contact us to find out which vaccinations you need.)

Secure, waterproof bag for documents and money: sealable plastic bags will do.

General • Toiletries • Sleeping bag: useful for winter months, possible overnight sleep-outs in the field or if you plan to travel outside of the project • Silk or cotton liner: Ideal for hot nights or as an extra layer to your sleeping bag • Sunglasses (high UV protection) • Sun cream (high factor needed) • Torch and batteries (preferably a head torch) • Alarm clock/watch • Diary and writing pens • Camera/batteries/film or memory card • Water bottle - at least 75cl.

• Day pack/rucksack for everyday use • Mobile phone set for roaming • Personal stereo • Swimming towel • Sewing kit and pocket knife for general use (not in hand luggage!)

• Plug adaptor (3 large round pins) • Travel Guide, such as Lonely Planet or Rough Guide • The evenings can be quiet so bring books, cards, board games, etc.

Clothing • Sets of outdoor, loose-fitting cotton clothes with full arm and leg cover for cooler mornings/evenings • Sun hat/bandana • Boots or sturdy trainers for project work • Gardening gloves to protect your hands • Work clothes that you don’t mind getting worn and dirty • Casual clothes for day trips to Windhoek and for evenings at the guest lodge • Flip flops/sandals for the evenings/free time • Underwear for at least seven days • Pyjamas/nightwear • Lightweight fleece or jumper • Waterproof jacket • Warm clothes for winter and early mornings Medical Kit • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes • Personal First Aid Kit (including plasters and disinfectant) • Re-hydration salts and Imodium or similar product

© Good Hope Studies 2014, 11 Mariendahl Ave., Newlands, 7700 Cape Town, South Africa, www.ghs.co.za

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Personal medication e.g. prescription drugs/inhalers Contact lenses and solution if necessary Lip balm with sun protection Sanitary products if necessary Mosquito repellent (ensure it contains DEET or equivalent) Ear plugs – you may be sharing a room with 1 or 2 people and possibly animals!

Eye protection goggles for Medical Volunteers

While there is no specific uniform, volunteers are asked to wear sensible clothing, e.g. long shorts and closed shoes. Hot pants, string bikinis and flip-flops are not suitable for work.

Health and Safety You need to purchase appropriate international medical insurance before travelling to Namibia. Please make sure that you are covered for the whole duration of your trip, from the day you leave your country to the day you return. It will not be possible to take part in the project without appropriate medical insurance.

Bring medication just in case you suffer from any travel-related illnesses, e.g. stomach upsets, since your body needs to adjust to the change in food and water during your first few days in Namibia.

HIV/ AIDS is a major public health concern. You should be aware that you are working with people that could be infected.

Vaccinations are required to enter Namibia. Please contact your doctor to arrange these and carry the vaccination certificate with your passport.

What’s included / not included Included: • • • • • • •

Project placement.

Airport transfer on arrival and departure (Windhoek Airport) / Transfer to and from the Lifeline Clinic.

Accommodation (shared rooms, three meals a day on a self-catering basis).

Good Hope Studies welcome pack.

An orientation at the beginning of your volunteering.

Certificate on request.

Local support including a 24-hour emergency number.

Not included: • • •

Additional visa costs apply.

WiFi/Telephone calls.

All items of a personal nature.

© Good Hope Studies 2014, 11 Mariendahl Ave., Newlands, 7700 Cape Town, South Africa, www.ghs.co.za

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Drinks and Snacks.

Local transport.

Excursions.

Visa All foreign nationals must be in possession of a passport that is valid for at least six months after the date of entry. For this project you require a volunteer visa as per Namibian law. You need to apply for the visa before entering the country, allowing at least 2 months for the application process. We will assist you with this process – please send us the following documents, which we will pass, together with your visa payment, to the visa organisation in Namibia: • • •

Completed and signed visa application form (We will forward you the application form once you have been accepted by the project).

Certified copy of passport.

Certified copies of the following: qualification certificate, student card or confirmation of employment from employer, CV.

© Good Hope Studies 2014, 11 Mariendahl Ave., Newlands, 7700 Cape Town, South Africa, www.ghs.co.za