Health Care Volunteer Programs in Africa

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Healthcare access in rural Zambia is a daily struggle, with many families living far from clinics and relying on home-based care for even the most basic needs. This program places you in the heart of Livingstone, a vibrant town near Victoria Falls, where you’ll directly support caregivers and local medical teams. Whether assisting with wound care in the community or helping clinics manage long patient queues, your efforts will bring vital relief to overburdened healthcare services. Designed for both aspiring medical students and passionate volunteers, the program offers a practical way to contribute to public health while gaining unique insight into Zambia’s healthcare challenges. Over a minimum of 10 days, you’ll help spread knowledge through health education workshops, assist in rural homes, and provide companionship to vulnerable groups. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while also learning from the resilience and spirit of Zambian communities.

Expand your horizons with a medical volunteer experience or internship abroad! Our programs are ideal for students of nursing, medicine, dentistry and public health. Our wide variety of programs allows for students in all years, with all levels of experience, to get the most out of the experience. In addition to helping those in need and lending a hand at understaffed hospitals and clinics, our volunteers and interns can receive academic credit for their time and work. We offer medical and health care placements in Costa Rica, Peru, Guatemala, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Bali, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia! Many of these programs offer specific placements for students in a specific specialty and may be tailored to fit academic requirements.

RECRUITING NOW! Our Volunteering in Hospitals in Ghana placement is based in a hospital or clinic in Cape Coast, and participants assist doctors and nurses as they care for low-income patients. This is a fully functioning hospital supporting the communities around Cape Coast and, like any hospital, there are injuries, ailments, and diseases presenting themselves every day. There is a range of departments such as medical, surgical, gynecology, surgical, and the children’s ward as well as public health and dentistry. Medical volunteers can contribute through observational work, triage tasks, taking vitals and anthropometric measurements, treating injuries, shadowing nurses and doctors, sitting in on surgeries, and cleaning and preparing instruments, taking blood, and educational activities. Tasks will depend largely on experience. Volunteers who are studying or have finished a course related to health, nursing, dentistry, or medicine are preferred participants for this project. Those who are considering a career in medicine are also welcome to join. A flexible attitude is a must as well as a willingness to learn and participate wherever needed.

The Real Uganda's volunteers assist our partners with a variety of empowering community-based activities. Volunteers split their time between these locally requested interventions: Public health and clinical work: Volunteers work in rural clinics providing testing, treatment, counseling services, and prevention education. Nutrition, vegetable gardening, and community sanitation programs are also ongoing. We aim to support rural public health in Uganda. Teaching and childcare: Volunteers work in rural classrooms, choosing what ages and topics to teach. Art and sport are the most popular. Traditional teaching in Uganda is rote learning and memorization. We aim to encourage teamwork, fun, creativity, literacy, and general knowledge in primary schools. Organic farming: Volunteers work alongside women and community members to maintain gardens. Depending on the season, volunteers prepare the soil, plant seeds, spread mulch, weed, harvest, and chase birds and other pests. Learn from Ugandan farmers, and share your ideas as well. We aim to teach efficient land use, organic pest control, and nutrition.

IMA offers an opportunity to enhance your medical and healthcare knowledge with International Medical Aid's Pre-Med and Health Fellowships. Crafted for pre-med undergraduates, medical students, and high school students, these fellowships offer a unique chance to engage deeply with global health care in East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. Shadow doctors in underserved communities, and immerse yourself in diverse healthcare systems through our extensive network of public and private hospitals. IMA, a nonprofit organization, is deeply invested in the communities we serve, focusing on sustainable health solutions and ethical care practices. You'll be involved in community medical clinics, public health education, and first responder training, addressing the root causes of disease and illness alongside local community leaders. Beyond clinical experience, explore the beauty of your host country through cultural excursions and adventure programs during your free time. Join IMA's fellowships developed at Johns Hopkins University and step into a role that transcends traditional healthcare learning, blending clinical excellence with meaningful community service.

Embrace an enriching internship opportunity specifically made for individuals with a true passion for media and marketing! This exciting role invites you to help expand the reach and impact of a notable NGO through innovative online methods, strategically leveraging social media platforms and the organization's website. Your journey with this internship will unfold within the dynamic landscape of a South African-based NGO committed to conquering human challenges. This organization, driven by a passion for positive change, undertakes projects spanning vital areas such as nutrition, skills development, and psychosocial support. By addressing immediate challenges and crafting sustainable solutions, they aim not only to alleviate the struggles faced by communities but also to nurture resilience and empower individuals for lasting transformation. As an intern of this impactful organization, you'll be entrusted with a range of tasks to help magnify its influence. Responsibilities will include crafting compelling content for social media and the website, managing their social media, and implementing strategic initiatives to improve the NGO's brand and enhance its online visibility.

As a volunteer with help2kids, you can choose from different educational projects in Tanzania! Make a difference in the lives of local children through various ways: * Teach small and big groups of students * Spend one-on-one time with a child * Assist teachers * Supervise children in the class and during break time * Help the cook with the preparation and distribution of porridge and lunch * Teach basic computer skills Connect with children through teaching, playing, and listening. Our dedicated team of local and international staff supports volunteers to help children excel in school and build a path to success. You will stay at our secure and welcoming Volunteer House on the scenic help2kids campus. Here, you’ll live alongside fellow participants and staff members, fostering community and collaboration. We offer dormitory-style accommodation with options for single and double rooms, daily breakfast and lunch, a fully equipped kitchen, a cozy living room, and a spacious outdoor area for socializing. We also provide visa administration assistance to ensure a smooth experience. If you need more information about our program, please feel free to contact us.

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

Looking for an international internship that will set you apart—and give you the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in your career? Connect-123 designs fully customized programs that match your background and goals, offering hands-on experience in some of the world’s most exciting cities: Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or experienced professional, our programs span dozens of fields including business, finance, medicine, public health, journalism, marketing, human rights, law, sustainability, education, and more. You’ll gain meaningful, career-related experience while also exploring life in a new culture. We take care of the details so you can focus on making the most of your time abroad. From the moment you apply, our team helps guide you through the process, secure your placement, and prepare you for your new adventure. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing internship begins on your schedule.

Ghana is full of vibrant culture, coastal charm, and welcoming communities—but like many developing nations, it still faces challenges in healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Volunteering here gives you the chance to be part of solutions that matter, while living in Accra, a city where tradition and modern life meet. This is an opportunity to share your time and skills in meaningful ways while growing personally and professionally. Programs are available year-round and can last anywhere from 1 to 12 weeks. Whether you're teaching in a local classroom, supporting medical staff in clinics, or building new community spaces, each day in Ghana brings purpose and perspective. With shared housing, daily meals, airport pickup, and full support included, World Endeavors makes volunteering in Ghana not only impactful—but also safe and accessible.

Volunteer on a program in a colorful township just outside Cape Town, educating child-minders, parents, and children on the importance of eating well and general hygiene practices to prevent the spread of germs. These fun and interactive workshops are set up in an informal environment, with topics like the identification of symptoms for general childhood diseases such as chickenpox, mumps, diarrhea, dehydration, colds, and flu. Approximately 75,000 children in South Africa die before the age of 5. This program aims to target as many people in local communities as possible in an attempt to increase the levels of knowledge about healthy eating and general hygiene practices.

Become a part of the community in Kabale, a town located in southwestern Uganda, and learn about their groundbreaking, integrated approach to addressing and improving maternal and child health. Due to insufficient government infrastructure and funding, nonprofit organizations have taken the lead in providing access to healthcare services, especially in remote regions. With CFHI’s local partner you will rotate through the main general clinic, as well as the newly built Maternal and Child Hospital where you will learn from physicians, nurses, medical officers, lab and ultrasound technicians. At the HIV/AIDS clinic, sit in on counseling sessions, shadow health workers who conduct testing and learn how to reduce rates of mother to child transmission. Accompany outreach local team in a rural village and explore how nutrition and HIV are closely linked. Other opportunities include rotating at a nutrition center that treats and prevents maternal and child malnutrition, visiting traditional birth attendants and healers, and joining a local radio program that provides public health education to the community.

Are you a Psychology, Mental Health, or Social Work student looking for hands-on experience that will enhance your studies and career prospects? This unique opportunity is ideal for university students, graduates, and master's students seeking field experience, research opportunities, and professional development in a global setting. Our volunteer programmes provide essential, practical experience while allowing you to make a real impact in developing communities on Ghana's south coast. Gain experience in the mental health units of general hospitals, work with children on their mentoring and wellbeing, head into the community to tackle stigma, and work under doctors and nurses in a psychiatric hospital — all while immersing yourself in Ghanaian culture!

Known as the "Versailles of Morocco," Meknes is home to a beautiful blend of the Arab, Berber, and French cultures that comprise modern Morocco. The city's diverse and distinct districts, such as bustling Ville Nouvelle, labyrinthine Medina, and relaxing plazas and green spaces, are the epitome of the traditional Moroccan lifestyle. We provide opportunities to serve in Meknes all year round through local NGOs, including women’s empowerment programs, at-risk youth homes, and therapy centers. Throughout your program, you will create a portfolio of assignments and activities, including individual reflective essays, logs of hours, weekly journals, and group discussions. Through service at a local organization and guided reflection activities, our goal is to help you gain a better understanding of the local language, culture, and community. Each placement is unique, so please visit our website to learn more about the specific placements and program options available. We especially recommend our Meknes program for those interested in education and youth development or women's empowerment field placements.

Volunteer with us at the Umoja Foundation Group and contribute your skills and energy to a cause that truly matters. We believe in the power of cultural exchange and collaboration, fostering an environment where volunteers can learn and grow alongside the local community. Our projects are driven by the needs and aspirations of the local people, and we seek dedicated volunteers who are open-minded, adaptable, and willing to learn. Whether you have experience in education, healthcare, community development, or simply a desire to help, we have a place for you. Volunteering with the Umoja Foundation Group will give you a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives while contributing to positive change. You'll work alongside our experienced team to support existing initiatives and learn from our community. If you're passionate about making a difference and are eager to broaden your horizons, we encourage you to join us and become an agent of positive change, locally and globally.

Mount Meru Regional Hospital, in the city center of Arusha, is a large public hospital where World Unite! arranges elective placements for medical students; internships for students of nursing, physiotherapy, and midwifery; and volunteer placements for healthcare professionals. The hospital has a total capacity of 450 beds and the departments of General Medicine, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, Dentistry, Radiology, Pathology, Mental Health, Anaesthesia, Physiotherapy, Laboratory, Intensive Care Unit, Care & Treatment Center (CTC) for HIV/AIDS patients, and pharmacy. It delivers around 30 childbirths per day and has three operating theaters: the major theater, the ophthalmic theater, and the obstetric theater. Students of medicine and nursing can take on an elective placement or internship at one department, or they can rotate through several departments. They work under a supervising physician or nurse.

Join the Kiara Street Children Foundation at Hope House in Mbarara, Uganda, an initiative dedicated to transforming the lives of street children and disadvantaged young girls. The foundation operates from Hope House, an orphanage that currently shelters over 30 children, some of whom come from vulnerable backgrounds. Volunteers play a crucial role in various outreach activities, providing essential services such as healthcare, education, and life skills training. In this capacity, volunteers will actively participate in the foundation's daily operations and developmental activities, which include locating street children, prioritizing their education, and providing necessary medical care. Tailored roles are available, ranging from medical professionals (doctors and nurses) to educators and counselors. Volunteers also have the opportunity to teach singing and dancing, thereby enriching the creativity of the children. This program provides an opportunity to contribute to a project that not only addresses immediate needs but also equips children with the skills necessary for a sustainable future.