Health/Medical Volunteering/Internship
VPWA offer internship opportunity in local hospitals and clinics in Ghana. The work ranges from observing doctors to basic assistance, depending on your level of knowledge, experience and skill. Please note, without an appropriate licence, you are restricted on somethings you can do in a hospital or clinic.
Access to basic healthcare is one of the most challenging issues that low-income populations face. Community level intervention and health clinics offer services to local families at minimal or no cost. With the introduction of a medical insurance in Ghana, attendance at these healthcare facilities has rocketed making additional support from volunteers indispensable.
Working on health projects offers a wonderful opportunity for our interns and volunteers to become familiar with the health challenges facing developing countries.
Working conditions are likely be quite different from those you are accustomed to. Medical equipment is often basic and the quantity and variety of medicines can be very limited.
Volunteers can help the centres by recording patient attendance, patient history, temperatures, performing patient examinations, providing pre-natal care, assisting in deliveries and educating patients and community groups on how to help prevent the diseases that most affect them.
People applying to be a health volunteer must be professionals in this field or alternatively students currently studying courses related to medicine, nursing or public health.
If you planning to study medicine and want to gain some field experience, you can also apply for this position, although you must demonstrate strong commitment and competence.
Services provided by the local hospitals and clinics include the following;
General Health Consulting
Child Welfare Clinic
Surgical Care
Family Planning
Nutritional Care
Cervix Care
Community Psychiatric clinic
Anti-Natal and Post-Natal Care.
Dental Clinic
There are also eight satellite community clinics within our programme which offer general health care. Most volunteers are likely to work within these centres. On arrival in Ghana and after orientation by the Health Directorate,
volunteers are dispersed to work in the communities within which their peculiar interest lies and where their skills are most needed.
Volunteer requirements
At least age 18 (no maximum age limit)
Good English
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Strong commitment to values and principles of volunteerism
Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
Ability to adjust to difficult living and working conditions
Strong support and advocate for NGOs
Should be able to work independently as well as in teams when there is the need.
Ability to respect and abide by the rules of the placement activity.
100 Euro donation for the hospital facility to be surcharged on program fee.
What’s included in the project fees?
Registration Fee (Non Refundable if you choose not to go) – Application Review and processing, administration costs, Visa Support letter, 24/7 emergency support from VPWA, Program marketing costs, Pre-departure information, travel costs to inspect programs, VPWA Education & Health Fund and communication costs with volunteers.
Program Fee – Airport pick up, orientation, Supervision, accommodation and meals(dinner) during volunteer placement period, In-country
24/7 volunteer support and In-country administration costs.
What’s not included?
• Airfare to Ghana
• Visa Fees
• Vaccinations and immunizations (please speak to your local GP)
• Personal insurance(required)• Personal spending • In-country travel
Accommodation
Volunteers working on VPWA projects live in Greater Accra and Eastern Region. Please confirm your project location with our coordinator. Volunteers live in shared rooms with bunk beds. Couples are advised to inform us if they wish to share a room in advance. The rooms have comfortable beds with pillows and covers, so there is no need to bring sleeping bags. The volunteer apartment has a kitchen with fridge, as well as toilet and shower facilities.
The following services may also be offered based on availability
Basic TWI language orientation(Special Fees apply)
Mobile phone SIM card number on arrival, so that you can inform family and friend’s your number in Ghana
Certificate of Recognition given to hardworking volunteers, as well as the opportunity to serve as VPWA ambassador in your city, college or community. You need to write a volunteer report covering the period of placement to qualify for the certificate which has the endorsed logo of the United Nations Global Compact.
Health and Safety
Ghana is one of the safest countries in Africa. In the Global Peace Index it is ranked above both the United Kingdom and the US. It provides a perfect introduction for first time volunteers to Africa. It has a democratic electoral process and a stable economy. Our team will ensure your health and safety at all times and you'll have emergency support 24/7.
Flights
Volunteers must arrange their own flights to Accra Airport (ACC). Please be aware that you should communicate your arrival date and time to Volunteer Coordinator. The following airlines fly into Accra:
Alitalia (Lagos, Rome-Fiumicino)
British Airways (London-Heathrow)
Delta Air Lines (New York-JFK)
EgyptAir (Cairo)
Emirates (Abidjan, Dubai)
Ethiopian Airlines (Abidjan, Addis Ababa, Lagos, Lome)
Ghana International Airlines (London-Gatwick, Dusseldorf)
Kenya Airways (Nairobi, Freetown, Monrovia)
KLM (Amsterdam)
Lufthansa (Frankfurt, Lagos)
South African Airways (Johannesburg)
Visa
You must obtain a volunteer visa for travel to Ghana. Once you have secured your place on the project and made a deposit. We will then send you a letter confirming your placement which you can use for your visa application.
