Description

Kenya is a land of intense beauty, epic landscapes, fascinating tribes and exuberant communities. Magnificent wildlife roam across vast Rift Valley plains, white sand beaches fringe the turquoise Indian Ocean and ancient tribal communities practice traditional customs little changed since the dawn of time. All these combine to provide a destination of unparalleled appeal and fascination.

* What Will I Be Doing?

This is a fantastic small rural hospital about 1.5 hours from Mombasa, the surroundings are beautiful and the local people are exceptionally friendly. Volunteers' activities will depend on their qualifications and experience but there is something for all health care devotees on this hands-on medical project.

You may find yourself working in one of many departments within this small hospital. These include the HIV clinic, which involves both in-hospital work and outreach clinics working with local communities, support groups, paediatrics, inpatients, outpatients clinic, laboratory, pharmacy and theatre. More experienced medical practitioners and students will be able to help with blood tests, malaria tests, vaccines and other activities, there is certainly a lot of scope for learning. Even pre-med volunteers can gain fantastic experience looking after patients, helping in the pharmacy and lab and observing various procedures. All volunteers can also take part in the inspiring community outreach programme and support groups.

Volunteers taking part on this project are able to make a huge difference to the morale of both staff and patients working in this rural community. By bringing their enthusiasm and energy, volunteers are able to motivate those around them while learning an incredible amount. One surgeon said "volunteers are a blessing and it lifts our spirits and enthusiasm to have them here working with us".

Volunteers are asked to remain flexible and use their initiative in order to get the most out of this placement. You may be dealing with anything from common complaints like headaches and toothaches to more serious ailments such as malaria and typhoid. You may be assisting the doctors in taking vital measurements such as blood pressure and temperature as well as dispensing medication and assisting with nursing duties. The most common complaints of patients are tropical diseases, however many patients have the secondary complication of HIV/AIDS which has a prevalence rate of up to 40% within the area. Part of your work will be to educate the local community and reduce the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS and to provide support to those afflicted.

Highlights

* Discover this land of intense beauty!
* Make lifelong friends.
* Gain valuable medical experience in a rural setting.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1,400

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Before you go:
* Pre-departure support & documentation
* Travel & medical advice & documentation
* Advice on visas and equipment
* Discounted medical kit
* Free Frontier T-shirt

In-country:
* 2 meals a day
* Accommodation
* Airport pick-up
* Project orientation and training
* In-country emergency support
* 24-hour international HQ back-up

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Guest House
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview

Frontier's Mission Statement

To conserve the world's most endangered wildlife and threatened habitats and to build sustainable livelihoods for marginalized and under resourced communities in the world's poorest countries. To create solutions that are apolitical, forward-thinking, community-driven, and innovative and which take into consideration the long-term needs of low income communities.

Year Founded

1989