HIV/AIDS Program

  Ghana

Kumasi

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks

Description: AIDS is the leading killer in Africa - with over 2.4 million deaths in 2002 alone. Despite major investments in AIDS prevention, the rate of HIV infection in many African countries is still rising. The HIV/AIDS epidemic has exacerbated poverty and malnutrition. Families hit by AIDS see their food production cut in half. UNAIDS and WHO estimate that 7 out of 10 people newly infected with HIV live in sub-Saharan Africa. Nine out of ten children under 15 have the virus. Of all AIDS-related deaths since the epidemic started, 83% have come from Africa. Ghana, like it's neighboring countries, has not been able to escape the AIDS pandemic. Furthermore, the impact of AIDS is deepening and getting worse; the need for action now to prevent its further spread is urgent.

HIV/AIDS projects in Ghana aim to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS and to provide support to those affected by the disease. Therefore, volunteers in the HIV/AIDS Ghana project mostly take care of HIV/AIDS infected kids and people, but they also engage in educational and training activities meant to increase awareness and stop the epidemic of HIV/AIDS in Ghana. Organizations who work on the HIV/AIDS problem have established different community outreach programs such as hospice care, recreational and educational programs, voluntary HIV counseling and testing, and educational seminars and conferences on the virus within the local community. Volunteer help could be used in all of these activities.

Cost in US$: 999

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A typical Global Crossroad volunteer would be one that enjoy travelling abroad, intensive cultural immersion, and has strong convictions for helping others on the international level.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Ghana Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 5

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Global Crossroad's Mission Statement: Global Crossroad offers many remarkable and challenging volunteer, internship, mini-adventure, and cultural immersion opportunities to interested international volunteers in marvelous countries such as India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, Mongolia, Ghana, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Kenya. Our unique programs are creative and exciting, as they engage volunteers in breathtaking journeys. Here, a volunteer can become involved in service projects while they explore remote villages. A volunteer can also learn a wonderful new heritage as the Global Crossroad provides language training courses and cultural tours.

Year Founded: 2002