Medical/Health-Related Programs in Tanzania

  Tanzania

Rural Areas

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: Throughout the year

Description: Malaria, typhoid, pneumonia and tetanus are treatable diseases yet many, especially children, still die in Tanzania as a result of not receiving timely medical care. The local organization runs a mobile medical clinic called port-a-doc which provides services to villages in bush areas who have no access to medical care. Pregnant women in remote villages also require prenatal medical attention. Walking over 20 miles to the nearest medical facility is not uncommon for needed services. With the Port-a-Doc in place a doctor/nurse is able able to provide vital treatments, prenatal care and necessary vitamins to expectant mothers and children. The children are also given immunizations.

Medical Volunteers have the opportunity to work in the areas of general medical practice, maternal health, minor surgery and laboratory work. This role is suitable for self-directed, caring people who are either students in medical fields like nursing, medicine or medically qualified.

Highlights:
- Affordable, enriching and fun programs.
- Safe and inviting communities.

The program is located in Singida. Singida is located in central Tanzania. It a small colorful town, with warm friendly people. The town has a certain charm. The bustle in the market and surrounding small business streets, gives the place a lively feel. It also has a few local restaurants and bars.

Singida is a small town, and is therefore relatively safe. Standard precautions should be taken against petty theft, but incidents are few and far between. As like many western small towns, you will quickly get to know your favorite newspaper or fruit vendor by name, and enjoy all the benefits of a closely knit community.

The area surrounding Singida has two lakes, lake Singida and Lake Kindai, which attracts pelicans, Flamingoes and wild birds. Huge granite boulders also dot the region. The locals also take their goats and cows to drink water at the lakes. Singida is classed as semi-arid with no extremes of temperature. It is dry most of the time with total annual rainfall of 660mm, falling in two periods of the year. At night and in the early morning it can be quite cool.

Qualifications:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have no major health problems
- Have no criminal record
- Self motivation, patience, open minded and respect of local culture and traditions.

Cost in US$: USD 600 for 2 weeks

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Volunteers are given the chance to pursue their own interests, especially on weekends.

Age Range: Be 18 years old or older

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families and Individuals

Participants Travel to Tanzania Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Come Kuona's Mission Statement: Supporting the work of grassroots development organizations engaged in finding sustainable solutions to poverty, illiteracy, diseases and promoting a learning exchange between volunteers/interns and the communities they serve. We believe a better world is possible!

Year Founded: 2002