The majority of Gweru's population does not have access to private healthcare facilities, so most community members are solely dependent on the poorly staffed local clinics.
The local clinic provides a range of services, including full maternity care, treatment for opportunistic Infections (HIV and TB), immunizations, outpatient consultations, and medication distribution at their pharmacy. This clinic caters to over 47,000 people each year, yet it is ill-equipped, poorly funded, and above all, severely understaffed.
As a volunteer, your greatest service will be the manpower that you offer for the local understaffed clinic and similar clinics in the nearby area. Away from the clinic, you'll have the opportunity participate in any health and nutrition education campaigns and any national immunization drives scheduled during your stay. You do not need to be qualified in any particular medical field to participate on this project.
Some of your tasks may include:
- Gaining basic medical experience in local clinics through observation and interaction with nurses, midwives, and doctors
- Playing a role in HIV/AIDS education and awareness
- Assisting with tasks such as baby weighing, medication packaging, etc.
- Conducting home visits or helping with night duty at the clinics
- Organzing nutrition/health education initiatives for local children
- Repairing and maintening the facilities
- Assisting with filing and archiving patient files
Zimbabwe - Medical Aid in Antelope Park
The opportunities for traveling outside the reserve are endless. For example, you can take a day trip to Granite Ridge or the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. For a longer stay experience, you can spend three nights on a houseboat on the stunning Lake Kariba. For an excursion before or after your volunteer placement, you should consider a five-day trip through Miombo to visit Victoria Falls to try out bungee jumping or white-water rafting.